[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 (181–190)
To the Frontlinesayonara poezi
This song stirs the heart with lyrics penned in beautifully pure, literary Japanese.
It’s the lead track from the full album “Zensen ni Tsugu” (“To the Front Line”), released in 2016 by the Kobe band Sayonara Poesie.
The strummed guitars drive an emotional rock number.
It’s fine.Urufuruzu
A four-piece rock band formed in Osaka in 1988.
They’re an extremely popular band, known for vocalist Tortoise Matsumoto’s straightforward, masculine singing voice.
This song, “Een-en,” is a bright, encouraging track that feels like it laughs things off with a “It’s all good!” Listening to it fills you with energy.
phantom vibrationKyūso Nekokami
A five-piece band formed in late 2009 in Nishinomiya, Hyogo, mainly by “job-hunting dropouts” from a university.
They call themselves a “five-member, all-direction-compatible negative disco-punk band,” and they’re a comedy-leaning act.
This song, Phantom Vibration, is a masterpiece dedicated to people dependent on their phones! The lyrics are great, and the music video is a triumph as well.
Be sure to check them out together.
HE IS MINEkuriipuhaipe
A four-piece rock band formed in 2001.
The band is characterized by vocalist Ozaki’s distinctive high-tone voice.
Their painfully earnest yet realistic lyrics have won popularity, and at their live shows many fans are completely immersed in their world.
This song is a Creephype classic that always brings the crowd to its feet at their concerts.
Unconcealed MeGesu no Kiwami Otome.
Many contemporary rock bands produce songs that incorporate modern overseas influences.
Gesu no Kiwami Otome is one of those bands that keeps taking on various challenges! Beyond this band, Enon Kawatani’s unique musical vision—also showcased in groups like indigo la End and, more recently, Genie High—is a must-see for music fans.
Farewell, YouthChatto Monchī
A girls’ band formed in Tokushima in April 2000, centered around Eriko Hashimoto.
They’re characterized by vocalist Hashimoto’s cute, delicate, and wistful high-tone voice paired with a rich, full-bodied sound.
This song expresses the feelings of someone facing graduation.
Its heartrending melody and Hashimoto’s fragile vocals blend perfectly, making it a deeply moving classic.
Light blue loveChirinuruwo Waka
This band was formed around the two female members of GO!GO!7188, which disbanded to much regret.
While strongly inheriting the distinctive traits of 7188, their songs undeniably carry a fresh new breeze.
The band’s name comes from the iroha poem: “Iro ha nihoheto, chirinuru wo ka.”