A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
Whether you’ve just started playing an instrument or you’re in a band choosing songs for an upcoming live show, you might be thinking, “I want to play something cool!” In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of cool band songs.
We’ve gathered a variety of tracks—ones with cool vocals, ones with impressive instrumental performances, and more—so feel free to use this as a reference! Once you decide which song to play, all that’s left is to practice until you can perform it with style!
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Cool songs by Japanese rock bands: a roundup of recommended tracks for cover bands (91–100)
Big mouthMissile Girl Scoot
From ska-inflected rhythms to ferocious nu-metal, Missile Girl Scoot’s whirlwind sound will blow music fans away.
With dual female vocals that alternately scream and sing—sometimes fierce, sometimes gentle—this track delivers a shocking opening to the album FIESTA!.
Released in February 2000, FIESTA! earned high praise as an ambitious work that weaves together ska, punk, hard rock, and more.
Its powerful messages of anger and conflict toward society, paired with a shape-shifting soundscape, embody the essence of mixture rock.
Highly recommended for those who want to push the possibilities of music and experience a bold, genre-crossing sound.
90’S TOKYO BOYSOKAMOTO’S
OKAMOTO’S captivate with a groovy sound built on razor-sharp guitar riffs reminiscent of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and vocals that blend elements of Black music.
Their lyrics—vivid snapshots of Tokyo’s cityscape and honest portrayals of the vague anxieties and sense of stagnation felt in one’s twenties—resonate with many listeners.
Released in August 2017 as the opening track of the album “NO MORE MUSIC,” this song was also featured in adidas’s CAMPUS Series campaign.
In 2022, they held “90’S TOKYO BOYS IN HALL SPECIAL ~After School~” at NHK Hall, delivering a grand performance with members of Suchmos as guest musicians.
It’s a recommended track for anyone craving a spark in their everyday life or looking for the perfect soundtrack to a stroll through the city.
Cool songs by Japanese rock bands: a roundup of recommended tracks for cover bands (101–110)
Red tambourineBLANKEY JET CITY
A quintessential 90s love song that symbolically captures pure feelings and passion for the one you love.
Released by BLANKEY JET CITY in January 1998, this track weaves a unique tapestry of metaphors to explore what love truly is.
The protagonist wishes to gift a shooting star to their beloved, and the way their heart quivers in everyday, ordinary moments is vividly portrayed, resonating with the bittersweetness of love that anyone can relate to.
Included on the album “Romeo no Shinzō” (Heart of Romeo) and used as the opening theme for TV Asahi’s “Sunday Jungle,” the song reached No.
11 on the Oricon Singles Chart for the week.
It’s a heartwarming piece with melodies and lyrics perfect for healing the wounds of heartbreak or reaffirming feelings for someone special.
Two MessesCRAZY N’ SANE
A fusion of shouts and rap metal from seven rabbit-masked members.
Released in March 2020, this work channels inner turmoil through fierce guitar riffs and multilayered vocal work.
Having relaunched, CRAZY N’ SANE poured their intent into a song title that signifies dual chaos, embedding psychological themes open to diverse interpretations—from social division to personal conflict.
Featured on the album “TWO / TWO,” it unleashes a highly distinctive hybrid sound that skillfully weaves nu metal and hip-hop.
A track that resonates with those grappling with inner struggles or a sense of alienation—one we strongly recommend.
SquallThe Yellow plan
The Yellow plan, a three-piece rock band coloring Osaka’s music scene, delivers a powerful sound rooted in ’90s–’00s hard rock and post-grunge.
Influenced by bands like Foo Fighters and Soundgarden, they’ve forged a world of their own.
Centered around live-house performances, they remain highly active while valuing connections with fans on social media.
Their energetic performances and high-level musicianship captivate audiences, breathing new life into today’s rock scene.
With muscular guitar riffs and emotional vocals woven together, their sound is sure to be a perfect pick for fans of alternative rock.
Shimi feat. ATARASHII GAKKO!Makishimamu Za Horumon
A frenzy of loud rock featuring Atarashii Gakko! is sending fresh shockwaves through the music scene.
Built on Maximum the Hormone’s mixture-rock foundation and fusing nu metal with hardcore punk, this work unfolds a world of enigmatic lyrics woven with metaphors and symbolic imagery.
Included on the single “Ki-Se-I Rush,” released June 19, 2024, its music video—shot in an abandoned housing complex—premiered on YouTube that September.
The fusion of dark, heavy sound with electrifying dance performance has drawn attention as a bold new form of expression.
It’s a powerful track recommended for anyone who wants to unleash their inner emotions along with the music.
giftRADWIMPS
The theme song of NHK’s morning drama series “Anpan” wraps us in melodies that nestle close to everyday life and heartwarming lyrics.
Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS sings with a gentle yet powerful voice that gives us a push as we try to find what truly matters.
Together with the drama starting in April 2025, this song brings us a message of hope.
In both hard times and happy times, the lyrics carry the thought that “it’s okay to look forward to tomorrow,” like a letter from a dear friend.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to bathed in the morning light—one that stays close to your heart.