[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 (141–150)
City of LightDragon Ash
Since the 1990s, they’ve been a charismatic band that has led Japan’s mixture scene from their underground origins.
Many people admire KJ’s emotional vocal tone, but it’s rare to find someone who naturally sounds like they’ve got built-in effects the way he does.
WeekendFINLANDS
This song is the first track on their debut full-length album “PAPER,” released in 2016.
The vocalist, Fuyuko Shioiri, delivers a strained, wrenching voice that pierces the heart.
It’s an unrequited love song that sings of a passion that’s almost too intense for someone dearly loved.
5cmFOMARE
FOMARE is a band that doesn’t stick to the rock genre—one song might be a breezy rock tune, another a tear-jerking ballad.
With down-to-earth lyrics that anyone can relate to, they’re steadily gaining fans.
If you’re the type who wants to hear a variety of vibes even from a rock band, they come highly recommended!
Jump AroundFear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
A rock band from Kobe that builds on hardcore roots and delivers danceable tracks with blistering electro sounds.
Their appeal lies in an intensely loud, heavyweight sound, but they also weave in beepy chiptune-like electronics and trance elements, creating truly one-of-a-kind songs.
Another hallmark is So’s Auto-Tuned vocals.
If you’re looking for fierce, high-information, danceable rock, this band comes highly recommended.
impatienceGLIM SPANKY
A male-female rock duo formed in 2007 at a high school in Nagano Prefecture.
Vocalist Matsuo’s rich, raspy voice—remarkably mature for someone so young—creates a one-of-a-kind soundscape.
This track is a classic they made early in their career, brimming with raw, first-impulse energy.
Matsuo’s shouts are awesome!
HALOHER NAME IN BLOOD
A hardcore band that, after years of grinding behind the scenes, has finally stepped into the spotlight in recent years.
Their rugged live performance is powerful and absolutely overwhelming.
They’re one of the few bands right now that can truly reach out to the world.
It’s amazing how even people who aren’t into hardcore can instantly see how cool they are.
out of focusHalf time Old
A four-piece male band from Aichi Prefecture formed in 2011.
A proven act, they earned their spots and performed as the opening act at Inazuma Rock Fes 2014 and appeared at COUNTDOWN JAPAN 14/15.
Their song “Out Focus,” included on the album Discovery and Doubt, has surpassed 2.5 million views on YouTube.
Relatable lyrics and a youthful, powerful sound are their hallmarks!
