Japanese bands recommended for junior high school students

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Formed in 2013 and making their major-label debut in 2015, Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is known for a sound that fuses diverse genres such as J-pop and alternative rock.

Starting with the album “Variety,” they have released an original album every year.

They have provided theme songs for films, TV dramas, and anime, earning strong support—especially among younger listeners—for songs that depict youthful scenes and inner conflicts.

In 2023, they won four categories at the MTV VMAJ and received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Motoki Omori writes and composes all of their songs, and together as a tight-knit trio they create tracks with catchy melodies and profound messages.

They are a highly recommended band for those who want to experience the power of music through live-house performances.

Gently, swayingDENIMS

DENIMS – “Yururi Yurari” (Official Audio)

DENIMS, a band leading Osaka’s new rock scene, has been forging ahead with a unique worldview since 2012.

Their sound shines with a musicality rooted in funk and blues, while absorbing a wide range of genres including hip-hop, jazz, and punk.

They made their nationwide distribution debut in 2015 with the mini-album “Daily use,” and drew attention with their appearance at the 2016 Fuji Rock Festival.

Their groove-rich sound, where rock and funk fuse, is perfect for those looking to explore new possibilities in music.

From here onkepura

Kepla / From Now On (Lyric Video)

Kepla is drawing attention with down-to-earth lyrics that resonate with listeners and a driving, high-speed sound.

Formed in September 2020, the four-piece rock band has a youthfully evocative backstory: all members are classmates from Tokyo Metropolitan Saginomiya High School.

They made their debut in July 2021 with the mini-album “Days of Youth,” achieving a remarkable milestone as its tracks surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube.

In September 2024, they made their major-label debut with EMI Records, fully blooming with the skills they honed during their indie days.

Another appeal is their fan-centered approach: the members themselves handle merch and jacket design, keeping a close connection with their audience.

Their songs, which feel like snapshots of fleeting moments of youth, feature fresh sensibilities and lyrics that evoke real empathy, steadily growing their fanbase—especially among younger listeners.

Beyond that10-FEET

10-FEET – Beyond That

As the title “Beyond” suggests, this is a life-affirming anthem that encourages you to face setbacks and hardships you may encounter on the way to your dreams and hopes, and to keep striving to reach what lies beyond them.

In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Ketsui no Asa ni' Music Video (Theme song of the film 'Brave Story')

Aqua’s music features very gentle lyrics, complemented by equally wonderful vocals.

Their lyrics are known for their strong messages, and I encourage you to take a close look at them.

They will surely move your heart.

Doesn’t it make you want to try writing lyrics like that yourself?

Song of a FriendBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Friend’s Song”

It’s a song also well known as the theme for Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops —Winged Angels—.

Fujiwara Motoo’s delicate, warm melody and lyrics weave a tale of friendship and the journey of climbing the steps into adulthood, making it a perfect recommendation for junior high schoolers in their spring-green youth.

When the wind blows, loveChatmonchy

Chatmonchy “Kaze Fukeba Koi” Music Video

CHATMONCHY is a three-woman rock band from Tokushima.

Since their major-label debut in 2005, they have captivated many fans with their distinctive worldview and poetic lyrics.

In just two years and four months after their debut, they joined the ranks of top bands by successfully holding a two-day concert at Nippon Budokan.

They have also had numerous tie-ins with commercials and TV dramas.

Their appeal lies in Eriko Hashimoto’s delicate yet powerful vocals and the diverse songs born from each member’s individuality.

Until they concluded their activities in 2018, they continued to explore the possibilities of music in various formations, including as a duo and as a six-piece.

Middle school students, why not let CHATMONCHY’s music ignite your passion for starting a band?