[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 (31–40)
more than wordsHitsuji Bungaku
This is a three-woman rock band formed when they were first-year high school students.
The vocalist and guitarist is Moeka Shiozuka; drummer Hiro Fukuda joined in 2015, and bassist Yurika joined in 2016.
They mainly perform live in Shimokitazawa and Shibuya.
In 2016, they appeared on ROOKIE A GO-GO, the gateway for new artists at Fuji Rock, and drew a lot of attention.
avoid noteMrs. GREEN APPLE
In 2020, Mrs.
GREEN APPLE announced a hiatus, stating that Phase 1 had concluded.
Formed in 2013, the band made their major debut in just two years and has since released numerous popular songs.
Their biggest appeal is undoubtedly the wide range of their music.
From pop guitar rock like “StaRt” and “Ao to Natsu,” to beautiful ballads like “Boku no Koto,” and even tracks that boldly feature electronic sounds such as “WanteD! WanteD!” and “PRESENT.” While their musical range is broad, what all their songs share are a refreshing feel and catchy vibe.
They’re a band we recommend even to those who don’t usually listen to rock.
FLY AGAIN 2019MAN WITH A MISSION
They’re a band widely known for their distinctive wolf-themed visuals and for landing a variety of tie-ins with movies, TV dramas, and anime.
In addition to the standard rock band setup, they include a DJ, creating a must-hear style that blends a loud, rock-driven foundation with elements of electronic music such as programmed tracks and scratching.
Their songs are in high demand at festivals across the country, and their catalog has no filler—from high-energy, danceable tracks to beautifully crafted, mellow rock ballads.
All of the YouthFujifaburikku
Fujifabric was formed in Yamanashi Prefecture in 2000.
Although they temporarily disbanded and had members leave before their major debut, they made a pre-debut in 2004 with the album “A La Mode,” and two months later officially made their major debut with the single “Sakura no Kisetsu.” They gained popularity through numerous live shows and festivals, but in 2009, vocalist and guitarist Masahiko Shimura passed away suddenly.
Since then, guitarist Soichiro Yamauchi has also taken on vocal duties, and the band has continued its activities.
While they’re strongly associated with gentle sounds like “Wakamono no Subete,” they also perform upbeat, fun tracks that captivate listeners.
Pray[Alexandros]
![Pray[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IQCDOcO8wcA/sddefault.jpg)
[ALEXANDROS] is a hugely popular band at the center of Japan’s rock scene, and they’ve been expanding their fan base through opportunities like commercial tie-in songs.
They release a variety of music—from breezy rock tracks to fiery, passionate numbers—keeping fans engaged without ever letting things get stale.
They’re also known for their high-caliber live performances and are in high demand at festivals.
[Japanese Rock] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands (41–50)
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
A hugely popular rock band with such overwhelming song arrangements that you’ll wonder, “Are they really a three-piece?” Advanced rock listeners can enjoy their performance prowess, but they’re also highly recommended for beginners! That’s because, in addition to the skill that lets them flawlessly recreate their complex compositions live, their appeal lies in their incredibly catchy, familiar melodies and songwriting that makes you want to hum along.
They have lots of hit songs, so be sure to listen through them in order!
Self-HatredDEXCORE
DEXCORE is a visual-kei metalcore band based in Nagoya.
Formed in October 2016, they launched their career that December with the digital single “The Dead Sea.” Their distinctive “DEX sound,” which fuses the ferocity of metalcore and deathcore with the dramatic melodies characteristic of visual kei, quickly drew attention.
In 2020, they released their first full-length album, [METEMPSYCHOSIS.], earning acclaim within the scene.
Let vocalist Kagami’s beastly shouts and contrastingly sweet, delicate clean vocals capture your heart!