[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 Curated List of Recommended Japanese Rock Bands! [2026] (21–30)

KiLLiNG MESiM

SiM – KiLLiNG ME (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

KiLLiNG MESiM

They’re a four-piece reggae punk rock band from Shonan.

While their aggressive lyrics might make you think they’re a straight punk rock act, they also weave in strong reggae elements, earning them popularity for their rugged, hard-hitting rock sound.

Their overwhelming live performances are a must-see.

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Stay GoldHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD – Stay Gold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Stay GoldHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD is nothing short of a legendary rock band.

I’m sure many people started their own bands after listening to Hi-Sta.

From “Stay Gold” to countless other classics, both livehouse kids and those famous band members we all know probably grew up listening to them.

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[From Classics to the Latest] Recommended Japanese Rock Bands Roundup! [2026] (31–40)

somedaySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

somedaySaucy Dog

In 2016, Saucy Dog won the Grand Prix at MASH FIGHT vol.5, and afterward their song “Itsuka” became an explosive long-running hit.

With vocalist Shinya Ishihara’s distinctive, emotion-filled voice as their weapon, their music is characterized by its gentle warmth.

Above all, their greatest appeal lies in their profoundly relatable, heart-piercing lyrics! In this song, the expression in the chorus about wanting to share the same view essentially means wanting to be together forever, and I’m deeply moved by how beautiful that phrasing is.

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blinkback number

back number – “Mabataki” Music Video

blinkback number

A three-piece band formed in 2004 in Gunma Prefecture, centered around Shimizu.

The band name was given by Shimizu with the idea that “to her, the guy who got dumped is a back number (outdated).” It’s true that many of their songs are about bittersweet unrequited love.

This song was released in 2017 and was used as the theme song for the film “The 8-Year Engagement.”

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DECIDEDUVERworld

UVERworld 『DECIDED』Short Ver.

DECIDEDUVERworld

A rock band from Shiga Prefecture formed by six childhood friends.

With fiercely direct lyrics that have earned them the label “a band that makes men cry,” meticulously crafted songs that calculate everything from instrumental timbre to complex structures, and overwhelming live performances that sweep up every viewer into a frenzy, you could say they embody every quality expected of a rock band.

From straight-ahead rock tunes to tracks with unpredictable twists, the more you listen, the more you’ll be hooked on their appeal.

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Hoshino Takashi

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KICK IT OUTBOOM BOOM SATELLITES

BOOM BOOM SATELLITES　『KICK IT OUT-Full ver.-』

KICK IT OUTBOOM BOOM SATELLITES

BOOM BOOM SATELLITES are a duo who gained worldwide attention with their unique sound that fuses techno and rock.

They debuted in 1997 on a Belgian label, making a sensational entrance that was hailed as “the biggest shock since The Chemical Brothers and The Prodigy.” Known for numerous anime tie-ins and as fans of director Mamoru Oshii’s works, the music crafted by Masayuki Nakano and Michiyuki Kawashima is distinctive—rooted in big beat while incorporating rock elements.

They continued to work energetically until Kawashima’s passing in 2016, and their innovative sound has continued to captivate many music fans.

They’re the perfect artists for those seeking fresh and groundbreaking music.

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Even so, you keep running.BLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT “Even So, You Keep On Running” (Special Movie)

Even so, you keep running.BLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT, known as Blue En, is a straight-up guitar rock band.

With crisp, refreshing vocals and a lead guitar that tastefully colors their songs, their compositions scream “pure guitar rock,” which is a big part of their appeal.

They’ve landed many anime tie-ins, so I’m sure many of you are familiar with them.

This track is super fresh as well, and since it’s themed around a marathon, it’s packed with a real sense of speed!

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