[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 Compilation! [2026] (101–110)

TokyoTetsukaze Tōkyō

Tetsukaze Tokyo “Tokyo” Official Music Video

TokyoTetsukaze Tōkyō

Tetsukaze Tokyo is a rock band based in Sendai.

Formed in 2018, they drew attention when the music video for Gaitō to Apāto, released during their senior year of high school, became a hit, along with tracks uploaded to the music distribution site Eggs.

Their music features a heavy rock sound infused with warm guitar arpeggios, often evoking scenes that are wistful and emotional.

They are a band that delivers driving rock numbers in live performances, offering songs that resonate with the anxieties and loneliness of youth.

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Messenger from Sunday↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓

Messenger from Sunday – THE HIGH-LOWS (Full)

Messenger from Sunday↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓

THE HIGH-LOWS is a Japanese rock band formed in 1995.

Centered around Hiroto Kōmoto and Masatoshi Mashima, they created classic songs that blend primal rock energy with a traditional flair.

They scored hits from their debut, and in 1996 they drew attention both in Japan and abroad by opening for the Sex Pistols.

Their songs used as TV drama theme tracks became major hits as well.

Although they went on hiatus in 2005, they remain highly popular; in 2020, they released remastered editions of their albums to mark their 25th anniversary.

Highly recommended for those who want to explore the essence of rock or experience the vibrant spirit of ’90s music!

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Creepy-chanammo

ammo – Creepy-chan – Music Video

Creepy-chanammo

ammo is a three-piece band known for its charmingly nostalgic and friendly sound.

Formed in 2018 in Higashi-Osaka, the band continues its activities today with a new drummer as the renewed ammo.

Their demo recording “Neta-buri no Kimi e,” released exclusively through Tower Records in 2020, sold out its 1,000-copy run, leading to nationwide distribution due to popular demand.

In November of the same year they released their first album, “Au wa Wakare no Hajime,” followed by their second album, “Wareware no Moromoro,” in 2022.

The label’s YouTube channel features many music videos for various songs, so be sure to check them out!

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CHOOSE GO!CHAI

CHAI – CHOOSE GO! – Official Music Video (subtitled)

CHOOSE GO!CHAI

CHAI is a Japanese girl band that operates under the concepts of “NEO KAWAII” and “Complexes Are Art.” The group features twin vocalists Mana and Kana, backed by the rhythm section of Yuuki and Yuna.

With their free-spirited personalities, they’re a band you won’t forget after seeing once.

This track, released in 2019, is a danceable song infused with the message: “Let’s try anything to become the me I want to be!”

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IT’S TOO LATETHE BAWDIES

THE BAWDIES – IT’S TOO LATE

IT'S TOO LATETHE BAWDIES

They’re a band with a Western pop vibe and a distinctively soulful voice.

The vocalist has a deep, robust tone, which contrasts with his fresh, clean-cut appearance.

Their stage banter is entertaining too, so if you go to a festival, you should catch them at least once.

Their suits also make for a stylish look.

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[From Classics to the Latest] A Roundup of Recommended Japanese Rock Bands! [2026] (111–120)

1998Atomic Skipper

Atomic Skipper – 1998(Music Video)

1998Atomic Skipper

Atomic Skipper is a rock band formed in 2014 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Flying the banner of being a “head‑on, no‑nonsense rock band,” they deliver energetic live performances.

After releasing their first nationwide-distributed mini-album, “Shishun o Koete,” in 2020, they put out their major-label debut album, “Orbital,” from Universal Sigma in 2023.

Their hallmark is crafting emotional melodies rooted in rock and J-pop.

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Keep on believin’MORGIC

Keep on believin’ – MORGIC (Official Music Video)

Keep on believin'MORGIC

How about sprinting through your youth with high-velocity melodic punk? We are MORGIC, a three-piece band from Nagoya, Aichi.

We kicked off full-scale activities with our first live show at live house R.A.D in February 2023.

Our 1st demo, “GRADE UP CONTACT,” sold out its limited run of 500 copies.

Our diverse sound—featuring elements like ska punk—is a key part of our appeal.

If you want to charge toward your dreams or celebrate youth with your friends, don’t miss their music!

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