Japanese Rock Music Popularity Rankings [2026]

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK21rank/position

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

ONE OK ROCK is currently favored by people of various generations.

While they have a strong rock image, their music is a mixture that also includes lyrical elements like shouts and rap.

It was the ending theme for the TV program “Arabikidan.”

deep redMy Hair is Bad22rank/position

My Hair is Bad – Deep Crimson (Official Music Video)

A rock tune I’d love you to listen to at the end of spring: “Makka” by the rock band My Hair is Bad, released in 2015.

From the very first line, you’re drawn into their signature world of realistic lyrics.

The intense vocals over the fierce sound make a striking impression, heightening the song’s story with a bittersweet edge.

I imagine many listeners will find their feelings somehow linked to it.

It’s a rock track that packs in the temperature and emotions of the changing seasons to the fullest.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Telecaster StripePorukadotto Sutingurei23rank/position

Polkadot Stingray “Telecaster Stripe” MV

A four-piece rock band with a female vocalist, Polkadot Stingray.

This track is impressive for its guitar playing that feels so good, and for the bass perfectly fulfilling its role in a song where it’s front and center.

The interplay with the drums is tight, and the performance that highlights the sprinting feel of the chorus is excellent as well.

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Murakami Shinpei

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The End of the WorldTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT24rank/position

The End of the World / THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT

When it comes to bands that drove the rock scene of the 1990s, THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT is the first that comes to mind.

Their 1996 release Sekai no Owari (The End of the World) is a track whose straightforward band sound really hits home.

The lyrics penned by vocalist Yusuke Chiba have a certain philosophical edge, and his cool, gravelly voice leaves a strong impression.

Their appearance performing in mod suits is striking, and they convey the raw appeal of the instruments themselves.

Not only their songs, but also their look and performance style influenced later generations of band musicians—lend an ear to their rock.

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mutō

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MIDI SURFTHE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS25rank/position

MIDI SURF

A stunning masterpiece of loud rock that fuses fiercely distorted sound with digital tones.

While grounded in the aggressive elements of punk and hardcore, this unique track skillfully incorporates late-’90s digital sound.

Featured on the album “OSC-DIS” and released as a single in August 1998, it also showcases innovative, street culture–inspired visuals in its music video.

Garnering high acclaim overseas, it played a major role in the band’s global breakthrough.

The track has been used in skateboarding and action sports videos, underscoring its strong affinity with the street scene.

Highly recommended for listeners seeking energetic dance rock and for those intrigued by the fusion of punk and electronica.

READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel26rank/position

【L`Arc~en~Ciel】READY STEADY GO

READY STEADY GO is one of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s signature songs, renowned for its heavy yet driving sound.

Vocalist hyde’s sexy low-register voice makes the track irresistibly cool.

The chorus has an openness that feels almost beautiful.

And the weighty sound that underpins the song’s backbone is, as expected, the work of the bass.

That sense of doing solid work in a part of the band sound that doesn’t always stand out—bass lovers will find it absolutely irresistible!

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Murakami Shinpei

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Eric. Wthe band apart27rank/position

the band apart Eric. W（Album version）

the band apart is a band whose bassist, Mr.

Hara—who looks like he’s enjoying playing more than anyone—delivers a heartwarming performance that feels absolutely fantastic.

Of course, his basslines are second to none in their stylishness, creating a wonderfully smooth groove that propels this snappy track.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Only for you, clear skiesYorushika28rank/position

Yorushika – Just Clear Skies for You (MUSIC VIDEO)

Despite its lighthearted melody, this is an emotional love song with a bittersweet lyrical worldview.

It’s a track by Yorushika, the band formed by Vocaloid producer n-buna and vocalist suis, included on their 2018 mini-album “An Encore Is Not Needed for a Loser.” The song depicts the protagonist reminiscing about a summer spent with someone dear.

You can feel, in every word of the lyrics, that their feelings toward “you” have remained unchanged over time.

Perfect for when you want to sink into a nostalgic mood.

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Araki Jakkan

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It’s not me unless it’s meGesu no Kiwami Otome.29rank/position

Gesu no Kiwami Otome “Watashi Igai Watashi Janai no”

When it comes to Gesu no Kiwami Otome, you might strongly associate them with Enon Kawatani’s irresistibly catchy lines.

But prepare to be amazed by this deceptively effortless yet incredibly intricate bassline.

It’s as if the bassist is soloing the entire time—an insanely busy flurry of notes—delivered with flawless, jaw-dropping groove.

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Murakami Shinpei

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All of the YouthFujifaburikku30rank/position

Fujifabric – Youth of Everything

This is a memorable masterpiece distinguished by a gentle melody that embraces the poignant scenes of late summer and the fleeting nature of youth.

Set against fireworks and dusk, it depicts the intertwining feelings of wanting to treasure this moment and the anxiety toward a changing future.

Seamlessly harmonizing Fujifabric’s beautiful musicality with the delicate worldview of its lyrics, the song was released in November 2007 as their 10th single and served as the lead single for the album “TEENAGER.” It was also featured as the opening theme for Nippon TV’s “Onmoe!” and as an insert song in Fuji TV’s 2013 drama “SUMMER NUDE,” captivating the hearts of many.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on nights when you wish to immerse yourself in precious memories, or when you need a gentle push before taking a new step forward.