[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 (191–200)
Island Nation DNAUchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai
It’s a hefty, loud rock sound, which makes the comedic lyrics stand out all the more.
This is Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai, a three-piece band with one male and two female members, formed in 2004.
Like the song in the video, “Island Nation DNA,” they’ve released many tracks that use familiar, everyday subjects as themes, including their signature song “Nihon no Kome wa Sekai Ichi” (“Japanese Rice Is the Best in the World”).
And yet, they’re undeniably cool.
Killer tuneToukyou Jihen
A super band formed around Ringo Sheena, one of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters who boasts not only a large male fanbase but an exceptionally large female fanbase as well.
Each member is highly active in their own musical pursuits, and their exceptional musicianship is one of the group’s great appeals.
Above all, the biggest draw is undoubtedly Ringo Sheena’s own magnetism.
Her charismatic, commanding performances exude sensuality—yet notably, her popularity is especially strong among women rather than just men.
This is truly the ultimate musical collective, made possible precisely because these particular members came together.
thorny pathtsubakiya shijuusou
It is their fourth major-label single and seventh overall.
It was tied in as the theme song for a TV drama—the first time for them—and it also drew attention when the drama’s star, Yumi Adachi, released a cover of the song as the ending theme.
Summer NudeMagokoro Burazāzu
Formed by Yoichi Kuramochi and Hidetoshi Sakurai to compete on a television knockout-style folk contest.
They debuted in 1989, and many people may recognize “Dokaan,” used on Pro Baseball News, and the commercial jingle “Malt’s Theme.” Puffy appear in the “Summer Nude” video before their own debut.
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (201–210)
Rock ‘n’ roll won’t stop.Shinsei Kamattechan
Shinsei Kamattechan are known for their extreme lyrics and live performances.
Their avant-garde shows—absolutely not for very young children—hit you with a raw, bare heart that sets your own heart on fire.
Their spirit is ultra punk.
You & IAme no Parēdo
A mature love song woven with a slow tempo and gentle vocals.
It’s included on the 2018 album “Reason of Black Color.” The beautiful tone of the strings feels delightful, making it a track you’ll want to listen to while driving.
Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS
They’re a four-piece band that represents Japan’s rock scene.
They made their major debut in 1987 with “Linda Linda,” and their straightforward lyrics and sound struck a chord with younger generations.
Their songs are often featured in commercials and as theme songs, and that catchiness is a big part of their appeal.