Japanese bands recommended for junior high school students

Premeditated revengeMakishimamu Za Horumon

Maximum the Hormone 'Yoshu Fukushu' Music Video

Now here’s “Yoshu Fukushu” by Maximum the Hormone, a massively popular mixture rock band that virtually everyone knows today.

It’s a song I hope helps spread the idea that music isn’t just about words—there are songs in this world whose essence can’t be conveyed by words alone.

HypocrisyC-GATE

C-GATE / Hypocrisy 【OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO】

Based in Tokyo, C-GATE is a post-metalcore band formed in Nagano in 2012.

The members are vocalist NaShun, guitarist/vocalist Ryo Sakura, bassist Johnny, and drummer/vocalist Hiroki.

Their hallmark is a heavy, technical sound that ferociously fuses elements of death metal and hardcore.

After self-releasing their album “void” in 2016, they overcame lineup changes and accelerated their activities.

In March 2022, their track “Eat ’em all” topped Japan’s metal top songs chart, solidifying their credentials.

Their sound, which marries uncompromising aggression with architectural precision, is sure to resonate deeply with listeners seeking true metalcore.

Self-HatredDEXCORE

DEXCORE 「Self-Hatred」 Official Music Video

DEXCORE is a visual-kei metalcore band based in Nagoya.

Formed in October 2016, they launched their career that December with the digital single “The Dead Sea.” Their distinctive “DEX sound,” which fuses the ferocity of metalcore and deathcore with the dramatic melodies characteristic of visual kei, quickly drew attention.

In 2020, they released their first full-length album, [METEMPSYCHOSIS.], earning acclaim within the scene.

Let vocalist Kagami’s beastly shouts and contrastingly sweet, delicate clean vocals capture your heart!

custom; convention; old-fashioned practiceDEVILOOF

DEVILOOF – Custom (Official Music Video)

DEVILOOF captivates with a style that fuses the aesthetics of visual kei with overseas deathcore.

Formed in Osaka in 2015, the band consists of four members: vocalist Keisuke, guitarist/vocalist Ray, bassist Taiki, and drummer Kanta.

While incorporating extreme metal elements such as slamming and brutal death metal, they craft songs with a strong sense of structure and beauty.

Their 2021 album Dystopia topped international metal charts, showcasing their global impact.

Actor Tadanobu Asano being a fan and appearing in their music video Inshū is another testament to their influence.

Known as “Japan’s most ferocious visual kei,” their sound is one you should definitely experience.

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

This is “Rewrite” by the hugely popular four-piece rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.

It’s a song I especially want middle schoolers—who often grapple with dissatisfaction toward society and complex emotions—to experience: a full-throttle melody that feels like a cry from the heart, crafted by the genius Masafumi Gotoh, capturing the rush of youth.

SurvivorBLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT 'Survivor' Music Video [Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Opening Theme]

Blue Encount’s songs, which might feel like the presence of an older brother, are always like cheer-up anthems that give you a push forward.

Their tracks—great for middle schoolers who want to create music that stays close to the heart—are solid, gentle, and sure to move the listener.

threadCreepHyp

CreepHyp – “Ito” MUSIC VIDEO (Theme song for the film “Teiichi: Battle of Supreme High”)

This is also a band I recommend to people who love unique bands that create their own distinctive world.

To stand out from others, individuality is the most important thing, I believe.

Even if it isn’t immediately accepted by others, if you fully express your individuality, you’ll eventually be able to move listeners’ hearts.