Japanese Rock Music Popularity Rankings [2026]

silhouetteKANA-BOON57rank/position

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

This is a KANA-BOON track characterized by exhilarating guitar riffs and an energetic band sound.

Embedding a message about the importance of continuing to protect what matters during the process of growing up, the song conveys that past experiences and encounters shape who we are today.

Released as a single from Ki/oon Music in November 2014, it was also included on the album TIME.

It was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Naruto Shippuden and reached No.

11 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s approachable as a guitar practice piece, with an appealing fusion of melodious elements and rock sound.

Recommended for those just starting guitar or anyone looking to explore rock music.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN58rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Live Music Video

In recent years, we’ve often seen their songs performed by student cover bands, haven’t we? Speaking of their appeal, it’s the high level of musicianship in each part, which makes their stylish tracks possible in the first place! Their songs aren’t something you can easily master, but that’s exactly why they look so cool when you nail them perfectly.

From the drum solo at the beginning, to the guitar phrases that make use of cutting, to the bass lines that stay groovy while moving around—there’s plenty to sink your teeth into in practice!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

After the cherry blossoms (all quartets lead to the?)UNISON SQUARE GARDEN59rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN 'After the Cherry Blossoms (all quartets lead to the?)' MV

The exhilarating sound and vocals might clear your mind in an instant! This track by the three-piece rock band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN was released in 2013 as their eighth single.

It was used as the opening theme for the anime Yozakura Quartet: Hana no Uta.

It’s got that signature sharp, punchy production that they’re known for—packed with highlights like crisp guitar cutting and a wildly active bassline.

The positive lyrics about “enjoying the moment” are truly empowering.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

on the brink of explosionyoninbayashi60rank/position

Yonin-Bayashi Live: Full House Matinee - Impending Clash

It’s a truly monumental masterpiece that shines in the history of Japanese prog, where thrilling development and architectural beauty fuse together! Often hailed as the “Pink Floyd of Japan,” this is the title track from Yonin Bayashi’s classic album Isshoku Sokuhatsu, released in June 1974.

Across its more-than-12-minute length, it paints a tense soundscape where the fragility of imminent collapse wrestles with energy that could explode at any moment.

Katsutoshi Morizono’s husky vocals heighten the urgency, and the ensemble built around a triple-meter riff overwhelms the listener.

You can also feel their curiosity for experimental sound design, like using the noise of a board dropped on the studio stairs as a sound effect.

It’s a track I’d especially recommend to those who want to immerse themselves deeply in music and savor an intellectual thrill.

STAY TUNESuchmos61rank/position

Suchmos – STAY TUNE [Official Music Video]

The song “STAY TUNE” by the band Suchmos, who broke through in 2016.

As expected, the track has a stylish vibe that connects to acid jazz and the like.

You can tell when listening with earphones—the bass is huge! And bassists may have noticed that the song goes below the range of a standard bass, revealing it’s played on a 5-string.

It also uses an arrangement that extends the low end even further with what’s called “sub-bass.” In other words, it’s a bass-obsessed, bass-centric track!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number62rank/position

Back Number – Hanako-san on a High Pedestal

Back Number often provides theme songs for TV dramas and films and is a band with a high level of name recognition.

They have created many songs centered on romance, garnering widespread empathy and support from a broad range of listeners.

In addition to the intrinsic appeal of their music, one of their strengths lies in vocalist Iyori Shimizu’s richly resonant lower-mid register and the familiar, catchy melodies that make you want to hum along.

They’re recommended even for those who don’t usually listen to rock bands, and they’re also a group that regular rock listeners should revisit.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

parabolaOfisharu Higedan Dism63rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Parabola [Official Video]

What kind of scenery or music did the title “Parabola” bring to mind when you heard it? Official HIGE DANDism’s 2020 release “Parabola” is a song I especially want you to hear as you begin a new life and a fresh start.

The lyrics are full of nuance and make you think.

Still, it’s undoubtedly a cheer for those moving toward the future with dreams and ideals in their hearts, and it’s a song I hope you’ll interpret in your own way.

When you receive its message, something may take root within you.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem