Japanese rock/pop bands recommended for men

FriendsREBECCA

REBECCA “Friends” (Shibuya Public Hall, Dec 25, 1985)

Friends, distinguished by NOKKO’s soaring high notes and its bittersweet melodic line, became one of REBECCA’s signature songs alongside Girls Bravo!, which was recorded at the same time.

The album REBECCA IV 〜Maybe Tomorrow〜, which includes these two tracks, achieved the rare feat for its time of selling over a million copies as an album.

CLIMAX NIGHTYogee New Waves

Yogee New Waves / CLIMAX NIGHT (New Version – Official MV)

Yogee New Waves reigns at the pinnacle of the young city pop scene.

Influenced by classic city pop artists like Tatsuro Yamashita and Taeko Onuki, this band updates the sound for today, sparking a city pop revival and winning strong support from young listeners.

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

It’s the theme song for the drama “Because It’s a Moonlit Night,” written by Hiroji Miyamoto at the request of the drama’s producer to align with the show’s story.

It was their first drama tie-in and became their biggest hit.

Although Miyamoto had publicly declared, “I never watch dramas,” once it aired he reportedly watched intently every week.

It’s a masterpiece whose beautiful melody line, while retaining a punk edge, resonates deeply.

budKobukuro

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Written specifically as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad,” this track was also selected as the entrance march for the opening ceremony of the 80th Memorial National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

It features a quintessentially Kobukuro bittersweet, beautiful melody line and choral work that leaves a strong impression.

March of LifeZa Kuromaniyonzu

The Cro-Magnons 'March of Life'

Since their debut at a radio station’s live event in 2006, they have remained highly active up to 2023, when this was written.

Led by Hiroto Kōmoto, who spearheaded THE BLUE HEARTS, and Masatoshi Mashima, who also worked on THE HIGH-LOWS, their rock ’n’ roll—delivered by some of Japan’s foremost rock stars—is a must-listen even for those who aren’t rock fans.

Alongside simple, straightforward expression, their music overflows with masculine power.

At their core is a gently affirming message that makes you feel “there’s nothing in this world that’s truly no good,” making them a wonderful rock band.

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Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Zenryoku Shonen” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / Zenryoku Shonen Music Video

It’s a classic by Sukima Switch.

You can picture a boy charging straight toward his dreams and goals—a very refreshing, uplifting song.

They say that because the two of them write songs alone and give each other brutally honest criticism, they’ve faced the brink of breaking up many times.

The melody line is very complex and tricky, making it a tough one for karaoke, but when you nail it, it sounds incredibly cool.

Winter FallL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel「winter fall」-Music Clip-

It’s a quintessential L’Arc song with their signature worldview.

The sparkling melody and hyde’s soaring high notes leave a strong impression.

I imagine many people became L’Arc fans because of this track.

It’s also noteworthy as their first single after drummer yukihiro joined, making it a memorable milestone.

Above all, the melody is beautiful.