[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 (211–220)
SunflowerSOPHIA
At SOPHIA’s concerts, the crowd is filled—more or less—with fans holding artificial sunflower blooms.
It’s so they can wave them during this song.
The moment the chorus hits, the venue turns into a field of sunflowers, and the band members always break into smiles.
IMPACTUVERworld
A six-member rock band from Shiga Prefecture formed by childhood friends.
Frontman TAKUYA∞ captivates fans with his straightforward, passionate MCs and lyrics, earning them the nickname “the band that makes men cry.” They enjoy overwhelming popularity in Japan’s live music scene, achieving record-breaking attendance even at men-only and women-only shows.
With a distinctive lineup that includes twin guitars, a manipulator, and a saxophonist, they deliver a one-of-a-kind sound that blends a fierce rock edge with a sense of melancholy and delicacy.
Their songs feature meticulously crafted phrases and complex melodies that still pierce straight to the heart—once you listen, you’re sure to get hooked.
Bye, my friendbokula.
bokula.
is a four-piece rock band from Hiroshima Prefecture.
Formed in May 2019, they are known for their fresh band sound and lyrics that capture everyday life in a relatable way.
Their name reflects the desire to be “we”—including the people who listen to bokula.’s music.
In May 2020, they released the EP ‘Don’t Make It a Glorious Tale.’ They have continued to work actively, releasing their 4th EP, ‘Phantom youth,’ in October 2023.
Their down-to-earth lyrics and refreshing sound resonate especially with younger listeners.
They’re recommended not only for rock fans but also for those who don’t usually listen to rock.
moment; instantircle
This song features a cool, in-your-face power rock sound.
It was included on the Hell Edition, a split CD with SIX LOUNGE released in 2017.
The lyrics, carrying a message of love about wanting to live each fleeting moment with someone dear, really strike a chord.
fatesumika
sumika is a four-piece rock band from Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
Formed in May 2013, they quickly established popularity, with tickets for all venues on their 2017 tour selling out immediately.
Their music is characterized by guitar-driven rock that incorporates diverse genres and lyrics with positive messages.
Their album “Familia” reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
In 2018, they achieved major success by selling out three consecutive days of performances at the Nippon Budokan.
melancholysaidāgāru
Their charm lies in a sound that matches exactly what their band name evokes.
This is Cider Girl, a band aiming for a “carbonated” sound.
Formed in 2014, their crisp and refreshing music has captured the hearts of younger listeners.
The song in the video is from their first album, “SODA POP FANCLUB 1,” released in 2017.
It feels great to listen to.
Galactic ExpresswayHanbureddāzu
If you like emotional rock music that evokes youth, I recommend a band called Humbreaders.
This four-piece from Osaka is rapidly growing in popularity.
With the theme of “singing about youth from the very bottom of the school caste,” their unique worldview—combining a distinctive freshness, wistfulness, and emotional intensity—is a major part of their appeal.
