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 (21–30)

Orbicular WaterUNKNOWN ME

UNKNOWN ME / Orbicular Water [Official Music Video]
Orbicular WaterUNKNOWN ME

Formed in 2018 by Yakenohara, P-RUFF, H.

TAKAHASHI, and Yudai Osawa, the unit UNKNOWN ME creates music under the concept of “constructing the inner landscapes of someone who is no one.” They express an original worldview through their musical activities.

“Orbicular Water” is a techno track inspired by 20th-century space exploration.

It draws you into a mysterious, otherworldly realm you can’t experience in everyday life.

SUDO

SUDO Live @078 Kobe Music Festival on May 6, 2017
SUDO

SUDO is a techno unit consisting of Isao Sudo and Takashi Sudo.

They continue to release music on SCI+TEC, the label run by Dubfire, the only artist from the techno scene to have won a Grammy.

Their appeal lies in sound-making that combines beautifully structured compositions with a refined minimalist aesthetic and satisfyingly thick basslines that resonate at the core.

Recommended Japanese techno bands. Popular and signature technopop tracks (31–40)

YOU SO BLUEDUB STRUCTURE #9

DUB STRUCTURE #9 / YOU SO BLUE[Music Video]
YOU SO BLUEDUB STRUCTURE #9

This techno band, formed by four male childhood friends, is active in both the band scene and the club scene.

Thanks to members with experience in rock bands, their sound is an appealing mix of club music and rock band flavors.

You’ll be hooked by their upbeat, danceable tracks.

Keep an eye on the music they create—enjoyable both as a band and as club music.

BODIL -10th ANNIVERSARY LIVE-BODIL

BODIL is a Kansai-based new wave artist known for an industrial techno sound who has been active for many years.

One of the official members is a mannequin.

The story goes that he found a similar mannequin at NOON, a long-established club in Nakazakicho, Umeda, Osaka, thought, “I want this to join my live shows as a member!” and acquired a similar one to use.

He is a junior to Taku Takahashi and Pierre Taki and has known them for a long time.

In 2019, he collaborated on a track with Taku Takahashi and also served as an opening act on tour.

HeartsdelayOUTATBERO

OUTATBERO, a band that originated from Metro, a long-standing club in Kyoto, and later moved their base of operations to Tokyo, continue to be active.

This five-piece has earned acclaim both in Japan and abroad for their alternative style that incorporates elements of electronica, shoegaze, free folk, and dubstep, with their first album reaching number one on the iTunes charts.

While they aren’t, strictly speaking, a techno band, their approach to making music is very much techno-like.

Jump AroundFear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

[PV]Jump Around/Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
Jump AroundFear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

A band formed in 2008.

Their sound is thrilling and cool, blending intense styles like thrash metal, emotional hardcore, and screamo with club music techniques—such as the use of electronic instruments and effects—originating from techno music.

ReedYullippe

Yullippe – Reed (Live at Wedding Rooftop Session)
ReedYullippe

Yullippe is a rising music producer who began her career in 2014 and releases songs as a solo band.

Her techno sound combined with her translucent vocals creates a captivating world that draws listeners in.

She has earned high acclaim overseas, and she is an artist whose continued success both in Japan and abroad is highly anticipated.