[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)
Squall04 Limited Sazabys
Alongside WANIMA, this rock band—commonly known as Four-LiMi—can be said to have sparked the resurgence of the melodic hardcore boom.
Formed in Nagoya, their popularity is now nationwide, and they’re also well known for hosting their own outdoor festival, YON FES, in their hometown every year.
As for their signature traits, the first that comes to mind is vocalist GEN’s boyish high-tone voice.
But that’s not all you should pay attention to—make sure to listen closely to drummer KOUHEI, whose playing ranks among the very best in the Japanese rock scene.
Above all, their greatest appeal lies in their catchy melodic lines and the sheer feel-good quality of their lyrics when experienced as sound.
While the lyrics are primarily in Japanese, the flow of words and their resonance feel like an instrument that plays rhythm—so pleasing that you can’t help but hum along yourself!
SunMy Hair is Bad
A three-piece band from Niigata.
After debuting in 2013 with the mini-album “Kinō ni Naritakute,” they made their major-label debut in 2016 with the single “Jidai o Atsumete.” Their charm lies in unadorned, brutally honest lyrics that feel like thoughts put straight into words.
The raw, instinct-driven sound and vocals that hurl those real lyrics at you pierce straight to the heart!
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese rock bands (31–40)
Sai no KawaraBRAHMAN
BRAHMAN is known for their unique sound, rooted in hardcore punk and infused with elements of traditional Japanese music and various Asian folk music.
Formed in Tokyo in 1995, they made their CD debut in 1996 with the mini-album “Grope Our Way.” Their intense musical style and high-energy live performances continue to captivate many fans.
They are also known for songs with social and political messages and actively engage in social contribution, including disaster relief efforts.
In February 2013, in the 17th year since their formation, they achieved their first No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart.
Be sure to experience their fiery live performance at a live house.
Japanese swordRIZE
RIZE is a Japanese mix-genre rock band the nation is proud of.
Formed in 1997, they made their major debut in December 2000.
Their identity lies in the trio’s sound: a boldly overdriven, hard-hitting guitar; a one-of-a-kind bass line influenced not only by rock but also by funk; and tight yet dynamic drums.
Add vocalist JESSE’s rap on top, and the ensemble becomes downright unbeatable.
Witnessing their powerful performance in person is guaranteed to be overwhelming.
Although they went on hiatus starting in 2018, they made a comeback in 2024, unleashing their thunderous sound on a headlining tour as well as at music festivals across Japan.
I…atarayo
Atarayo is a four-piece band formed in September 2019.
The band came together when members who were captivated by Hitomi’s music—she was working as a solo singer-songwriter at the time—gathered to form a group.
The band’s name means “a night so beautiful you wish dawn wouldn’t come.” It reflects their desire to deliver performances that make listeners not want the music to end.
Their hallmark is poignant lyrics, a refined sound, and Hitomi’s distinctive vocals, with many songs expressing the sorrow of heartbreak and love.
They’re a recommended band for those who want to hear rock that is both beautiful and powerful.
Say My NameHEY-SMITH
HEY-SMITH is a ska punk band from Osaka, formed in 2006.
Their lineup features a horn section—saxophone, trumpet, and trombone—which is a distinctive trait, and their colorful sound is the kind that hooks many listeners after just one spin.
As for their unique band name, there’s a story that they took “SMITH” from the initials of the founding members’ real names and then casually added “HEY.”
Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK is a popular rock band from Japan that now thrives on the global stage.
They’ve successfully toured around the world and collaborated with numerous well-known artists.
The songs they release all have a cool vibe with a distinctly Western feel.
Their lyrics have increasingly shifted toward English, and just from the sound alone, the quality makes it hard to believe they’re a Japanese band.
