RAG Musicartist
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Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 60s

Here, we introduce Japanese bands—ranging from four-and-a-half tatami mat rock, to neo-rock, and even what was once called new music—that we recommend for men in their 60s.

Why not take a moment to remember your youth, when you held a folk guitar and listened to the radio?

Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 60s (31–40)

presentJITTERIN’JINN

Born in Nara Prefecture, JITTERIN’JINN captivated many fans with a music style centered on the two-beat.

In 1989, they won the sixth “Ikaten King” title on the popular TV show “Miyake Yuji no Ikasu Band Tengoku,” leading to their major-label debut.

With pop songs rooted in J-pop and rock from their debut album DOKI DOKI, they brought a fresh breeze to the music scene.

Throughout the 1990s, they produced a string of hits and, despite lineup changes, established a unique artistic world.

In 2008, one of their songs was featured in the film Aozora Ponchi, and later that fall, their music was also used for the commercial song of SANKYO Fever Dai Natsu Matsuri.

With bright, catchy melodies and heartwarming lyrics, they deliver music that resonates in the heart along with nostalgic memories.

The happiest day in the worldKUSU KUSU

KUSU KUSU The Happiest Day in the World
The happiest day in the worldKUSU KUSU

This rock band, formed in 1988, is a fusion of Hokkaido passion and Shimokitazawa power.

From 1989 to 1993, their unique sensibility and refreshing melodies captured the hearts of many fans.

They made their major-label debut with Polystar in May 1990 and later provided theme songs for TV anime.

Known as a skilled and accomplished band, they won the Grand Prix at FM Tokyo’s “Lion Listeners Grand Prix.” Their appearance on “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku” in April 1989 became their big break, earning them first place in the viewer voting for ten consecutive weeks.

With powerful live performances and melodies that resonate deeply, they even pulled off a successful concert at Nippon Budokan.

Enjoy a sound that revives the fierce passion of those days along with fond memories.

Kiss me right nowLINDBERG

The pop rock band LINDBERG, which made its major debut in 1989, took the nation by storm with former idol Maki Watase’s clear, soaring vocals and the band’s exhilarating sound.

With performances that are simple yet powerful and irresistibly catchy melodies, they continue to captivate many fans.

In 1997, they drew widespread attention with the big news of Maki Watase’s marriage to guitarist Tatsuya Hirakawa, and in 2015, Maki Watase received the 8th Best Mother Award in the music category.

From the albums LINDBERG I to LINDBERG XV, the band was highly prolific during their peak, releasing more than three works in a single year.

Highly recommended for those who want to etch the memorable songs of their youth into their hearts once again.

KissORIGINAL LOVE

Formed in 1985 and known as a leading act of the Shibuya-kei scene, ORIGINAL LOVE continues to create sophisticated, urban sounds.

Their appeal lies in a musical style that blends a wide range of genres—soul, jazz, R&B, techno, and rock—through a unique sensibility.

They made their major debut in 1991 with the album “LOVE! LOVE! & LOVE!” and won the Japan Record Award for Best Album by a New Artist.

Later, the group evolved into a solo unit centered on vocalist and guitarist Takao Tajima, steadfastly defying existing labels, including rejecting the term “Shibuya-kei” during a live performance in July 1994.

While incorporating elements of Western music, their lyrics cherish the nuances of the Japanese language—resonating with those who seek the essence of music.

P.S. I LOVE YOUPINK SAPPHIRE

[Official] PINK SAPPHIRE “P.S. I LOVE YOU” (Music Video) Pink Sapphire / P.S. I Love You (1st single)
P.S. I LOVE YOUPINK SAPPHIRE

PINK SAPPHIRE, a four-woman rock band that brightened the early ’90s music scene, captivated audiences with a pop-rock foundation and a wide range of styles from ballads to hard rock.

After their major-label debut in April 1990, they quickly rose to prominence with a song selected as the ending theme for the TV program “Gilgamesh Night,” and went on to score high rankings on the Oricon charts.

Their bright, refreshing sound and lyrics themed around youth and romance won the hearts of many fans.

Even after disbanding in 1995, they maintained a strong following, and in 2009 they fulfilled long-held hopes with a reunion live show.

Their songs, which evoke nostalgic memories of youth, continue to shine with undiminished brilliance, wrapped in heartwarming recollections.

Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 60s (41–50)

JulianPRINCESS PRINCESS

Jurian (Julian) / Super Loose Socks (Princess Princess Cover)
JulianPRINCESS PRINCESS

Formed in 1983, PRINCESS PRINCESS—a five-member all-female band selected from over 1,400 applicants—brought a fresh breeze to the J-pop scene.

Known for their powerful performances and catchy melodies, they made their re-debut in 1986 under the prestigious CBS/Sony label.

In 1989, they became the first all-female band to successfully perform at the Nippon Budokan, and their hit song released that same year won the 22nd Japan Cable Radio Awards.

They also achieved a stadium concert at Seibu Stadium.

With each member’s distinctive musicianship and Kaori Kishitani’s soaring vocals in perfect harmony, their music is etched deeply in the heart as a cherished page of youth.

Enjoy a collection of timeless songs that rekindle nostalgic memories while delivering a fresh sense of wonder.

Good time & Bad timeRABBIT

RABBIT is a skilled melodic rock band that took flight from the legendary music program “Miyake Yuji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku.” They first appeared on the show in April 1989, winning the Challenger Award, and later drew attention by being crowned the fifth Ikaten King.

In October of the same year, they made their major-label debut with the theme song for a Fuji TV network drama, and in 1992 a song used as a drama theme reached a peak of No.

14 on the Oricon chart.

They have also produced numerous tie-in works, including theme songs for animated films and commercial jingles.

Their tracks—woven from Tomoharu Iwasa’s powerful yet delicate vocals and Toshiya Noshita’s superb guitar technique with soulful “weeping” phrases—captivated many fans with a solid, American rock-influenced sound.

They’re a band we especially recommend to those who experienced the essence of rock during their youth.