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Japanese bands recommended for junior high school students

I think many people first pick up an instrument in middle school.

I’d like to introduce some bands that could inspire you to start your own band.

They’re all super cool and passionate—absolute must-listens for middle schoolers!

Recommended Japanese bands for junior high school students (21–30)

BABYBABYichou BOYZ

Ging Nang BOYZ BABYBABY LIVE 2016
BABYBABYichou BOYZ

This is a signature song by Ging Nang Boyz, led by Kazunobu Mineta, who has recently been gaining attention for his work as an actor.

The lyrics are straightforward and simple, but it’s a masterpiece that passionately conveys his earnest feelings for her.

It’s a song I highly recommend to junior high school students in the midst of their youth.

sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI

With their unique worldview that captivates fans and never lets go, SEKAI NO OWARI continues to shine.

It’s also true that many of their hardcore fans are junior high school boys.

Perhaps the appeal lies in being drawn into a world that feels like an escape from reality—one that doesn’t exist in everyday life.

They will no doubt keep evolving from here on out.

If I sing to the skyamazarashi

amazarashi “Sing to the Sky” Music Video | My Hero Academia opening theme
If I sing to the skyamazarashi

This is “Sora ni Utaeba” by the band amazarashi, known for not showing their faces.

It’s also famous as an opening theme for the popular anime My Hero Academia, and its slightly chuunibyo-tinged lyrics make it a track that really strikes a chord with middle schoolers.

HypocrisyC-GATE

C-GATE / Hypocrisy 【OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO】
HypocrisyC-GATE

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
Self-HatredDEXCORE

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 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.

Keep on believin’MORGIC

Keep on believin’ – MORGIC (Official Music Video)
Keep on believin'MORGIC

How about sprinting through your youth with high-velocity melodic punk? We are MORGIC, a three-piece band from Nagoya, Aichi.

We kicked off full-scale activities with our first live show at live house R.A.D in February 2023.

Our 1st demo, “GRADE UP CONTACT,” sold out its limited run of 500 copies.

Our diverse sound—featuring elements like ska punk—is a key part of our appeal.

If you want to charge toward your dreams or celebrate youth with your friends, don’t miss their music!