![[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/z-DvnM298yw/sddefault.jpg)
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands
In Japan, large-scale rock festivals keep increasing, and the popularity of rock bands is really on the rise! On subscription services like Spotify and Apple Music, band tracks frequently appear in playlists and rankings, so I’m sure many of you listen to them regularly.
As opportunities to encounter rock bands grow like this, I bet more and more people are getting interested in the domestic rock scene.
That said, there are so many rock bands out there that you might be thinking, “I don’t even know where to start listening…” That’s why in this article, I’ll introduce rock bands you should definitely check out, in recommended order! Start by listening to the bands introduced at the beginning of this article!
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (1–10)
Lost ManBUMP OF CHICKEN
When talking about the Japanese rock scene, isn’t BUMP OF CHICKEN an act you simply can’t ignore? At this point it’s no exaggeration to call them a veteran band, yet the four members are said to have been childhood friends since kindergarten.
They’ve released countless classics like their signature song “Tentai Kansoku,” and their tracks are staples for karaoke and cover bands alike!
far awayASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
The band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, commonly known as Ajikan, began gaining popularity in the early 2000s and, after tie-ins with films and anime, has now secured a solid place in the scene.
The vocalist, Masafumi Gotoh, is also active on social media, and the bands he introduces on Twitter often go viral.
They’re a band that reads the times and weaves that sensibility into their music.
Just kidding.RADWIMPS
RADWIMPS, the rock band that became known to an even wider audience after handling the theme songs for Makoto Shinkai’s films Your Name and Weathering With You.
It might surprise those who discovered them through these movies, but they actually have an incredibly broad range of songs, including plenty that sound quintessentially like a rock band.
While their catalog spans many different approaches, what they all share are the beauty of their lyrical worldview, their human warmth, and a purity of heart.
The lyrics—only Yojiro Noda could write them—truly permeate the soul, and you’re sure to find a song that becomes special to you.
They’re a band I hope you’ll listen to while reading the lyrics.
VENGEANCEcoldrain
Formed in Nagoya, coldrain is a five-piece rock band known for their blend of melodic clean vocals and aggressive screams, paired with loud, hard-hitting songs.
They debuted in 2008 with the maxi single “Fiction” and have been active ever since.
Their second mini-album, “Through Clarity,” featured world-renowned producer David Bendeth and drew significant attention.
In 2014, they made a full-fledged push overseas and have been performing live internationally with great energy.
Their aggressive yet catchy sound, combined with intense live performances, continues to captivate a wide audience of fans.
helm’N bass10-FEET
Known as a mixture rock band, 10-FEET is a three-piece rock band based in Kyoto.
Since forming in 1997, the trio—TAKUMA, NAOKI, and KOUICHI—has been going strong.
Their music builds on sounds influenced by punk and metal while incorporating elements of hip-hop and reggae, establishing a unique style that features Japanese lyrics.
Since their major-label debut in 2004, songs like “RIVER” and “Sono Mukou e” have become hits, captivating many fans.
Their annual self-hosted festival, Kyoto Daisakusen, is also a huge success, reflecting the band’s popularity.
They’re a band known for powerful live performances and lyrics that resonate with the heart.
Small RevolutionSUPER BEAVER
Despite a career with its ups and downs, the four-piece rock band SUPER BEAVER has spectacularly broken through in the past few years.
Of course, vocalist Ryota Shibuya’s exceptional expressiveness and vocal ability are key, but it’s also their songs and live performances—delivering passionate messages to each individual listener—that have earned them the support of many fans.
In addition, they’ve produced numerous tie-in tracks for anime and films, giving them high name recognition even among listeners who don’t usually listen to rock.
Killer Intent vs Killer Intent (Accomplice: Toma Ikuta)Makishimamu Za Horumon
When talking about the domestic rock scene, they’re absolutely indispensable, aren’t they? Among fans of Japanese rock, they’re one of those bands so popular it’s hard to imagine anyone who hasn’t heard their songs—let alone dislikes them.
Their playing style often leans into very heavy metal and loud rock approaches, yet they brilliantly blend in punk-like exhilaration and a pop-level catchiness.
They’re the kind of band you can sing along to, dance, and headbang with—if you listen to Japanese rock, you simply can’t skip their songs!