Japanese rock/pop bands recommended for men

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.

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.

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children

Mr.Children 「Tomorrow never knows」 MUSIC VIDEO

Formed in 1989, the accomplished rock band Mr.Children is an artist that represents the Japanese music scene.

They made their major debut in 1992 and quickly gained nationwide popularity.

They have achieved million-seller status with more than ten releases, and albums like Atomic Heart and BOLERO have sold over three million copies.

Characterized by Kazutoshi Sakurai’s distinctive vocals and lyrics rich in spiritual depth, their music continues to captivate listeners across generations.

With melodies and words that resonate with the listener’s heart, the band is supported by a wide range of age groups.

Their live house performances are breathtaking, offering a firsthand experience of music’s power and delicacy.

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.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake is a three-piece band from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, known for their distinctive sound strongly influenced by Black music such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop.

Featuring Reo Fujii’s soaring vocals and piano, Tomoaki Fukushima on bass, and Hironoshin Tomita on drums, they’ve drawn attention as a rare guitar-less band.

They made their major-label debut in November 2021 with their first EP, “EVERBLUE,” on Sony Music Labels, and in 2024 provided the theme song for the drama “Eye Love You,” starring Fumi Nikaido.

Even before their major debut, they showcased their abilities with street performances in Shibuya starting in 2017, drawing crowds of over 500 people at their peak.

Expressing Black music through a uniquely band-oriented approach, their sound is recommended not only for traditional rock fans but also for listeners who love R&B and soul.

Supernova9mm Parabellum Bullet

9mm Parabellum Bullet – Supernova

Formed in Yokohama, Kanagawa in 2004, 9mm Parabellum Bullet is a skilled rock band with a distinctive presence, spanning a wide musical range from post-hardcore to heavy metal.

They made their major debut in 2007, and their album “Termination” reached No.

10 on the Oricon charts.

Since then, they have continued to captivate many listeners with powerful performances and a unique worldview.

In September 2009, they proved their prowess by successfully headlining a solo show at Nippon Budokan.

The heavy sound woven by Takuro Sugawara’s vocals and Yoshimitsu Taki’s guitar becomes even more compelling when experienced live.

Energetically active—having also performed at Yokohama Arena—the band’s music is perfect for fans seeking both powerful performances and melodic elements.

Bad peopleBLANKEY JET CITY

Blankey Jet City Bad People

As one of the defining rock bands of the ’90s, BLANKEY JET CITY established a distinctive garage rock sound.

After winning the Grand Ikaten King title on TBS’s “Miyake Yūji no Ikasu Band Tengoku” in 1990, they made their major-label debut with the album “Red Guitar And The Truth.” Their intense, overwhelming sound drew widespread attention, and they proved their prowess on major stages like Nippon Budokan and Yokohama Arena.

In 1997, they headlined the Fuji Rock Festival, cementing their popularity.

Though they disbanded to much regret after their July 2000 show at Yokohama Arena, their music continues to influence many musicians.

They’re the perfect band for music fans who seek powerful performances and a uniquely imaginative world.