[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] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands Roundup! [2026] (91–100)

God’s pastimeGO!GO!7188

GO!GO!7188 – God’s Way of Killing Time (Kamisama no Hima Tsubushi)

God’s pastimeGO!GO!7188

GOGO is the second track, but I highly recommend it.

“Koi no Uta” is really famous, but for me, among GOGO’s mellower songs, this one is the best.

The sound is restrained, which lets the chorus stand out.

There are so many great songs that aren’t intense, so I especially recommend the early period—the first four albums.

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Convenience Store HoneymoonChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy 'Convenience Honeymoon' Music Video

Convenience Store HoneymoonChatto Monchī

Couples who are happily in love, listen to this and feel even happier.

The cozy, heartwarming bliss of a cohabiting couple is soothing.

With Tamio Okuda involved, it has a pleasantly laid-back, loose vibe.

Nana Komatsu in the promo video is super cute.

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[From Classics to the Latest] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands Compilation! [2026] (101–110)

Rainbow Words0.8-byou to shougeki.

0.8 seconds and impact. “Rainbow-Colored Words” PV

Rainbow Words0.8-byou to shougeki.

Their nickname is Hachigeki—they’re a male-female rock duo.

It’s a band with a unique world that’s wild yet somehow cute.

Their unruly dance-rock sound is paired with call-and-response style vocals by Toyama and J.M.

It’s a 100% addictive band.

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Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei - Aoi Shiori (Blue Bookmark)

Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei

The moment I hear it, early-summer scenes of a rural area with lots of mountains come to mind.

I discovered it thanks to the theme song of Anohana, and I especially feel like listening to it as summer approaches.

There’s a call-and-response part with a female vocalist in the middle, which reminds me of Anohana and brings back all the emotion.

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SSMEPK shampoo

【MV】SSME/PK shampoo

SSMEPK shampoo

PK shampoo is a rock band active since 2018, formed around Yamato Punks and Kentaro Nishioka, who were members of Trashnoise.

Their hallmark is raw, emotionally charged vocals riding on noisy guitar sounds, with songs that radiate passion.

They began appearing at major rock festivals around 2022, and by 2023 they were in high demand at festivals across the country.

They’re truly one of the bands you can’t take your eyes off.

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S.Spasupie

PASSEPIED - S.S Music Video

S.Spasupie

PASSEPIED is a four-piece rock band formed around Haneeda Narita, who studied classical music at Tokyo University of the Arts.

They debuted in 2011 with the album “Watashi Kaika Shita Wa,” drawing attention for a sound that fuses classical music with new wave and technopop.

Characterized by Narita’s compositions and Natsuki Ogoda’s lyrics and artwork, their imaginative lyrical world is especially appealing.

In 2019, they steadily grew their fan base, including holding a solo concert at the Nippon Budokan.

Combining a classical approach with a pop sensibility, their music is recommended for anyone seeking a fresh musical experience.

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RickenbackerRīgaru Rirī

Legal Lily – “Rickenbacker” Music Video

RickenbackerRīgaru Rirī

Regal Lily is a three-piece girls’ band formed in 2014.

They steadily built their career, winning the runner-up prize at the 2015 “Mikakunin Festival” and participating in “Next Music From Tokyo” in Canada in 2016.

Their songs, which strongly reflect the personal experiences and emotions of the central figure, Honoka Takahashi, evoke deep empathy.

Addressing a wide range of themes—war and peace, love and loneliness—their music moves listeners and prompts deep reflection.

The gap between their delicate lyricism and their lively atmosphere is also captivating.

Highly recommended for those who want to immerse themselves in emotionally rich music.

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