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 (101–110)
BOYZ SECO MENCHAI
A maiden’s heart sung over crisp rhythms and a heavily distorted, powerful guitar sound.
With a bold approach, it sharply captures the “pettiness” of modern love and human relationships.
Released in October 2017 as a track on the album PINK, this song was selected as one of the Top 10 entries for the CD Shop Award, chosen by record store clerks nationwide, earning high acclaim.
It’s a must-listen not only for those struggling with romance, but for anyone who wants to live powerfully and true to themselves.
A butterfly that cannot fly dreamsTogenashi Togeari
An emotional rock tune that resonates with the heart, sublimating the worries and hopes of youth.
The raw feelings of young people seeking freedom are expressed alongside a powerful sound.
The exhilarating melody and memorable guitar riffs showcase a high level of polish that proves their ability.
Released in May 2025 as the B-side to Togenashi Togeari’s 10th single, “Daremo,” this track is a coming-of-age anthem that gently embraces the feelings of young people striving to look forward while torn between dreams and reality.
It’s a song that gives energy and courage—one you’ll want to listen to in a classroom after school—and a must-hear for young listeners struggling with their worries.
Sugar Surfoishikuru meronpan
It’s a song with evocative imagery that conjures the sea and sandy beaches.
It’s included on the first mini-album “thirsty,” released in December 2016.
Its charm lies in a dreamlike world where you can’t tell if it’s reality or a dream; you can picture words dissolving into the waves and a cyan-colored sea spreading out before you.
Coupled with the vocalist’s gentle voice, it draws listeners into a storybook world.
It’s also a great pick for cover bands: the richly varied melodies and emotionally charged lyrics are perfect for honing expressiveness.
Ideal for when you feel like relaxing by the shore or for a quiet night listen.
Why not immerse yourself in the lyrical worldview that resonates with the heart?
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
A gem of a love song woven from a tender voice and heartwarming melody.
The pure feelings of love that MONGOL800 spins capture the ache of holding unspoken emotions and gently sing of gratitude for days spent with someone special.
Included on the album “MESSAGE,” this song has been a massive hit since its release in September 2001, selling over 2.8 million copies.
It was chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime series Teasing Master Takagi-san and The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten, and was even adapted into a film in 2019.
A resonant track that stands by anyone who wants to cherish each day or convey their feelings to someone they care about.
KusushikiMrs. GREEN APPLE
This piece expresses scenes woven by a mystical tale through an Oriental-tinged melody and band sound.
Created by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in April 2025, it was selected as the opening theme for the second cour of season 2 of the TV anime The Apothecary Diaries, with arrangement handled by Shingo Kubota and Motoki Omori.
The lyrics, inspired by the dual nature of the archaic word “ayashi” (strange/wondrous), delicately weave the power of words, subtle shifts of emotion, and love that transcends time.
In harmony with the story and carried by vocals that resonate deep within, this is a recommended track for anyone wishing to touch upon life’s mysteries and their most cherished feelings.
Cool songs by Japanese rock bands: A roundup of recommended tracks for cover bands (111–120)
NOW LOADINGmakaroni enpitsu
A sweet and bittersweet love song by Macaroni Empitsu that traces the journey of conveying feelings that are hard to put into words.
It beautifully captures the awkwardness of love and the dilemmas of emotion, carried by a gentle yet powerful melody.
Included on the album “Ima Dakishimeru Tarinai Dake o,” released in March 2025, the song was produced as the theme for the film “My Love Story With Yamada-kun at Lv999.” In collaboration with the movie starring Mizuki Yamashita, it perfectly matches a story that portrays modern romance sparked by gaming.
This track gently stands by those troubled by love or frustrated by unspoken feelings, giving them a soft, encouraging push forward.
Absolute relationshipakai kouen
This piece condenses the subtle distance and complexity of human relationships into just 100 seconds.
The edgy sound of Akai Ko-en blends beautifully with lyrics that portray a sincere desire to understand the other person.
Despite its brevity, the song’s structure leaves a powerful impression, and Yosaki Tsuno’s sharp insight shines throughout.
Released as a single in March 2014, it was chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Saturday drama “Lost Days,” which began airing in January of the same year, and it reached a personal best of No.
20 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It’s a heartwarming song that stands by anyone struggling with relationships that don’t go as planned.