[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)
Stay GoldHi-STANDARD
Hi-STANDARD, also known by the nickname “Hi-Sta,” was a band at the forefront of Japan’s domestic indie rock and punk movement in the 1990s.
Even after they became famous, they stayed true to a DIY ethos, exerting a major influence on many bands that followed.
Although they went on hiatus in 2000, their impact did not wane, and they resumed activities in 2011.
Teenage SunsetHump Back
When it comes to girl bands that were active in the late 2000s, many people would probably name Chatmonchy, but for girl bands from the late 2010s, it has to be them.
Their appeal, however, isn’t just their uniquely feminine cuteness; it’s also their cool, aggressive rock sound.
What’s more, their lyrics resonate strongly—especially with young listeners—and combined with melodies that really hit you in the heart, they’ve become one of the most talked-about bands.
HagurumaKANA-BOON
KANA-BOON broke through in the early 2010s as a rock band from the Kansai region.
They became popular for their addictive repetition of the same melodies and riffs, as well as rhythm patterns centered on dance beats, and they’re also known for inspiring a wave of bands that imitated their style.
These days their activities have become steady, with regular releases of new songs and live performances.
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (151–160)
Tokyo Night DiveKOTORI
This is a song included on the album “kike” released by KOTORI, a rock band from Saitama.
The lyrics, which feel like a candid outpouring of what they sensed in Tokyo at night, are sung over a pop melody.
It’s straightforward guitar rock with a sound design that’s pleasing to the ear.
AmberKroi
Formed in 2018, the five-piece band Kroi delivers a unique, genre-blending sound influenced by R&B, funk, soul, rock, and hip-hop.
They debuted with their first single “Suck a Lemmon” in October 2018, and made their major-label debut with their first album “LENS” in June 2021.
“Balmy Life” received heavy radio airplay and became a popular track frequently heard around town.
Each member brings diverse talents, thriving not only in music but also as fashion models, designers, and producers.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for something that stands apart from other rock bands!
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
A three-piece rock band formed in Okinawa in 1998.
They’ve gained popularity with catchy melodies and straightforward lyrics that resonate across generations.
Their biggest hit is this song, “A Little Love Song.” Many listeners are moved by the sincere lyrics passionately sung by vocalist Seisaku.
An overwhelmingly shoujo-manga-style storyMOSHIMO
It’s a song that makes your heart flutter with lyrics written from a girl’s perspective, longing for a love like in shoujo manga.
The band MOSHIMO is known for their appealing power-pop sound.
This is the lead track from their first album released in 2018, “Overwhelming Shoujo Manga Story.”