[From Classics to the Latest] A Roundup of Recommended Japanese Rock Bands! [2026]
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!
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[From Classics to the Latest] A Roundup of Recommended Japanese Rock Bands! [2026] (81–90)
Tokyo feat. Mamiko Suzuki, Skaaiyonawo
The four-piece band yonawo from Fukuoka crafts a one-of-a-kind sound that fuses R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop.
With Shota Araya’s gentle vocals and the exceptional musicianship of every member, they create songs that resonate deeply with listeners.
They began their full-scale musical activities in 2017 and made their major-label debut in 2019.
Word of mouth about their high musicality spread, steadily expanding their fan base.
Their advanced performance skills and live shows have been highly praised across music media, and they command a strong presence at festivals nationwide.
In February 2025, they will release an ambitious work featuring Mamiko Suzuki and Skaai.
They’re recommended not only for R&B fans but also for anyone seeking genre-defying music.
Before the departureWANIMA
WANIMA is a melodic hardcore band that has been active since the 2010s.
Many people have likely heard their songs in commercials and the like.
Their hallmark is straightforward lyrics and powerful performances—the kind of music whose appeal comes through clearly on a first listen without overthinking.
While they’re a band in the melocore genre, where soaring melodies ride on intense sounds, they’re remarkable for delivering everything from high-energy crowd-pleasers to songs with a nostalgic, wistful atmosphere like “Haru o Matte” (Waiting for Spring).
However, background musicNigami 17-sai
A four-piece rock band formed in 2016 that champions “stylish yet perverse musical expression.” Their track ‘However, BGM’ brilliantly incorporates floaty, atmospheric synthesizer sounds, and the rhythm section’s beats are incredibly groovy and cool.
While oozing with style, the lyrics and melodic lines—spun with a delightfully twisted sensibility—feel oddly balanced and comfortable.
The more you listen, the more addictive it becomes.
They’re poised for an even bigger breakout from here.
Stand by Methe peggies
the peggies is a three-piece all-girl band consisting of Yuho Kitazawa, Makiko Ishiwata, and Miku Onuki.
The group was formed in 2009 when Kitazawa, who was a member of the light music club at Japan Women’s University Junior and Senior High School, invited Ishiwata and Onuki to join.
This song is a fast-paced number that carries the message: “Even in despair, don’t avert your eyes from your desires—face them head-on.” It was selected as the ending theme for the anime Sarazanmai, which began airing in April 2019.
What’s Gonna Be?FIVE NEW OLD
FIVE NEW OLD is a rock band formed in Kobe in 2010.
Rather than hard-hitting rock, their appeal lies in catchy and stylish songs that feel more like American pop.
Because of that, they’re recommended not only for fans of Western music but also for people who don’t usually listen to rock bands and are looking to get into Japanese rock from here on out.
This track also fully showcases their charm—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something stylish.
Sunny dropNobel bright
A five-piece rock band formed in Osaka in 2013, centered around vocalist Yudai Takenaka, who boasts the unique distinction of having won a world whistling championship.
Their extraordinary high-tone vocals—capable of singing female artists’ songs in the original key—and their straightforward, catchy tracks that rock lovers can’t help but react to have earned them strong support among rock fans.
They are a true grind-it-out band, undertaking unprecedented activities such as a nationwide street live tour, while also leveraging modern, effective announcements via social media.
In every sense, they can be called a new-generation rock band.
[From Classics to the Latest] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands Roundup! [2026] (91–100)
MemoryDATS
The Tokyo-based four-piece rock band DATS captivates with their highly sophisticated songs.
Influenced by Radiohead and incorporating electronic music, their tracks have a distinctly urban feel, with a sound that would likely be embraced by the club scene.
They’re a must-watch band that’s leaping beyond the mainstream of the Japanese rock scene—traditionally centered on distorted guitar sounds—and stepping into the next phase.