[Beginner’s Guide] Recommended Japanese Techno Artists

HigherDJ Sodeyama

Higher (Original Mix)

A techno DJ who plays at clubs and festivals across Japan.

They performed at WIRE, Japan’s largest indoor rave, for three consecutive years and are in constant demand for gigs worldwide.

They also contribute to the growth of Japan’s underground scene by running ARPA records and hosting ARPA Showcase at WOMB, the label’s showcase event.

Love againglobe

globe / Love again #Theme song of “Love Jōtō” #BADLY_IN_LOVE #Bad Relationship

The technopop unit that dominated Japan’s music scene in the late 1990s was globe.

While they’re a bit of a departure from traditional bands, many people probably think of globe when they hear “techno.” The group’s sound—powered by Tetsuya Komuro’s production, KEIKO’s expressively rich vocals, and Marc Panther’s rap—achieved a superb balance, brimming with pop appeal despite its electronic core.

Their debut single in August 1995 sold 950,000 copies, and they continued to rack up million-selling hits.

In 1997 they won the Japan Record Award and, in the same year, successfully completed Japan’s first four-dome tour.

They released numerous classic albums, including Love again, and in 2002 YOSHIKI from X JAPAN joined the group.

Fusing J-pop with dance music, trance, and rock, their innovative sound is perfect for anyone interested in electronic music.

Hakkenden IIHoshina Anniversary

Hakkenden II

Hoshina Anniversary, whose unique musical style is highly acclaimed both in Japan and abroad, is well known as one of the few Japanese trackmakers recognized by Boys Noize.

Following A.

Mochi, who participated with a one-off release, Hoshina became the first Japanese artist to sign directly with him on the Boysnoize Records label.

Continuing to release on the label, Hoshina Anniversary went on to thrive as a trusted labelmate of Alex.

He also achieved the remarkable feat of releasing on Turbo Records, run by Tiga, as well as the long-established techno label OCTOPUS.

Acid Blaster909State

Acid Blaster (Original Mix)

An acid house and techno producer from Takarazuka, Hyogo, whose release on the Australian acid house label AcidWorx drew attention.

As the founder of ‘DESTRUCTION BABY,’ they contribute to the development of the techno scene.

They have also produced remixes for works by fellow Hyogo native tofubeats, among others.

End Of The DeathMars89

Mars89 roaring techno set | BUDX Tokyo

An artist with a distinctive left-field touch who took flight from Japan to the world in 2019.

Their willingness to share healthy political messages without fear—through social media and demonstrations—has given courage to many young people.

Expectations are also rising for their future endeavors in fashion, as they have worked on collections for the domestic brand Undercover and produced advertising music for Louis Vuitton.

Northern lightsRyogo Yamamori

Northern lights

A Tokyo-based techno DJ and producer.

He has built a career that includes releases on Ovum Recordings, the Philadelphia label founded by acid king Josh Wink.

His extremely sparse arrangements tap into the essence of minimal dance music, carrying a rustic yet highly artistic quality.

On the dance floor, crowds become attuned to even the slightest shifts in his sound.

FrequenciesSUDO

Frequencies (Original Mix)

A duo of brothers, ISAO SUDO and TAKASHI SUDO, who have been active for many years based in Japan and Berlin.

They caught the attention of DUBFIRE—member of the Grammy-winning DEEP DISH and a leading artist in today’s techno scene—and released a track on his label SCI+TEC.

They are one of the techno projects actively performing both domestically and internationally.