[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 (101–110)
Mela!Ryokushokushakai
Lately, I feel like I’ve been seeing this band’s name a lot more.
They’re getting featured on TV here and there, too.
Their solid, distinctive vocals and their bright, uplifting piano rock sound really beautiful.
They’re the kind of band that makes you want to sing along.
My niche3markets[ ]
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3markets[ ] is an alternative rock band that has been active since 2002.
If you’re well-versed in Japanese rock, there’s a good chance you already know them.
In Japan, they’re regarded as a highly accomplished band, and their performances boast considerable quality.
There was a time when they were described as a straightforward band, but these days they give the impression of having absorbed a variety of musical influences, resulting in more complex songs.
If you’re looking for alternative rock that isn’t run-of-the-mill but rich in originality, they’re a must-listen.
Bad peopleBLANKEY JET CITY
As one of the defining rock bands of the ’90s, BLANKEY JET CITY established a distinctive garage rock sound.
After winning the Grand Ikaten King title on TBS’s “Miyake Yūji no Ikasu Band Tengoku” in 1990, they made their major-label debut with the album “Red Guitar And The Truth.” Their intense, overwhelming sound drew widespread attention, and they proved their prowess on major stages like Nippon Budokan and Yokohama Arena.
In 1997, they headlined the Fuji Rock Festival, cementing their popularity.
Though they disbanded to much regret after their July 2000 show at Yokohama Arena, their music continues to influence many musicians.
They’re the perfect band for music fans who seek powerful performances and a uniquely imaginative world.
Gently, swayingDENIMS
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.
Plan ADISH//
DISH// is a band that continues to energize the music scene with a new style that fuses band performance and dance.
They debuted in June 2012 with their first indie single, “It’s alright,” and steadily grew their fan base after making their major-label debut in June 2013.
In 2020, they won an Excellence Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards, and in December 2021, they made their first appearance on the 72nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, continuing their rapid ascent.
Capable across a wide range of genres—including pop, rock, and ballads—DISH//’s musicianship and energetic live performances instantly captivate audiences.
They have many collaborations with anime as well; their opening theme songs, in particular, enjoy strong support from overseas fans.
Highly recommended for music lovers seeking passionate performances and catchy songs.
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (111–120)
WorldEGG BRAIN
The rock band EGG BRAIN—affectionately known by nicknames like Egg, Eggbre, and EGG—features members JOEY and KUN, who are both from Hyogo Prefecture.
JOEY is half American, and his English pronunciation is highly regarded.
EGG BRAIN’s main draw is their authentic punk rock.
Their aggressive sound, reminiscent of American punk from the 2000s, is energizing just to listen to.
With many songs in English, they’re also recommended for fans of Western music.
long hairFOMARE
A melodic hardcore band that took flight from Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture to the entire country.
Since their formation in 2014, they have steadily built their career, winning the runner-up prize at FM Gunma’s band contest “ROCKERS2015” in November 2015.
They went on to top the Oricon Indie Albums Chart with their album “FORCE,” and made their major-label debut in November 2020.
Their appeal lies in a three-piece lineup’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound, powerful vocals, and emotionally resonant Japanese lyrics, with a string of hit signature songs to their name.
With powerful musicianship and passionate live performances, they are a formidable band that captivates rock fans and doesn’t let go.