[From Classics to the Latest] A Roundup of Recommended Japanese Rock Bands! [2026]

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

In recent years, music festivals of all sizes have been held all over the place, and rock bands’ songs are often used for commercials and TV drama theme songs! Rock bands frequently appear at the top of the charts, and the Japanese rock scene is drawing a lot of attention.

But with so many bands active, plenty of people might be thinking, “I don’t know which songs to start with!” So in this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of classic Japanese rock bands.

First, try listening to the bands featured here and figure out what kind of sound you like!

[From Classics to the Latest] A Roundup of Recommended Japanese Rock Bands! [2026] (71–80)

sabotageRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “sabotage” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “You and I on the G String”)

sabotageRyokushokushakai

A four-piece co-ed band from Aichi Prefecture, formed in 2011 in their high school light music club.

With vocalist Haruko Nagaya’s airy, transparent voice, and songs that range from straightforward rock that maximizes the vocals to melodious, catchy J-pop, the band’s refined songwriting has drawn attention.

In 2013, they won the runner-up prize at “Senko Riot,” a rock festival exclusively for teens, and although they’re a young band, they’ve gained support from a wide audience.

They’re definitely a band to watch going forward.

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Hoshino Takashi

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thorny pathtsubakiya shijuusou

Tsubakiya Quartet – Thorny Path

thorny pathtsubakiya shijuusou

Perhaps this is the only band that would go so far as to invent a genre and declare, “Our music is En-Rock (erotic glam rock).” The vocalist Nakata’s sultry voice, paired with a rock sound rooted in kayōkyoku (Japanese pop ballads), creates an addictive appeal.

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Azure DelightWienners

Wienners “Souten Delight” Music Video

Azure DelightWienners

It’s an ultra-pop, high-energy track.

No wonder they perform it twice at a solo show.

The airy feel of the female vocals matches perfectly and sounds great.

If I were a college student in a light music club, I’d definitely want to play this song.

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ZessoMr.FanTastiC

Mr.FanTastiC – Desperate Run [MV]

ZessoMr.FanTastiC

Mr.FanTastiC is a four-piece rock band that has been active mainly in the Kansai region.

Their greatest appeal lies in their thrilling, passionate songs, powered by fiery lead-guitar riffs and soul-stirring, emotional guitar phrases.

On top of that, vocalist Megatera Zero’s slightly husky, sexy voice is easy on the ears—and seriously addictive.

They made their major debut in 2019 and are a hot act to watch, poised to grow rapidly in popularity from here.

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Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO is a girls’ band formed in 2010.

They’ve gained attention for bittersweet, nostalgia-inducing love lyrics and uplifting cheer songs, and are a rock band loved by people of all genders for their cute vocals and pop melodies.

Their song “Ashita mo” was performed at the 2017 Kohaku (NHK’s New Year’s Eve music show), and it’s a track that helps you stay positive even when you’re facing worries.

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JOY JOY JOYOKAMOTO’S

OKAMOTO’S　「JOY JOY JOY」MUSIC VIDEO（YouTube ver.）

JOY JOY JOYOKAMOTO'S

Formed by classmates from their junior high school days, they debuted in 2010.

Because the members are fans of Taro Okamoto, they all use the surname Okamoto, which also became the band’s name.

Even among OKAMOTO’S energetic, groove-driven sound, this is a track that could be called one of the most exciting.

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MUKANJYOSurvive Said The Prophet

Survive Said The Prophet – MUKANJYO | Official Music Video

MUKANJYOSurvive Said The Prophet

Survive Said The Prophet is a much-talked-about band leading today’s Japanese loud rock scene.

With exceptional musicianship and impressive vocals as their weapons, they continue to earn strong support from rock fans across the country.

You’ve probably heard their name, haven’t you? The clean, crisp, and cool vocal parts are wonderful, of course, but the intense screaming that kicks in toward the latter half of the song is also incredibly cool and one of their key charms.

If you like loud, emo, or alternative, this is a track you absolutely need to hear.

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