[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 (31–40)
CyclingPRISM
An indispensable band when talking about Japanese fusion, Prism released this classic on their self-titled debut album in 1977.
Even before their debut, Prism had already built a strong reputation—opening for none other than Eric Clapton at the Nippon Budokan—and on this masterpiece they fully demonstrated their prowess.
Among the tracks on the album, this song is especially popular and is almost always selected for best-of compilations.
Centered on crisp, lively guitar comping, it unfolds like a textbook example of fast-paced, melodic fusion, while also weaving in the dynamism of hard rock, the innovation of progressive rock, and touches of Latin and funk.
The exhilarating back-and-forth from these brilliant young Japanese players of the time is so compelling it’ll knock you out just listening to it.
The Last Suppermouse on the keys
It’s a song whose appeal lies in how the intricate piano riffs and detailed drum phrases lock together so well that, despite both parts being busy, it never sounds noisy.
In the music video, there’s a stylish, surreal touch with skeletons performing, which looks really cool.
fate -destine-ADA
It’s a piece that makes you marvel at how incredibly cool and grand a performance can be with just three instruments—bass, drums, and piano.
The intricate piano phrases and the drumming match beautifully, and the deep tone of the bass that occasionally comes to the fore is very pleasing.
CORINTOPARA
It starts with a cute synthesizer riff, then suddenly shifts into odd time signatures, making it a song very much in the progressive rock vein.
While prog bands often have fast tempos or dark, cool-sounding tracks, this one has many cute elements, so it’s a piece that women can enjoy as well.
Blue MistPRIMITIVE ART ORCHESTRA
They’re a trio of bass, drums, and piano, but what I especially want to recommend is how brilliantly pianist Iori Kimura’s sense shines.
Even those who aren’t very knowledgeable about music will be amazed and think, “Wow, that’s incredible!”—the technique is that impressive, and this song in particular really makes it stand out.
[2026] A Collection of Masterpieces of Japanese Progressive/Progressive Rock (41–50)
Severed DahliaSutoroberī Songu Ōkesutora
With a punk-leaning prog band, their look makes a huge impact.
They fuse a band with a theater troupe in their performances, and seeing them live is truly enjoyable.
This track, despite its hard-hitting playing, features beautiful female vocal harmonies and horror-tinged piano lines, letting you enjoy a variety of sounds—it’s really cool.
make my dayCube-Ray
This song features ultra-fast irregular time signatures, but the moment the vocals come in, it suddenly turns into a catchy tune—that’s its charm.
It’s a band made up of top-tier musicians ISAO, IKUO, and Koji Hasegawa, and despite the odd meters, their music is remarkably easy to groove to.