[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] (41–50)

Look UpNulbarich

Nulbarich – Look Up (Official Music Video)

Look UpNulbarich

A lineup of vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums: the five-piece band Nulbarich.

They have a J-pop take on black contemporary music—it’s danceable, but with a more relaxed vibe that’s a bit different from the EXILE style or K-pop, making it calming to listen to.

Their coined name “Nulbarich” means “having nothing yet being rich.” They’re a band to look forward to.

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[From Classics to the Latest] A Roundup of Recommended Japanese Rock Bands! [2026] (51–60)

MINTSuchmos

Suchmos “MINT” Live Edition

MINTSuchmos

The origin of the name Suchmos comes from the jazz giant Louis Armstrong’s nickname “Satchmo,” reflecting the jazz foundation at the core of their sound.

Even though the beat in “MINT” is rock, its jazz-tinged arrangement creates a mature atmosphere, making them a very easy-to-listen-to band.

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FantasistaDragon Ash

Dragon Ash｢Fantasista｣

FantasistaDragon Ash

Speaking of Dragon Ash, they’re one of Japan’s leading mixture rock bands that have continually taken on diverse musical styles.

Beyond straightforward punk rock, they’ve released songs with an exotic flair, incorporating elements like Latin and electronica—but their image is most strongly tied to tracks that fuse in hip-hop.

That’s because this song is what really shaped that image.

Since its release, it’s been played at virtually every live show, serving as their signature killer tune and standing as one of the shining masterpieces of the Japanese rock scene.

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Soldiers of Februarythe cabs

the cabs / Soldier in February [Official Music Video]

Soldiers of Februarythe cabs

This was the band that Shuto, who is now active as a member of KEYTALK, used to be in.

The vocalist’s clear, transparent voice and the emotional lyrics are quintessentially Zankyo-sounding.

Above all, the chuunibyo-esque lyrics that capture the hearts of today’s youth really hit home.

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Adhesion☆NIGHTYabai T-shatsu Yasan

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Collusion☆NIGHT” Music Video

Adhesion☆NIGHTYabai T-shatsu Yasan

When it comes to rock, a three-piece just looks the coolest—and Yabai T-Shirts Yasan really drives that home.

They’re a Kansai-based rock band who made their major debut after performing at Kyoto’s famous music festival, Kyoto Daisakusen.

You might think the lack of keyboards would limit their range, but give “Yuchaku☆NIGHT” a listen.

You’ll feel the depth a three-piece can offer.

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At least for today.TETORA

TETORA – Official Live Music Video for Today at Least

At least for today.TETORA

TETORA is a rock band formed in Osaka in 2017.

They’re a three-piece with a left-handed lead vocalist—just their presence alone makes them stand out on stage, but of course that’s not the main attraction! What immediately catches the ear is vocalist Ueno Hayane’s distinctive voice.

The huskiness in her chest voice is pleasant, and the unique tone she hits in falsetto will resonate with listeners who love that kind of singing.

On top of that, the highly relatable lyrics woven into each song are wonderful, and the gentle, soul-soothing performances deliver those words straight to our hearts.

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Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Kiss Me Here.

Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo

Released in 1999 as an advance single from the debut album “Muzai Moratorium.” With this song, she made her first appearance on Music Station, which helped bring Shiina Ringo’s presence to a wide audience.

You can really feel the straightforward emotions of a woman coming through.

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