RAG MusicHouse-Techno
Recommended house/techno

Recommended Japanese techno bands. Popular and signature songs with technopop sound.

When we think of techno, the image that comes to mind is Detroit in the United States—rooted in Black music, a sound derived from the then-buzzing house music that energized the underground scene.

From there, its popularity spread to Europe and, before long, it became something you could frequently hear in Japan as well, interpreted under the term “technopop.”

Fast-forward to today, techno retains a strong following, with many musicians incorporating techno-inspired approaches into band formats.

In this feature, we’ll introduce works by Japanese techno and technopop bands and units, both old and new!

You’ll find tracks brimming with classic new wave vibes and synth-pop, with elements of rock crossing over too.

Some groups aren’t even organized in the conventional band format, which makes the scene feel all the more fresh.

Recommended Japanese techno bands. Popular and signature technopop tracks (11–20)

Get WildTM NETWORK

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Get WildTM NETWORK

TM Network is an electronica band consisting of Tetsuya Komuro, Takashi Utsunomiya, and Naoto Kine.

They continued to score hits from the mid-1980s through the 1990s by pairing technopop with rock-style vocals.

Tetsuya Komuro has also showcased his talents as a producer for other artists.

Ricky’s Hand Feat.BODILTakkyu Ishino

Ricky’s Hand Feat.BODIL _Fad Gadget Cover
Ricky's Hand Feat. Takkyu Ishino of BODIL

Takkyu Ishino’s track featuring BODIL, a New Wave artist based in the Kansai region, is a rendition of Fad Gadget’s “Ricky’s Hand.” The song comes together as a perfect fit, blending the playful, dance-inducing sound of Takkyu Ishino—one of Japan’s leading techno artists—with the fresh energy of up-and-coming artist BODIL.

Whyyahyel

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Whyyahyel

A five-piece band formed in 2015.

With a VJ among the members, you can sense the influence of techno and other club music.

Their sound is stylish and highly attuned, resonating with the contemporary international music scene.

Ship In ShipNeon

A band that follows a unique path combining techno and rock, they’re popular not only for their sampling and electronic sounds but also for their live performances with a full band.

Their hallmark is shimmering, flowing melodies that feel like being bathed in light named “sound,” and while grounded in techno and disco music, this luxurious track also lets you savor a rock sensibility.

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PC Music Club is attracting attention as a rising star on Japan’s techno scene.

Their tracks, which modernize the warmth of analog synths and vintage tones, linger pleasantly in your ears.

Rooted in a deep respect for game music and techno from the 1980s to the 1990s, they keep releasing innovative sounds one after another.

That’s why they’re especially recommended for music fans seeking a sense of nostalgia.

Once you listen to their music, you’ll inevitably find your body moving to the rhythm.

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Sugar’s Campaign – “Holiday” MUSIC VIDEO
HolidaySugar's campaign

This is a technopop band centered around Seiho—who has been highly active in recent years with overseas performances and collaborations with Akiko Yano—and Avec Avec, who made a name in the scene with releases from the internet music label Maltine Records.

Recommended Japanese techno bands: Popular and signature technopop tracks (21–30)

Wandervogelkururi

An experimental rock band born from a university club in Kyoto.

Quruli made their major debut in 1998 and, while rooted in rock, has shaken up the music scene with a wide-ranging sound that transcends genres, including classical and techno.

They ventured into alternative rock with the album “THE WORLD IS MINE,” and achieved a fusion with classical music on the album “Tanz Walzer.” Their distinctive musicality and cultural activities earned them the Kyoto City Cultural and Artistic Merit Award in 2021.

Since 2007, they have hosted the music festival “Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai” in Umekoji Park, Kyoto, contributing to the promotion of local music culture.

Continually pursuing new forms of musical expression beyond genre boundaries, Quruli’s music is perfect for fans drawn to experimental sounds and poetic lyrics.