[Rock Artists] A roundup of popular Japanese bands
“Who are the artists active in the rock scene?” If you’re a listener who doesn’t usually listen to rock, you might be wondering this.
In Japan’s rock scene, countless bands are active today, and new songs are born every day.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of rock bands that are making waves in the domestic music scene all at once! For those just starting to listen to Japanese rock, we picked bands based on the idea of “the ones you should listen to first.” From up-and-coming groups to legendary bands, we’ll cover a broad spectrum—so start by checking out songs from the bands featured here!
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[Rock Artists] Summary of Popular Japanese Bands (21–30)
The Rectitude PulsationSOLITUDE A SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
SOLITUDE A SLEEPLESS NIGHTS is a five-piece melodic metalcore band where passionate shouts intersect with refined melodies.
They began their career around 2016, briefly changed their name to Eversolitude around 2020, and later returned to performing as SOLITUDE A SLEEPLESS NIGHTS.
They have continued to release music independently, and their EP “Beyond Causality” received high praise from overseas media.
If you’re a fan of bands like August Burns Red, you’ll likely be captivated by their technical sound.
You’re going way too fast.GARLIC BOYS
A legendary rock band from Osaka.
Formed in 1985, they made their debut with the 1988 EP “Ninniku Night.” Their notable works include 1991’s “Psycho Thrash” and the 2004 album “Ju (ten).” Their musical style is broad, incorporating everything from thrash punk to melodic hardcore.
Recommended for those who enjoy high-speed sounds and performances full of humor.
[Rock Artists] Summary of Popular Japanese Bands (31–40)
naut.maegashira
Maegashira is a six-piece band from Hiroshima with a cool, dynamic sound woven by twin vocals and twin guitars.
Formed in 1999, their hallmark is a mixed style rooted in melodic punk while incorporating ska, reggae, and hip-hop.
In 2003, their album “FLOWER” reached No.
25 on the Oricon Indies chart, and they sold out 2,000 demo CDs by hand in their hometown.
Their freewheeling musicality and energetic live performances are their biggest draw.
Goodbye, tearsJi Enputi
The Empty, a band from Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Formed in 2019 by junior high school classmates, they’ve been winning over young listeners with down-to-earth lyrics and an energetic sound.
They kicked into full gear in 2021 with their first demo, “The Empty – 1st demo,” delivering exhilarating melodic punk rock on tracks like “Take Me Out” and “Seishun.” In 2024, they were selected for KBC Radio’s Power Play.
Recommended for anyone who wants to relive their youthful memories or get fired up with friends.
riskKroi
Kroi is gaining attention for their musical style rooted in Black music, blending a wide range of genres including R&B, funk, soul, rock, and hip-hop.
Formed in February 2018, they rose to prominence by winning an audition out of roughly 3,000 groups and performing at Summer Sonic, among other remarkable achievements.
They made their major debut with the album “LENS” in June 2021, and in January 2024 held a one-man show at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.
Each member brings a different musical background, drawing influence from a wide array of artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
They’re a five-piece band perfect for music fans seeking a unique, genre-crossing mixture sound that transcends scene boundaries.
Burning Friday NightLucky Kilimanjaro
Lucky Kilimanjaro fuses city pop and R&B with dance music to create a refined groove.
Formed in 2014 by six members who met in their university light music club, they made their major debut in November 2018.
Their nonstop, seamlessly connected live performances and soundscapes that blend nostalgia with freshness are key attractions.
They’ve appeared at many major summer festivals, making their presence felt at events like SUMMER SONIC, FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, and ROCK IN JAPAN.
With 80s-inspired, synth-driven sounds and lyrics that carry a positive message, they deliver danceable music that fits into everyday life.
Their cohesive, DJ set–like live shows are a must-see, making them a rising act recommended for both dance music fans and lovers of band-driven sounds.
It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu
They are known as a highly skilled band composed of members from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.
Macaroni Empitsu have established a unique style that draws from a wide range of genres, including rock, hard rock, psychedelia, guitar pop, soul, and R&B.
Since forming in 2012, they have released numerous buzzworthy works such as the albums “HB” and “season,” and in November 2020 they made their major-label debut with their 6th mini-album, “Ai o Shirazuni Mahō wa Tsukaenai.” They have been active across many fields, providing theme songs for TV anime and dramas as well as music for commercials.
In December 2021, they won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist.
Hattori’s emotional vocals, the high-level musicianship befitting conservatory-trained performers, and their diverse musicality have earned them support from a wide audience, from R&B fans to rock enthusiasts.