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!
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Recommended Japanese bands for middle schoolers (31–40)
Soldiers of Februarythe cabs
the cabs is a band that built a unique world with complex rhythmic structures and literary lyrics.
They made their indie debut in 2011 on Zankyo Record with the mini-album “Ichiban Hajime no Dekigoto.” A highly skilled group, they balance songs that make full use of irregular time signatures, drumming likened to a bomber, and a translucent singing voice.
In February 2013, they were forced to disband due to the disappearance of their guitarist, but the members continued with their respective projects and achieved a long-awaited reunion in 2025.
Experimental yet emotionally expressive, their music resonates across generations.
Law of the Seatiny yawn
tiny yawn has been gaining attention for their distinctive sound that weaves together elements of ’90s emo, post-rock, and neo-soul.
Formed in 2017, this four-piece crafts a sound where delicate riffs and technical musicianship create something simple yet deeply resonant.
In 2021, they won ROAD TO JAPAN JAM and received the Roland Award at Ototama Grand Prix, earning high praise within the scene.
Their songs gently capture the small emotions and everyday scenes of daily life—highly recommended for anyone seeking a soothing respite from a busy day.
Take one tablet without water.wash?
Wash?, a band whose appeal lies in a sound that fuses alternative rock and grunge, was formed in Tokyo in 2002.
Centered around Dai Okumura, the lineup became a trio when bassist Masamitsu Kawasaki joined in 2011 and drummer Takanori Sugiyama in 2019.
Their roaring guitars and driving rhythms have captivated many fans.
It’s perfect for those who want to sublimate everyday emotions through music.
decorationakashikku
Akashic is a rock band formed in 2011.
Their 2014 mini-album “Conservative” reached No.
1 on the indie chart at Tower Records Shibuya, and they made their major-label debut the following year in 2015 under unBORDE.
They fuse an impulsive, primal sensibility with a diverse sound that spans J-pop, progressive rock, and jazz rock.
Although they disbanded in 2019, they resumed activities in November 2024.
Let yourself be swept away by the vortex of their emotions.
KichijojiANORAK!
ANORAK! is a band formed in Tokyo in 2019.
Their appeal lies in a sound that fuses elements of the emo revival and melodic punk.
Their prowess has earned high praise from Masafumi Goto of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.
Since their first EP in 2020, they’ve steadily released new music, and in 2024 they put out their second album, “Self-actualization and the ignorance and hesitation towards it.” Their unconventional sound features delicate twin-guitar arpeggios and bold tempo shifts.
Highly recommended for those who want to be moved by an emotional resonance.
Recommended Japanese bands for middle schoolers (41–50)
Give flowersBlume popo
Introducing the appeal of Blume popo, a five-piece alternative rock band from Shiga Prefecture.
All members have been friends since childhood, and the band officially kicked off in 2015.
Their hallmark is a sound that weaves together Miko Nomura’s fragile, translucent vocals with the band’s meticulously crafted ensemble, fusing elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and electronica.
In 2017, they won “RO JACK” at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL and went on to perform at the festival.
Give them a listen and you might find your senses awakened in a whole new way.
nineteenRusan’chiman
Ressentiment is an alternative rock band that emerged from the light music club of Tokyo Metropolitan Musashigaoka High School.
Their name embodies the drive to aim higher by channeling defiance toward rulers and the powerful.
Starting with their 2020 demo EP “Kazaana Akeru,” they have actively released work including their first mini-album “memento.” Their sound shows the influence of math rock, and is characterized by lyrics and vocals that capture raw, unfiltered emotion.
They deliver music that resonates deeply with those who feel a sense of dissatisfaction or loneliness in their present circumstances.