[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!
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[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (71–80)
SupermanSee You Smile
See You Smile is a rock band based in Tokyo.
Formed in 2016 around guitarist Ayato, they’ve been active under the banner of “TOKYO POP PUNK.” They debuted in 2017 with the single “Stay Right Where You Are,” and released their first nationwide EP, “WILD,” in 2019.
In 2020, they hosted their first festival, “YOU VS FEST 2020,” at Yokohama’s 1000CLUB, earning attention for their contributions to the scene.
Highly recommended for fans of fast, high-energy pop punk.
movementSpecialThanks
They are a pop-punk band formed in Aichi Prefecture in 2005.
Armed with a fast-paced, melodic sound, they’ve been actively performing and releasing music.
In 2008, they released the mini-album “SEVEN COLORS.” In 2014, they drew attention by performing the opening theme for the anime “Wolf Girl & Black Prince.” Their catchy musical style is a major draw.
If you’re looking for a female-vocal melodic hardcore band, be sure to check them out!
I Wanna Keep My Head UpTHUMB
A high-energy melodic hardcore band with a driving sound! Formed in 1997, the three-piece band THUMB was launched by former members of SHERBET at its core.
They released numerous dynamic tracks, including the albums “PEACE OF MIND” and “Let’s Grow Up Together.” In 2000, they proved their popularity by selling out tickets instantly for the “Nine Samurai” tour.
Although they disbanded in 2002, they reunited in 2014.
Their guitar sound—deftly weaving together power chords and harmonics—is absolutely irresistible.
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (81–90)
wind blowingkoe
The four-piece band koe captivates with emotionally charged music rooted in rock and melodic hardcore.
The members are Eiji, Isana, and Donpisha and Pechanko, who are also active as part of the game commentary group “Sanninsho.” Their music balances originality and sincerity, winning the hearts of many.
Both their songs and music videos are fantastic—check out Fuubuki, released in 2021!
naut.maegashira
Maegashira is a six-piece band from Hiroshima with a cool, dynamic sound woven by twin vocals and twin guitars.
Formed in 1999, their hallmark is a mixed style rooted in melodic punk while incorporating ska, reggae, and hip-hop.
In 2003, their album “FLOWER” reached No.
25 on the Oricon Indies chart, and they sold out 2,000 demo CDs by hand in their hometown.
Their freewheeling musicality and energetic live performances are their biggest draw.
Goodbye, tearsJi Enputi
The Empty, a band from Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Formed in 2019 by junior high school classmates, they’ve been winning over young listeners with down-to-earth lyrics and an energetic sound.
They kicked into full gear in 2021 with their first demo, “The Empty – 1st demo,” delivering exhilarating melodic punk rock on tracks like “Take Me Out” and “Seishun.” In 2024, they were selected for KBC Radio’s Power Play.
Recommended for anyone who wants to relive their youthful memories or get fired up with friends.
Intersection171
171 is a rock band that has been delivering soul-stirring performances mainly at live houses in the Kansai region, steadily expanding the scope of their activities from there.
They formed in January 2019 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.
The trio consists of Harunobu Tamura on guitar and vocals, Kana on bass and vocals, and Morimori on drums.
Their 2023 album, “My Second Car,” earned high praise for its energetic performance and sentimental melodies.
Their musicality has also been lauded by Fukase of SEKAI NO OWARI.
Their music, which blends intensity with melodious elements, hints at new possibilities for alternative rock.