Hidden gems and lesser-known songs by popular Japanese rock bands
Even bands you often see at music festivals tend to perform new songs or best-of-style crowd-pleasers—tracks everyone knows, ones tied to commercials or shows that you’ve probably heard somewhere.
Here, we’re highlighting the “hidden gems” by popular Japanese rock bands that are regulars at those festivals.
We’d be thrilled if you discover a track and think, “Oh, they sing this too?”—and end up diving even deeper into the band.
Whether you’re a fan of Japanese rock or not, give these songs a listen at least once!
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Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Songs (11–20) by Popular Japanese Rock Bands
Missing automationONE OK ROCK
The hidden gem by ONE OK ROCK, who have now grown into a global band: “Ketsuraku Automation.” Released in 2007, it’s included as the B-side to “The Beginning,” which was also used as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin.
Among fans, it’s a highly popular rock track with a serious vibe.
The lyrics resonate, giving you the strength to pick yourself up again when you feel a sense of loss.
Listen to it in sequence after “The Beginning” and enjoy the wide range that ONE OK ROCK offers!
The Night the World EndsACIDMAN
ACIDMAN is a rock band that has long led the alternative rock scene in Japanese music.
You often see them performing songs like “Akadai” at live shows and music festivals.
Among their tracks, a standout recommendation is “The Night the World Ends,” released in 2014.
It explores grand themes like the universe and life, giving it the appeal of an art piece.
The classical elements layered onto their simple, powerful band sound are also striking.
Even if you’ve seen them at a festival but don’t know many of their other songs, give this one a listen.
snow globeKANA-BOON
What you can’t do without at a music festival are those catchy, fast-paced numbers, right? Snow Globe, included on rock band KANA-BOON’s 2015 release TIME, is a fresh yet bittersweet track.
You can really savor their rhythmic ensemble.
The lyrics, which depict sentimental emotions, are moving as well.
Even those who’ve “only heard the hits…” will get hooked! It’s a rock number also recommended for fans of four-on-the-floor pop.
FUTURE10-FEET
10-FEET, the rock band that hosts the July tradition Kyoto Daisakusen.
Released in 2002, their song FUTURE—featured as the coupling track to RIVER, one of their signature songs—is another true gem.
It’s a simple, straightforward melodic hardcore number with a brisk, exhilarating melody.
The lyrics, which single-mindedly affirm oneself while grappling with anxiety about the future, are deeply moving.
It’s a straight-up anthem that stands by your side more than anything when you’re feeling uncertain!
Under Age’s SongDragon Ash
At festivals, Dragon Ash is known for the moment before performing their signature song “FANTASISTA,” when they ask, “Do you like mixture rock?” Their festival setlists are often put together to hit hard in rapid succession, but here I’d like to introduce the laid-back “Under Age’s Song.” Released in 1998 as their third single, it’s a simple yet warmly compassionate, peaceful track.
At live shows, you can hear a punk-arranged version.
AkatsukiMAN WITH A MISSION
MAN WITH A MISSION are in hot demand at rock festivals.
The songs you’ll hear most often at fests are FLY AGAIN, which creates a powerful sense of unity and gets the crowd hyped, and Emotions, which builds an emotional, grand world.
But the gentle ballad Akatsuki is also a strong recommendation.
It was included as the B-side to Emotions, released in 2013.
This richly expressive track reflects both the beauty and the wistfulness of spring.
Savor its softly enveloping sound.
Hidden gems and lesser-known songs by popular Japanese rock bands (21–30)
End the worldHarukamirai
It’s a striking love song that poignantly portrays parting from a loved one.
While holding tender feelings, it powerfully conveys the pain of not being able to be together through the energetic sound of punk rock.
Intertwining single-minded devotion with intense emotion, this piece reaches deep into the listener’s heart, singing of a love so strong that one could wish for “the world to end” if it meant being with the other person.
Released as a single in October 2018 by the indie label THE NINTH APOLLO, it was included the following year on the album Eternal Flower.
The song was also added to the setlist for the Heaven and Hell Tour, which began in February 2019, and was performed with heartfelt passion alongside its grand melody.
It’s a wonderful track from Harukamirai for those who have experienced heartbreak or separation, or for anyone who finds it hard to clearly express their feelings to someone important.