[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 (81–90)
KichijojiANORAK!
ANORAK! is a band formed in Tokyo in 2019.
Their appeal lies in a sound that fuses elements of the emo revival and melodic punk.
Their prowess has earned high praise from Masafumi Goto of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.
Since their first EP in 2020, they’ve steadily released new music, and in 2024 they put out their second album, “Self-actualization and the ignorance and hesitation towards it.” Their unconventional sound features delicate twin-guitar arpeggios and bold tempo shifts.
Highly recommended for those who want to be moved by an emotional resonance.
Give flowersBlume popo
Introducing the appeal of Blume popo, a five-piece alternative rock band from Shiga Prefecture.
All members have been friends since childhood, and the band officially kicked off in 2015.
Their hallmark is a sound that weaves together Miko Nomura’s fragile, translucent vocals with the band’s meticulously crafted ensemble, fusing elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and electronica.
In 2017, they won “RO JACK” at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL and went on to perform at the festival.
Give them a listen and you might find your senses awakened in a whole new way.
Rough LoveDNA STATION
DNA GAINZ is a four-piece alternative rock band from Shimane Prefecture.
Since forming in March 2022, they’ve delivered a rugged sound paired with emotionally rich vocals.
The lineup features Nagatana Wayasan on vocals and guitar, Tatsuya on guitar, Hada Ibuki on bass, and Hiromu on drums.
In 2023, they produced the mini-album “We’re Good Kids Who’ve Spent Our Belief to the Limit Just to Live.” In November 2024, they released a five-track EP and embarked on a tour across seven cities nationwide.
Their songs, themed around anxiety, inner conflict, and hope, carry powerful messages that resonate deeply.
If you’re searching for meaning in life, give their music a listen.
PetalishSorry No Camisole
Sorry No Camisole is an alternative band that unleashes destructive energy and raw sonics.
Formed in Tokyo in 2023, this five-piece draws from ’90s indie roots such as grunge and garage punk.
They debuted in 2024 with their first single, “Disgust / Petalish.” Blending punk’s explosive power with post-punk cool, their music is perfect for listeners seeking sounds unbound by convention.
minamisenjudownt
downt is a three-piece rock band known for powerful performances and emotionally charged melodies.
Formed in Tokyo in the spring of 2021, they craft a sound that blends elements of emo, post-rock, and alternative rock.
They made their debut in October 2021 with their self-titled album “downt,” attracting attention in the indie rock scene.
In June 2022, they released a six-track EP, “SAKANA e.p.” That same year, they performed in the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL’s ROOKIE A GO-GO slot, earning high praise for their live show.
They’re the perfect band for listeners seeking raw, intense performances and a lyrically resonant, emotive soundscape.
Overdriveosage
Osage, a four-piece rock band from Shimokitazawa, has been gaining attention for a sound that blends nostalgia with freshness.
Their music is rich with appeal, driven by Kenta Yamaguchi’s distinctive vocals and the members’ outstanding musicianship.
After winning the grand prize at the murffin discs audition in 2018, they made their major-label debut in 2024 on gr8! records.
Their strength lies in a sonic palette that incorporates diverse genres such as mixture rock and hip-hop.
They’re a must-listen for anyone exploring the possibilities of music.
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (91–100)
Soldiers of Februarythe cabs
the cabs is a band that built a unique world with complex rhythmic structures and literary lyrics.
They made their indie debut in 2011 on Zankyo Record with the mini-album “Ichiban Hajime no Dekigoto.” A highly skilled group, they balance songs that make full use of irregular time signatures, drumming likened to a bomber, and a translucent singing voice.
In February 2013, they were forced to disband due to the disappearance of their guitarist, but the members continued with their respective projects and achieved a long-awaited reunion in 2025.
Experimental yet emotionally expressive, their music resonates across generations.