[2026] A Collection of Masterpieces of Japanese Progressive/Prog Rock
Progressive rock, which saw a major surge in popularity in Europe and the United States in the 1970s, is a rock genre that pursues experimental and ambitious musicality in terms of song structure and performance technique.
In Japan as well, it has influenced many musicians since the ’70s and has developed in its own unique way.
In recent years, a new generation of bands has continued to emerge, creating fresh appeal through contemporary interpretations.
This article will guide you through the world of Japanese progressive rock—from classic masterpieces to the latest buzzworthy releases—for those who want to explore the allure of prog.
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[2026] A Collection of Masterpieces of Japanese Progressive/Progressive Rock (21–30)
Summer rainUehara Hiromi
There’s no doubt that she is the most famous female pianist abroad.
People overseas even say that when it comes to Japanese prog, it’s her.
She’s active in a wide range of settings—not only performing solo piano live, but also playing in a band format with drums and bass.
In this piece, Hiromi Uehara’s improvisation makes it instantly clear just how extraordinary her technique is.
El Ron Zacapabohemianvoodoo
This track leans heavily into fusion, with solo sections for each instrument that are guaranteed to get any music lover hyped.
Even though they’re an instrumental band, the melodies are easy to remember—that’s a big selling point.
And saying you know this band will definitely make people think you’ve got great taste.
[2026] A Collection of Masterpieces of Japanese Progressive/Progressive Rock (31–40)
Night, night of the assassinHadaka no Rarīzu
This is a Japanese prog band known overseas as Les Rallizes Dénudés.
The song’s title alone is striking, but its real appeal lies in the sense of madness you can feel in the guitar phrases—it’s astonishing how much can be expressed with just the guitar.
DrasticaLAGITAGIDA
This is an ultra-aggressive progressive band formed in 2010.
In this song, rapid-fire guitar and synthesizer lines interlock at a fast tempo, and it’s incredibly cool.
True to the term “ultra-aggressive,” their intense performance is also a major draw.
EclipseNeo-Zonk
The song starts at 1:56.
This keyboard duo, both still in their twenties, delivers an ultra high-level performance that rivals seasoned adults.
At live shows, they bring in drums and guitar as support and perform in a full band setup.
In this track, the way the two keyboards fill the spaces with the drums using intricate phrases is really cool.
R.o.NROVO
This song has a cosmic grandeur, and despite the intricate drumming, it doesn’t feel noisy—in fact, it’s pleasantly soothing.
Its appeal lies in the high-speed “human-powered trance” created by twin drums, and it’s a skilled band with the chops to perform at events like Fuji Rock Festival.
SparkThree Primary Colors
This song starts with a sultry piano, but when the other instruments—drums and guitar—come in, it instantly turns into a stylish track that makes you want to dance.
It’s a very cool piece.
Having a woman in the band also adds sparkle and makes them even more appealing.