[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands

Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi

Quruli – Amber-Colored Town, Morning of the Shanghai Crab

Kururi is known for its diverse musicality as a band representing Kyoto’s alternative music scene.

Formed in 1996 within Ritsumeikan University’s music club, they made their major-label debut in 1998.

While rooted in rock, their appeal lies in a unique sound that blends genres such as classical, jazz, folk, and electronica.

Since 2007, they have hosted the “Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai” (Kyoto Music Expo) in Umekoji Park, Kyoto, contributing to the promotion of the local music culture.

In recognition of these achievements, they received the Kyoto City Award for Distinguished Service in Arts and Culture in 2021.

Pursuing an R&B-like groove and mellow sound while incorporating elements of Black music, their one-of-a-kind style is perfect for music fans seeking fresh expressions that transcend genre boundaries.

loopnegoto

Negoto – Loop [Official Music Video]

A four-piece girls’ band from Chiba that began their career as a high school band.

Negoto has captivated a wide audience with a unique sound that fuses indie rock and synth-pop.

Since their major-label debut in September 2010, they’ve performed at numerous large-scale festivals and established a reputation as a skilled, high-caliber band.

They also put great care into their music videos and artwork, projecting a striking visual identity.

In 2008, they received the Jury’s Special Prize at Senkou Riot 2008.

They were active across various scenes, including providing a song for an au commercial.

Skillfully incorporating elements of electronica and dance music, they built a distinctive world with clear, airy vocals and poetic lyrics.

Highly recommended for music fans seeking a compelling blend of technopop and rock.

gorillaJin-Machine

Jin-Machine “Gorilla” MV full ver.

Jin-Machine is a one-of-a-kind visual kei band that blends humor with musicality.

While rooted in metal, they deliver a hybrid rock sound that skillfully incorporates everything from pop to enka.

Since launching full-scale activities in 2006, they’ve captivated audiences not only with their music but also with a wide range of performances including comedy skits, street arts, and even group gymnastics.

Centered around featuring16, the four-piece lineup—Rubera Kimura Kaere, Majorica Majorca Magical☆Himori, and Residence Suzuhane-178—showcases solid musicianship and uniquely inventive staging.

With the motto “We quickly borrow whatever’s selling,” they infuse current events and social issues into their songs, bringing a fresh breeze to the visual kei scene.

A must-listen for anyone seeking a fusion of music and comedy.

I want to be popular (with the opposite sex).Za Reonaruzu

Wanna Be Popular / The Rewonalds

Shining on Japan’s music scene, The Rewonalds is a distinctive band that blends a variety of genres around a rock core.

Formed in the early 2010s, they have steadily honed their craft on the indie circuit.

The members are graduates of music universities, bringing a broad musical background that spans from classical to jazz.

Their live performances—prioritizing visual production and a sense of unity with the audience—have been widely acclaimed, earning them indie music awards and multiple newcomer prizes.

Their live tours across Asia have drawn large crowds and garnered high praise from local media.

Each member actively pursues solo work and collaborations with other artists, showcasing their talents across music, fashion, art, and more.

They’re the perfect band for listeners who want to experience energetic yet delicate performances and a uniquely crafted world.

Mob-Style Kung FuNekura Tōkī

Necry Talkie MV “Mob-Style Kung Fu” / NECRY TALKIE – Mob Nari no Kung Fu

A five-piece rock band that captivates with catchy melodies and cynical lyrics.

Rooted in pop rock, their one-of-a-kind sound deftly fuses alternative and indie pop, setting a new benchmark for the high-sensibility music scene.

Since forming in 2017, they’ve steadily honed their craft with self-produced releases, making their major-label debut in 2019 with the album “ONE!”.

After numerous national tours and festival appearances, they released the album “FREAK” in 2021.

The vivid musicianship of the five members and their exhilarating live performances keep music fans hooked.

The contrast between bright melodies and introspective lyrics creates a world that’s perfect for listeners seeking their next musical discovery.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake is a three-piece band from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, known for their distinctive sound strongly influenced by Black music such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop.

Featuring Reo Fujii’s soaring vocals and piano, Tomoaki Fukushima on bass, and Hironoshin Tomita on drums, they’ve drawn attention as a rare guitar-less band.

They made their major-label debut in November 2021 with their first EP, “EVERBLUE,” on Sony Music Labels, and in 2024 provided the theme song for the drama “Eye Love You,” starring Fumi Nikaido.

Even before their major debut, they showcased their abilities with street performances in Shibuya starting in 2017, drawing crowds of over 500 people at their peak.

Expressing Black music through a uniquely band-oriented approach, their sound is recommended not only for traditional rock fans but also for listeners who love R&B and soul.

Gently, swayingDENIMS

DENIMS – “Yururi Yurari” (Official Audio)

DENIMS, a band leading Osaka’s new rock scene, has been forging ahead with a unique worldview since 2012.

Their sound shines with a musicality rooted in funk and blues, while absorbing a wide range of genres including hip-hop, jazz, and punk.

They made their nationwide distribution debut in 2015 with the mini-album “Daily use,” and drew attention with their appearance at the 2016 Fuji Rock Festival.

Their groove-rich sound, where rock and funk fuse, is perfect for those looking to explore new possibilities in music.