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.
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Recommended Japanese techno bands. Popular and signature technopop songs (1–10)
Native DancerSakanakushon
A five-piece band from Sapporo, the holy ground of club music in Japan.
They’re hugely popular for their sound that fuses Japanese rock with club music.
In their live shows, they sometimes perform lined up in a row like the great technopop band Kraftwerk, playing electronic equipment.
It’s the person we met at the museum, right?P-MODEL
This is a band formed mainly by Susumu Hirasawa, who had been playing in a progressive rock band.
Their debut song, “Bijutsukan de Atta Hito da Rou,” is a techno-pop classic that layers a so-called “piko-piko” techno sound over a punk-like, urgent beat.
rydeenYellow Magic Orchestra
A three-member band consisting of Haruomi Hosono, Yukihiro Takahashi, and Ryuichi Sakamoto, who were among the first to bring techno sounds into Japanese households.
Formed by three artists active in fields such as rock, pop, and contemporary music, this supergroup continues to influence music fans not only in Japan but around the world.
electric zappingDenki Gurūvu
Denki Groove is a two-man techno band that has continued to enjoy long-lasting popularity thanks to the duo of Takkyu Ishino and Pierre Taki—their humor and an authentic techno sound that stands toe-to-toe with techno music from Europe and the United States.
Takkyu Ishino continues to influence the underground techno scene worldwide.
TelefonLAUSBUB
LAUSBUB is a New Wave techno band formed in Sapporo, Hokkaido, in 2020.
The band name means “mischievous child” and is pronounced “Louse-bahb.” The unit consists of Riko Iwai, who handles guitar, synthesizer, DJing, and music production, and Mei Takahashi, who handles vocals and guitar; both were members of the same school’s light music club.
The two also handle lyrics and jacket artwork together.
Rooted in YMO and influenced by German techno music, their sound draws you in with its floating grooves and soothing vocals.
Their addictive sound design is impressive—like “Telefon,” which went viral on social media in 2021 and reached No.
1 on the weekly SoundCloud chart.
That track also led to an interview opportunity with Ichiro Yamaguchi of Sakanaction, a respected senior from their hometown.
YUMEGIWA LAST BOYSUPERCAR
A four-piece band from Aomori.
While they first drew attention for guitar pop that could stand shoulder to shoulder with Western sounds, in their later period they gravitated toward electronic music, including technopop.
This song can be considered a signature classic that epitomizes Supercar’s electronic era.
signal hijackingpasupie
PASSEPIED is a band formed in 2009.
Centered around keyboardist Haneda Narita and vocalist Natsuki Ogoda, the lineup has changed over time; as of 2021, the group consists of four members, with Masahiro Misawa on guitar and Yoshikuni Tsuyuzaki on bass.
Their appeal lies in a freewheeling versatility that blends a variety of sounds influenced by the classical music Narita studied in childhood, as well as new wave, rock, and anime songs.
They’re also influenced by Fujifabric, and some tracks feature a tricky, techno-like feel reminiscent of songs such as “Denpa Jack.” Layered with Ogoda’s cute yet sultry vocals—which evoke YUKI from JUDY AND MARY—their highly regarded musicality and exceptional pop sensibility draw listeners in.
Recommended for fans of techno and for anyone seeking a genre-defying, idiosyncratic band.