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)

Love againglobe

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

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.

LoVe SHouT!Mōmō Rurugyaban

Mow Mow LuLu Gyaban – LoVe SHouT! [YouTube Limited Version]
LoVe SHouT!Mōmō Rurugyaban

Mow Mow Lu Lu Gyaban is a Kyoto-born three-piece band that creates a one-of-a-kind sound fusing techno and rock.

Formed in 2005, they began performing with the unconventional lineup of drums, keyboards, and bass, and won the Grand Prix at FM802’s MUSIC CHALLENGE 2008 in 2009.

Their distinctive musicality—transcending genre boundaries from J-pop and art rock to experimental music—has drawn significant attention.

Their live shows, which push their souls to the brink and emphasize unity with the audience, are overwhelming; call-and-response has become a hallmark of their performances.

While incorporating techno-oriented approaches, their music also carries funky and punk elements, making it perfect for music fans seeking a thrilling sonic experience.

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

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.

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.

DakitimeSweet Robots Against The Machine 3 with Kaho

Sweet Robots Against The Machine 3 with Kaho / Dakitime
DakitimeSweet Robots Against The Machine 3 with Kaho

As Towa Tei’s alias project, Sweet Robots Against The Machine has relaunched for the first time in 16 years.

In addition to Towa Tei, Yoshinori Sunahara and Bakarhythm participated, and actress Kaho was invited as a guest vocalist for the recording.

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.

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.