Japanese rock/pop bands recommended for men

Telecaster StripePorukadotto Sutingurei

Polkadot Stingray “Telecaster Stripe” MV

While influenced by Hanuman and Tokyo Jihen, this band captivates with irresistibly catchy songs.

Their unique style—lyrics that are mysterious yet somehow stick in your head, and structures where the same parts are repeated over and over—makes them unforgettable after just one listen.

It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu “It’s Nothing,” MV

They are known as a highly skilled band composed of members from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.

Macaroni Empitsu have established a unique style that draws from a wide range of genres, including rock, hard rock, psychedelia, guitar pop, soul, and R&B.

Since forming in 2012, they have released numerous buzzworthy works such as the albums “HB” and “season,” and in November 2020 they made their major-label debut with their 6th mini-album, “Ai o Shirazuni Mahō wa Tsukaenai.” They have been active across many fields, providing theme songs for TV anime and dramas as well as music for commercials.

In December 2021, they won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist.

Hattori’s emotional vocals, the high-level musicianship befitting conservatory-trained performers, and their diverse musicality have earned them support from a wide audience, from R&B fans to rock enthusiasts.

longing; yearning; admirationMitsume

Mitsume – Longing

This band is characterized by songs with a distinctive original chorus sound and a sparse arrangement where each note lingers in the ear.

Their lyrics, influenced by bands like Spitz, are simple yet poetic, with expressions that suggest meaning between the lines.

huge nuisanceyunikōn

Unicorn - “Great Nuisance”

Unicorn is a pioneering rock band hailing from Hiroshima.

Formed in 1986, they made their major-label debut the following year with the album “BOOM.” They established a new band style in which all members write lyrics, compose music, and share vocal duties, and they have cultivated a wide-ranging sound from pop rock to progressive rock.

In 1990, their album “Kedamono no Arashi” won the Album Award at the 32nd Japan Record Awards.

After disbanding in 1993, they reunited in 2009 and have continued to captivate many fans with even greater musical freedom.

Highly recommended for listeners seeking distinctive sounds and a unique lyrical world.

powder snowRemioromen

Remioromen – Powder Snow (Music Video Short ver.)

Adopted as an insert song for the TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” this track became a massive hit despite not being the main theme.

Because it plays effectively at crucial scenes, it remains strongly etched in memory along with the drama’s image.

It was a major hit with total sales of 850,000 copies, and as of June 2013, it also holds the record for the most rented single CD at TSUTAYA, with over 2 million total rentals.

Telecastic fake showRin to shite Shigure

Telecastic fake show

Formed in Saitama in 2002, Ling tosite sigure is a three-piece band known for its unique sound that fuses diverse genres such as indie rock and post-hardcore.

They made their debut in November 2005 with the album “#4” on their own label, and went on to make a major-label debut with Sony Music in 2008.

Their appeal lies in intricate guitar melodies, technical drumming, and the distinctive expression of their male–female twin vocals, and they have provided themes for many anime works.

Centered around TK, who writes and composes all songs, each member also pursues solo activities.

They are a highly skilled band that has greatly influenced subsequent artists such as Soko ni Naru and Soushi Sakiyama.

Why not revisit their innovative sound along with the nostalgic memories etched in your youth?

abnormalizeRin to shite Shigure

Ling tosite sigure “abnormalize (short ver.)”

With their striking name, Ling tosite Sigure is characterized by a heavy sound you wouldn’t expect from a three-piece band.

This song is the opening theme for the anime PSYCHO-PASS, and its lyrics, which portray the anime’s themes, pierce straight to the heart.