[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 (161–170)
SandmanTHE rabu ningen
THE Love Ningen is a band formed in 2009 in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo.
This is a message song that sings about feelings for someone important, someone you love.
It’s included on their major-label debut album, “Koi ni Niteiru” (Similar to Love), released in 2012.
Having a violinist in the lineup is unusual for a rock band, isn’t it?
Instant InstanceThe 3 minutes
They are a five-member rock band that began activities in 2014.
The members are from Aichi Prefecture and formed the band as childhood friends.
With a motto of “synth-pop rock,” they craft carefully calculated sounds.
Their songwriting style features Hirobo on keyboards composing the music and Ryo on vocals writing the lyrics.
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (171–180)
Straight Up feat. KjThe BONEZ
The BONEZ are known for their emotionally charged musicality.
Originally launched in 2012 as JESSE’s solo project under the name JESSE and The BONEZ, they adopted their current name in 2013.
With a diverse sound that defies the confines of rock, their tracks are loud yet catchy, winning over the hearts of many.
In addition to nationwide tours, they actively appear at music festivals across Japan, and many rock fans have likely seen them live at least once.
Renowned for their fiery live performances, their music is a perfect fit for anyone seeking energetic sounds.
Old TaiwanThe SALOVERS
A rock band formed in 2008 by four high school classmates.
They earned high praise for vocalist Furutachi’s straightforward singing and their sound brimming with the sensibilities unique to their teens.
In this song, they even unleash a pun—“Taiwan, ittemitai wan” (“I wanna go to Taiwan”)—and yet it’s still super cool: a youthful, vibrant masterpiece.
Feel So MoonUNICORN
A five-member band formed in Hiroshima in 1986.
Their signature songs include “Dai Meiwaku” and “Subarashii Hibi,” and they are widely respected by fellow musicians for the depth of their sound and their unique worldview.
They have been active across a wide range of genres, including collaborations such as with the manga Space Brothers.
FLAGWOMCADOLE
WOMCADOLE is a super rock band that finally achieved their long-cherished dream of making a major debut in September 2019.
In 2013, they performed in the finals of Senkou Riot, a gateway to success for young bands.
They continued their activities after overcoming a hiatus and other challenges.
Their level of commitment is on a whole different level from your average band!
HonnojiZAZEN BOYS
A unique ZAZEN BOYS sound woven from complex rhythms and performances.
The band was formed around Shutoku Mukai, the former frontman of Number Girl.
They have produced numerous tracks with a distinctive worldview that becomes irresistibly addictive.