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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!
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[Rock × ___] Compilation of Domestic Mixture Rock Bands [2026] (41–50)
Hard WorkerSOPHIA
Some of you might have been surprised to see the name SOPHIA.
They often give off a strong visual kei impression and can seem removed from the mixture scene, but they might actually be best described as Japanese rock that solidly incorporates mixture elements.
The usual musicHAKAIHAYABUSA
HAKAIHAYABUSA is a band known for songs that blend laid-back, peaceful reggae with rock, much like Bob Marley.
This track is one you’ll want to listen to while gently swaying your body.
The reggae-style phrasing of the lyrics and the drum’s steady rhythm feel great, too.
For band music fans who haven’t listened to much reggae, this is a group I’d recommend as a perfect gateway into the genre.
Ozonevistlip
A band among the younger visual-kei scene with outstanding popularity and high-level musicianship.
The heavy-sounding guitars intertwining with the vocalist’s clear, translucent voice are especially striking, giving even bright songs a cool edge.
The dynamics of the tracks shift sharply, making the listener look forward to how each song will unfold.
Blacksmith FunkShimasa Kyoudai
Shamisen music and hip-hop?! Shimazan Brothers is a band that brilliantly embodies the fusion of these seemingly unrelated styles.
Formed in 2001, they established a new genre as a Japanese-style mixture band.
The group consists of eight members who bring a variety of sounds, including saxophone and shamisen, and their distinctive Japanese rap is the kind that gets stuck in your head after just one listen.
Although they are unfortunately inactive now, if you’re curious, be sure to check out their work on YouTube and elsewhere.
BelieverBxAxG
BxAxG is a six-member mixture rock band based in Ibaraki Prefecture.
They made their major-label debut in October 2015 with the single “Huckleberry.” Leveraging strong local support, they’ve created the official cheer song for Mito HollyHock and an image song for the town of Oarai, earning fans across a wide range of ages.
Their appeal lies in a duality between exhilarating, up-tempo tracks and songs that cherish connection, and their songwriting is characterized by crafting melodies where “the lyrics ring.” Including their commitment to their hometown, they’re a recommended band for anyone seeking a fun, warm-hearted vibe.
my peaches feat.PESINNOSENT in FORMAL
INNOSENT in FORMAL, a four-piece band affectionately known as “Inosen,” has generally used animation instead of their own likenesses in artist photos and music videos since their debut in November 2017, gaining attention as a virtual cartoon band.
Their emotional songs shine with a stylish, urban sensibility rooted in hip-hop.
They’re recommended not only for hip-hop fans but also for anyone looking to discover new music.
HOWLINGabingdon boys school
They’re a band that can nail rap-style lyrics, odd time signatures, and complex rhythms with perfection.
It’s the band formed by T.M.Revolution’s Nishikawa, but unlike his solo work, they unleash fierce shouts and perform powerhouse band songs that seize the audience’s hearts and elevate their spirits.