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[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 (111–120)

My niche3markets[ ]

3markets[ ] - “My Niche” (MUSIC VIDEO)
My niche3markets[ ]

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.

[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (121–130)

WorldEGG BRAIN

EGG BRAIN「World」Official Music Video
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.

to go out of one’s way; take the trouble (to)TETORA

TETORA is a rock band formed in 2017.

While we’re introducing them here as an alternative rock band, they’re also adept at a sound closer to orthodox rock and pop music.

TETORA’s greatest appeal lies in the world they create from lyrics that are easy to relate to.

For listeners in their teens and twenties, many of their songs will likely feel personally relevant.

They also interact frequently with other bands, and their musical style has evolved as their career has progressed.

Including these changes, they can be considered a truly compelling band.

The city is waking up.mogari

mogari – The City Is Waking Up (Music Video)
The city is waking up.mogari

If you want to listen to orthodox Japanese alternative rock, I recommend a band called mogari.

Each member comes from a different background, but their musical style has a solid sense of cohesion, and every track creates a high-level sonic world.

The melodies have that blend of languidness and freshness you often heard in late-2000s Japanese rock—something akin to ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.

It goes down smoothly, making it a great pick for anyone looking to start digging into alternative rock.

one’s true feelingstoro

TORO – Honne (Official Music Video)
one’s true feelingstoro

In Japan’s J-rock scene, there are many bands that are closer to pop music than rock.

Of course, that reflects demand, so there’s nothing inherently wrong with it—but many people may feel dissatisfied with the scene as it is.

For those people, I recommend the band toro.

They’re a three-piece that champions the “revival of rock.” Their authentic sound holds its own against Western rock, and that’s a major part of their appeal.

Definitely give them a listen.

Lazy Morningorenji supainikurabu

ORANGE SPiCE CLUB “Lazy Morning” Music Video
Lazy Morningorenji supainikurabu

Orange Spiny Club is a rock band from Ibaraki Prefecture.

They’re known for their refreshing vocals and lyrical sound, and have produced many hit songs.

To experience their world, I recommend the full album “Shock” (Shougeki) and “7997,” which was used as a TV drama ending theme.

Also, when it comes to Orange Spiny Club, their performances at joint-band live shows are a hot topic.

I hope you’ll enjoy those as well.

Through the talk segments, you can also get a feel for the members’ personalities.

MusicaBurandē Senki

Brandy Senki – Musica (Official Music Video)
MusicaBurandē Senki

The Brandy War Chronicles is the one that exploded thanks to their debut track, “Musica.” Despite being an ultra-new band—only six months after forming and with about a month of actual activity—the music video released on YouTube in December 2022 hit 10,000 views within a week.

Six months later, it had racked up nearly 3 million views.

After it was released on streaming platforms, it also reached No.

1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart.

Perhaps its kayō-rock-inspired sound, which doesn’t chase trends, struck a chord with listeners.