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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 (131–140)

D.I.J’s PistolBLANKEY JET CITY

BLANKEY JET CITY is one of Japan’s premier three-piece bands.

With tight rock ’n’ roll and an aura of delinquent cool, those who experienced BJC in real time were captivated.

Even after their breakup, they remain a legendary band representing Japan, enjoying enduring popularity.

If you try singing their songs at karaoke, it might be hard to pull it off as coolly as the originals…

Even so, you keep running.BLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT “Even So, You Keep On Running” (Special Movie)
Even so, you keep running.BLUE ENCOUNT

If you want to listen to fiery tracks, BLUE ENCOUNT is a must-check! This four-piece band is known for their incredibly passionate live performances, and they became a hot topic because so many people ended up in tears at their shows.

Their songs are straightforward, high-energy rock, so if that’s your style, you’re guaranteed to get hooked! They’re also great fun to sing at karaoke, so I highly recommend giving it a try.

N.E.O.CHAI

CHAI – N.E.O. – Official Music Video (subtitled)
N.E.O.CHAI

A four-member band capturing the attention of music fans with their striking pink aesthetic and the phrase “NEO Kawaii.” Their debut album, released in 2017, charted, and in 2018 they received high acclaim, including winning an award at the 10th CD Awards Shop Awards.

As many times as you likeCIVILIAN

CIVILIAN 'Nando Demo' - Theme song for 'STAR OCEAN: ANAMNESIS - TWIN ECLIPSE -'
As many times as you likeCIVILIAN

CIVILIAN is a rock band where thunderous, rumbling drums, guitars that tame dissonance, and a driving bass all share a singular, fully realized worldview.

Before 2016, they performed under the name Lyu:Lyu.

I’m really excited to see just how many more beautifully melancholic songs they’ll create!

Call herCzecho No Republic

Formed in March 2010.

After some lineup changes, they’re now a five-member band attracting major attention.

Not only do they look stylish, their sound is incredibly chic as well.

At their shows, their obvious enjoyment gets the crowd excited too! This song was created in their early days—a gentle yet heartrending piece about a girl.

SSWBD.A.N.

D.A.N. – SSWB (Official Video)
SSWBD.A.N.

They are a three-piece male band formed in 2014.

Influenced by a variety of artists such as KIRINJI, Spitz, and Hikaru Utada, they express their unique worldview through club sounds.

In 2015, they performed at Fuji Rock and have been gaining attention as part of the new generation.

STRONGERdizzy sunfist

Dizzy Sunfist “STRONGER” Official Music Video
STRONGERdizzy sunfist

Dizzy Sunfist is a rapidly rising three-piece band from Osaka.

Genre-wise, they fall under punk and melodic hardcore, but it’s rare that all the front members are women, right? While influenced by ELLEGARDEN and Hi-STANDARD, they’ve digested those influences in their own way and created a lot of highly original songs.