![[Rock × ___] A roundup of Japanese nu-metal/rap-rock bands [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7zeaSFIPZ38/sddefault.jpg)
[Rock × ___] A roundup of Japanese nu-metal/rap-rock bands [2026]
When you hear the term “mixture rock,” what kind of genre comes to mind?
True to the word “mixture,” in the 1990s Japan began using the genre name “mixture rock” to collectively describe bands that, influenced by contemporary Western music, incorporated a wide array of styles—metal, hardcore, and punk blended with rap and funk or reggae, electronic sounds, and more.
While the term “mixture” itself isn’t heard as often today, more and more bands have inherited the spirit of mixture rock and are crossing over an even broader range of genres such as EDM, funk, jazz, and R&B.
In this article, we’ll introduce mixture rock bands active in Japan, taking a broad view that includes the new generation as well!
[Rock × ___] Compilation of Japanese Mixture Rock Bands [2026] (1–10)
FANTASITADragon Ash
Dragon Ash is one of Japan’s leading mixture bands.
They’re a must-listen not only for people who already love the genre, but also for those who want to start exploring it.
Formed in 1996 around vocalist Kj, they’ve continued to lead the front lines of mixture rock with a consistent style, despite a member’s death and lineup changes.
Their catalog ranges from loud, hard-hitting tracks to laid-back, peaceful tunes, so try finding your own favorite song!
Why I’m MeRIZE
RIZE is a three-piece band formed in 1997, centered around Shimokitazawa.
They’re regulars at rock festivals across Japan! After some lineup changes, the current formation features the distinct personalities of vocalist JESSE, drummer Nobuaki Kaneko, and bassist KenKen.
They’re a highly skilled mixture band popular not only in Japan but also overseas.
Their thunderous, drum-like loud sound is truly overwhelming, and JESSE’s husky rap delivers even more impact.
They’re effectively on hiatus at the moment, and we can only hope for their return to activity.
MIDI SURFTHE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS
By the 2000s, THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS were performing at major international music festivals that bring together overseas metal and loud rock acts, and they still have a large, passionate fanbase today as a pioneering and legendary force in Japanese mixture rock.
In their earliest days, they played a punkish sound influenced by the hardcore-to-punk scene of the 1980s, but with each release they broadened their musical palette.
After becoming a trio in 1996, they boldly incorporated electronic sounds.
On their 1997 album DIGIDOGHEADLOCK, they established the late-period MAD sound that shocked the world.
Unfortunately, they went on indefinite hiatus in 2006, but core member TAKESHI UEDA has been active globally as AA=, and the individual members continue to work energetically even now in the Reiwa era.
Many musicians—starting with Kenji Furuya of Dragon Ash—have publicly stated they were influenced by MAD, so if you haven’t listened to their music yet, be sure to check it out.
Golden GraffitiROTTENGRAFFTY
You can’t talk about Japanese mixture rock without mentioning ROTTENGRAFFTY, known as the “sewer rats of the ancient capital.” Affectionately called Rotten, they formed in Kyoto in 1999.
Their songs, built on thunderous rock sounds and infused with elements of hip-hop and hardcore, are seriously addictive.
Recently they’ve evolved in a more electronic direction, making them a group you can’t take your eyes off.
Be sure to check out their self-produced annual event, Porno Ultra Express, held every December.
THAT’S THE WAY WE UNITEBACK DROP BOMB
Formed in 1994, the hybrid rock band BACK DROP BOMB is closely connected with groups like Hi-STANDARD and HUSKING BEE, and is considered part of the so-called Air Jam generation.
Their songs are rooted in rock while incorporating elements of hip-hop and reggae, expressing these styles through a band sound.
Their appeal lies in their catchy, cool tracks.
RUMBLE (feat. Masato from coldrain)Paledusk
Hailing from Fukuoka, the young band Paledusk delivers a unique hybrid style rooted in hardcore and loud rock while incorporating modern sounds.
Blending heavy guitar riffs, death growls, and shouts with trap-inspired elements and breakdowns, their songs weave together diverse musical ingredients that bring listeners fresh surprises and excitement.
Available on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, Paledusk’s music blurs genre boundaries and captivates with rapid-fire, adrenaline-fueled development.
Centered in Fukuoka, they perform energetically across Japan and overseas, forging a strong connection with audiences through their powerful live shows.
1sec.10-FEET
When it comes to bands from Kyoto, 10-FEET is the one that comes to mind! Since their formation in 1997, they’ve built a career as a mixture rock band, incorporating elements of punk, metal, reggae, and more.
Their hard-hitting tracks like “1sec.” are awesome, but I also highly recommend their more laid-back songs like “Cigar Dog.” The lyrics written by vocalist TAKUMA are warm and deeply moving, reminding us that kindness is true strength.
They’re a band that will always be on your side when things get tough.
And be sure to check out their annual event, “Kyoto Daisakusen,” held every July!