[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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[J-Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (21–30)
Samaland in the eveningUlulU
UlulU is a band whose sharp words—capturing fleeting moments of everyday life—and impulsive performances strike straight to the heart.
Based in Tokyo, this three-piece blends the raw edge of garage rock with melody-rich songwriting.
Formed around 2015, they even embarked on a Canadian tour in 2018, showing the drive to cross borders.
Hanayo Otaki’s earnest vocals stir the listener’s emotions.
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.
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese rock bands (31–40)
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.
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.
Of courseDekishiido Za Emonzu
A garage rock band formed in Chiba Prefecture in 1990, pursuing a distinctive vintage sound.
They debuted in 1994 with “Album No.1” and gained support with songs like “Ereki no Wakadaishō.” Their music uniquely fuses ’60s Western rock and Group Sounds, and they’re known for passionate, humor-filled performances.
Although they disbanded after a concert at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in October 2006, they officially resumed activities in September 2023.
In August 2024, they delighted fans with Jumbo Monet, their first album in 18 years.
Nothing but bad thingsHashirikomīzu
Hashirikomizu began as Ataru’s solo project, then took its current form when childhood friends Aoi and Sawa joined.
The band is known for a sound rooted in the primal energy of garage and punk while weaving in alternative elements.
Since releasing their first album in 2020, they’ve been putting out new work energetically, and their album “Friends Orchestra,” slated for release in November 2025, is already generating buzz.
Their lyrics—condensed nihilism and humor, illuminated by Ataru’s sharp observational eye—are truly one of a kind.
Experience their sharp, rugged indie rock for yourself.