Classic Japanese punk songs. Recommended popular tracks.

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Speaking of punk rock, it’s a music genre that rose to popularity in the 1970s, born as an antithesis to the musical styles of the time.

From those origins, it has continued to be loved in Japan as well, intertwining with various genres along the way.

From the original punk that emerged in Europe and the U.S.

to hardcore punk, melodic core punk, and styles fused with ska and reggae—there’s a wide variety of music that falls under the punk umbrella!

In this article, we’ll introduce many Japanese songs that trace their roots back to punk rock.

Enjoy the simple, straightforward coolness.

Classic Japanese punk songs. Recommended popular tracks (71–80)

It will surely get better.Shinsei Kamattechan

Shinsei Kamattechan “It’ll Surely Get Better” Music Video Full Ver.

It will surely get better.Shinsei Kamattechan

This is a song that powerfully sings about the hope deep within the heart.

It’s a track by Shinsei Kamattechan, released in July 2016.

Noko’s vocals, together with the emotional lyrics, shake the listener to the core.

Its charm lies in expressing the feelings we experience in everyday life with down-to-earth words.

With its positive message, it might lift you up when you’re feeling down or need encouragement.

This work is striking for its uniquely Shinsei Kamattechan worldview and catchy melody.

It’s sure to resonate with your heart.

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PivotSHAKARABBITS

[SHAKALABBITS] “Pivot” Full Ver. [Music Video]

PivotSHAKARABBITS

SHAKALABBITS is a rock band led by UKI, who enjoyed charismatic popularity as a female vocalist.

Their songs—fashion included—captivated female band fans of the era.

With a cute vocal and a powerful instrumental lineup in perfect balance, their sound is catchy and punkish: a cute yet cool, high-energy punk band.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Toward tomorrowHUNGRY DAYS

Ashita Ni Mukatte

Toward tomorrowHUNGRY DAYS

HUNGRY DAYS’ “Ashita ni Mukatte” is a hidden gem of refreshingly crisp punk music.

It’s incredibly breezy, with a uniquely light, buoyant appeal.

The vocalist’s bright, clear tone meshes perfectly with the powerful backing track, captivating listeners.

Lyrically, the timeless theme of hope for the future is carried by a driving melody.

You could say it’s a song with a vitality that still resonates today.

It’s especially recommended for those who want to experience punk’s straightforward allure.

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while chewing gumTHE BLUE HEARTS

"While Chewing Gum" High-Quality Audio THE BLUE HEARTS Masterpiece

while chewing gumTHE BLUE HEARTS

While feeling on the verge of being crushed by loneliness, one makes a desperate attempt to rebel against the world.

This is a punk number by THE BLUE HEARTS that sings of the heart of such clumsy, audacious youth.

Written and composed by Masatoshi Mashima, its fierce resolve to stay true to oneself without kowtowing to anyone shakes the listener’s soul to its core.

The track was included on the album “YOUNG AND PRETTY,” released in November 1987.

Though it had no tie-in, its straight-from-the-gut cry embodies the band’s early impulse itself! When you’re fed up with society’s absurdities, listening to it will clear the knot in your chest.

This song may well give you a powerful push to keep being yourself tomorrow.

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PrideNovel Core

Novel Core / Pride -Music Video-

PrideNovel Core

It’s an ambitious work from Novel Core that hits hard with a rock sound.

Released in April 2025, it portrays the resolve to stay true to oneself from multiple angles—childhood convictions, the choices made while growing up, and more.

The passionate soundscape really shakes your soul.

The music video is an emotional piece that overlays handwritten lyrics onto memorable photos submitted by fans.

It gives a powerful push to anyone trying to follow the path they believe in.

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In conclusion

We introduced lots of songs by punk bands active here in Japan. From original, old-school punk like when punk rock first emerged, to hardcore, melodic hardcore, ska-core, reggae punk—punk really spans a wide range and is loved in so many forms! What they all share, though, is that simple, straight-up coolness. If any band in this article caught your eye, be sure to check out their other tracks too!