[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 (11–20)
Ill HumorNo Buses
Formed in Tokyo in 2016, they captivate listeners with a raw, edgy musical style.
They performed at SUMMER SONIC in 2018, and their debut full-length album, released the following year in 2019, won the Tower Records ‘Tawarecome’ Award, cementing their proven talent.
From exhilarating, fast-paced guitar rock to the introspective sonic textures showcased on the album “Sweet Home,” their work displays remarkable depth and craftsmanship.
LADY NEDYSHERBETS
This is a band formed around Kenichi Asai, formerly of BLANKEY JET CITY.
They launched in 1996, and their appeal lies in a sharp yet dreamlike sound that absorbs alternative and psychedelic elements.
Their 1999 release, SIBERIA, has long been cherished as a work that distills their cold, uncompromising aesthetic.
They went on a hiatus called “hibernation” in 2002, but returned in 2005.
Since then, they have continued activity intermittently, pursuing a sound that only these four members can create.
I WANT ITSugar House
A rock band formed in 2019 around Ren Kobayashi, they began their activities in the Shimokitazawa area of Tokyo.
Their hallmark is a hard, tight beat and dry guitar sound that strongly reflects the influence of post-punk and alternative rock.
In November 2021, they released their first EP, “Surface.” In recent years, while maintaining an early punk spirit, they have incorporated synths to stylishly expand their sonic palette.
A perfect dayUniolla
An “adult garage band” bringing together renowned pro musicians like KUMI from LOVE PSYCHEDELICO and Motoaki Fukunuma from PLAGUES.
Their charm lies in a nostalgic yet fresh sound infused with the spirit of ’60s pop and ’90s alternative.
It originally started when Fukunuma planned to invite KUMI as a guest, but as production progressed, they became convinced it should be a full-fledged band.
The band name was inspired by unicorns, which KUMI loves.
Immerse yourself in their richly seasoned rock sound that only veterans can deliver.
Dahliaaldo van eyck
We are aldo van eyck, a band that emerged from Fukuoka’s live house scene and centers its activity around post-punk and garage rock.
Our sharp yet experimental sound also incorporates elements of jazz and blues.
We began performing live in earnest in 2021.
Our album “dead shot dan,” released in October 2023, won the 2024 CD Shop Awards Kyushu Block Prize.
Our album “das Ding,” released in June 2025, is an ambitious 71-minute work spanning 20 tracks, whose overwhelming intensity and unpredictable song structures captivated many listeners.
super ultra mega ultimate peak of peaksthe Dadadadadys
Formed after the activities of their predecessor band teto, the Dadadadadys relaunched under a new name in January 2022.
Their hallmark is an impulsive, deeply human garage-punk sound.
Right after kicking off, they released the EP “rossoman” in April 2022, including a limited 10-inch edition, linking their recordings closely with live performances.
After new members joined, they became a five-piece, delivering performances with even greater sonic heft and intensity.
If you want your heart shaken by straight-up rock ’n’ roll, don’t miss them.
[J-Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (21–30)
What you wantZa Haimātsu
A girls’ band from Tokyo bringing the heat of ’60s Group Sounds and garage punk into the present! The Highmarts formed in 2013, and when they released their album “Early Recordings” in 2015, its raw, unpolished charm quickly drew attention.
They’ve earned high praise across borders, performing at festivals in the U.S.
and releasing music on overseas labels.
Their surging fuzz guitar and catchy Japanese-language melodies blend beautifully.
If you love classic rock ’n’ roll, this is a band you absolutely have to hear.