Japanese Rock Music Popularity Rankings [2026]

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism8rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism’s song “Pretender,” which became a massive hit after its 2019 release.

While the melody and vocals are what immediately catch your ear, be sure to listen closely to the performance as well.

Behind the simple eighth-note piano pattern, it’s the bass line—with its well-placed rests—that really creates that stylish feel.

The danceable groove, reminiscent of Black music, seems to hide its secret in those rests.

And the chorus? It’s straightforward eighth notes that anyone can grasp! An infuriatingly perfect arrangement!

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Murakami Shinpei

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astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN9rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

A gem of a track by BUMP OF CHICKEN, beautifully depicting an inner landscape that reexamines the vastness of the universe and the direction of one’s life.

Using the starry sky as a metaphor, it unfolds to reveal anxieties and expectations for the future—and a steady sense of hope—making it a memorable masterpiece.

Released in March 2001 as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “Celestial Observation,” the piece had a major impact on the music scene as a milestone of J-ROCK.

It is also included on the album THE LIVING DEAD.

It’s a song that gently encourages those who hesitate to move forward or carry vague anxieties.

Beginners may struggle with the performance at first, but once you grasp the pattern, it’s a joy to play!

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci10rank/position

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

A husky vocal line set against a slow-tempo ballad, emotive guitar tones, dynamic, ebb-and-flow drumming—this wacci smash hit is packed with highlights.

Its greatest charm lies in the lyrics that so many listeners relate to.

The theme—still hung up on an ex and unconsciously comparing him to a current boyfriend—sparked mixed reactions, but it was precisely the honest, straightforward expression of feeling that resonated with so many.

Released in November 2018, the song became a major topic on social media and catapulted wacci to fame.

It’s a moving track that’s perfect for anyone wrestling with complicated feelings of love.

Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi11rank/position

Like the Moon Tonight / Elephant Kashimashi

A song I’d like you to listen to on an autumn night when you feel helpless or lonely is “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni” (“Like Tonight’s Moon”).

It was released in 1997 by Elephant Kashimashi, a band known for delivering soulful tracks that resonate deeply, and it’s considered one of their signature songs.

The opening—just vocals and acoustic guitar—features a hauntingly melancholic phrase that leaves a strong impression.

The lyrics, which evoke scenes of the city, pair beautifully with Hiroji Miyamoto’s emotional singing.

It’s a rock number that can give you the push to start walking forward again when love or life isn’t going your way.

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mutō

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The world calls it love.Sambomasutā12rank/position

Sambomaster “The World Calls It Love” Charity Concert

Sambomaster’s fifth single, released in August 2005, is beloved by many as a classic of youth punk.

Chosen as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama Densha Otoko, the song became the band’s first to break into the Top 10.

Its lyrics, which sing of forgiving the past and finding the courage to weave new days, resonate deeply alongside a straightforward rock sound.

It’s a song that teaches the importance of supporting one another and looking ahead even in difficult times.

Highly recommended not only for those who feel nostalgic about their youth, but also for students who are right in the midst of it now.

This LifePay money To my Pain13rank/position

Pay Money to My Pain – This Life (Sub Español)

At first glance, when you listen to the intro, you might think they’re a very refreshing rock band, but the funky sound and the shouted vocals create a cool contrast with the melody.

Their English lyrics are cool, and they’re a band with a large female fanbase.

Stay GoldHi-STANDARD14rank/position

Hi-STANDARD – Stay Gold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Hi-STANDARD, a band that had a tremendous influence on later melodic hardcore groups.

“Stay Gold,” included on their 1999 release MAKING THE ROAD, is a fast-paced, exhilarating track.

The English lyrics depict not only romance but also a sense of friendship.

With a simple band setup and a quick tempo, it really boosts your energy.

Be sure to check out the melodies of these pioneers of Japanese punk!

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mutō

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