[2026] A Collection of Masterpieces of Japanese Progressive/Prog Rock

Rabbit TearsKumorigahara

Kumorigahara / Rabbit’s Tears (Official Music Video)

It’s an absolutely stunning track where complex, labyrinthine odd-time riffs intersect with heart-wrenching Japanese vocals.

As people often describe Kumorigahara’s sound as “King Crimson meets Doji Morita,” it brilliantly fuses intellectual structural beauty with raw lyricism.

The intense impatience and inner turmoil borne by a fragile soul are rendered dramatically over a growling organ and a weeping Mellotron.

The song was included on the maxi single Dokugen Dokushō released in February 2016, and reached a wider audience with the December 2021 album KUMORIGAHARA.

In concert, it can stretch past eleven minutes and even feature a guitar-and-keyboard solo battle.

How about giving it a listen on a night when you want to immerse yourself in deeply narrative rock?

NivraymKōenji Hyakkei

Nivraym

Koenjihyakkei, led by drummer and composer Tatsuya Yoshida.

The title track of their album Nivraym, released in Japan in 2001, would later earn high acclaim overseas as well.

Grounded in the French-derived musical aesthetic known as Zeuhl, their sound fuses jazz sophistication with hardcore urgency—truly overwhelming in the best sense.

The labyrinthine song structures, rife with irregular time signatures, and the majestic, operatic choral exchanges create a sensation of being drawn into another dimension.

Sung in a fictional language, the piece transcends literal meaning to evoke ancient rituals and grand narratives, stirring the listener’s imagination.

Put it on when you want to surrender yourself to a torrential flood of sound brimming with overwhelming detail.

Aggressive national musichachijuu hakkasho junrei

88-Temple Pilgrimage: Aggressive National Music

This song begins with a suspicious, eerie vibe, and true to its title it’s aggressive and fast-paced, suddenly slipping into odd time signatures.

The MV is distinctive too, making it a wonderfully mysterious and quirky track in the best sense.

Also, vocalist Margaret’s voice is so unique that once you hear it, you’ll never forget it.

Forest of FairiesAIN SOPH

A Story of Mysterious Forest/ Ain Soph

AIN SOPH captivates with a fantastical, lyrical sound that vividly conjures scenes before your eyes.

This piece, which lends its title to their debut album A Story Of Mysterious Forest released in June 1980, is a quintessential track that paints an epic tale using sound alone.

The ensemble of guitar and keyboards, influenced by Canterbury rock, is crafted with the precision of fine art, drawing listeners into a mysterious world.

Anecdotes say the track emerged from the intense pressure surrounding the recording sessions that began in January 1980—an origin that seems to testify to its near-miraculous perfection.

The band went on to release acclaimed works such as Hat and Field, continually pursuing their unique musical identity.

Precisely because it has no lyrics, this is the perfect number for those moments when you want to expand your imagination and immerse yourself in the landscape of sound.

MeridianGERARD

Meridian/Gerard

Centered around keyboardist Toshiro Egawa, GERARD is a progressive rock band known for its advanced technique and compositional prowess.

This track, included on their debut album “Gerard,” released in March 1984, captivates listeners with its majestic symphonic sound.

The structure shifts from the resonance of tubular bells into a torrent of odd-meter developments, creating a powerful impact.

The piece was re-recorded for the 1998 album “Meridian,” where the lyrical melodies of the Mellotron and the beautiful vocals weave a dazzling sonic world that transcends time.

For fans of technical and dramatic compositions, this is an irresistibly compelling progressive rock number.

Moonlight into the interiorKenso

Moonlight into the interior

Kenso forges its own path with a sound that fuses virtuosic ensemble playing and distinctly Japanese lyricism.

The classic track from their December 1982 release, KENSO II, paints a deeply introspective world—like moonlight quietly illuminating the inner reaches of the heart.

Lyrics penned by Yoshio Shimizu himself can be read as a philosophical message that invites dialogue with the self.

Meticulously structured melodies and developments cast a dramatic light on that journey of reflection.

Transcending eras, the anecdote that an American rapper was eager to sample the piece attests to its universal appeal.

It’s a song best heard on a pensive, quiet night—perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in a world of sound.

The Burning MissionSpark7

Spark7 「The Burning Mission」Drum Cam at Hatsudai Doors

This is a progressive band led by guitarist ISAO, who plays an 8-string guitar.

Not only the guitar, but the drums, keyboards, and bass are all highly challenging, and the members who pull off performing them make for an incredibly cool track.