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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 (41–50)

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.

FriendsREBECCA

REBECCA – FRIENDS -remixed edition-
FriendsREBECCA

In the late 1980s, REBECCA sparked a new wave in the music scene with their distinctive sound.

Skillfully blending new wave and synth-pop, they have captivated many fans with their sophisticated musicality since their debut in April 1984.

Their songs—woven from powerful vocals and deft keyboard arrangements—have delivered deeply moving, stirring experiences.

In 1988, they won Artist of the Year at the 2nd Japan Gold Disc Awards, cementing their status.

The album “REBECCA IV ~Maybe Tomorrow~” topped the Oricon charts and became a million seller.

In 2015, they also performed at the 66th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

As a cherished page from many people’s youth, their music—combining nostalgia with freshness—continues to resonate deeply in the heart.

Youth FrenzySunny Day Service

Keiichi Sokabe BAND – Youth Runaway Song [Live 2007]
Youth FrenzySunny Day Service

Sunny Day Service has been crafting a singular musical world in the Japanese music scene since the 1990s.

Drawing on a wide range of genres—including neo-acoustic, folk rock, and garage rock—their sound has captivated countless listeners.

They made their major debut in July 1994 with the mini-album “INTERSTELLAR OVERDRIVE EP” on MIDI Records.

As a central presence in the movement known as Shibuya-kei, they drew attention with their distinctive turns of phrase and poetic lyrics.

Although they disbanded once in 2000, they reunited in 2008 and have been active ever since.

Led by Keiichi Sokabe, they continue to influence many artists as pioneers of the Shibuya-kei scene.

Their lyrical songs—evoking scenes of cherished memories—offer an exquisite musical experience that blends nostalgia with freshness.

Let’s go avant-gardeTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Let’s Go Avant-Garde
Let's go avant-gardeTHE YELLOW MONKEY

A band that represents Japan’s rock scene, formed in 1988.

Making their major-label debut in 1992, THE YELLOW MONKEY built a unique artistic world while drawing on the essence of British glam rock and hard rock.

They produced numerous mega-hits and sold over 9 million records by the time they went on hiatus in 2001.

Since their 2016 reunion, their prowess has remained undiminished, with a dazzling list of honors including MTV Japan’s Inspiration Award Japan and the Japan Record Award.

Kazuya Yoshii’s commanding vocals and dramatic lyricism, combined with the powerful sound woven by the Kikuchi brothers—real-life siblings on rhythm section and guitar—continue to move music fans across generations.

Their exquisite body of work, where the essence of rock fuses with distinctly Japanese expression, is perfect for anyone looking to rediscover the wonder of music.

At the End of SorrowElefanto Kashimashi

Elephant Kashimashi – At the End of Sorrow [Official Video]
At the End of SorrowElefanto Kashimashi

A straight-ahead rock band that shakes the soul with powerful sound and a wistful, emotive voice.

Elephant Kashimashi formed in Tokyo in 1981, named by member Hiroji Miyamoto after an elephant’s call.

They made their major debut in 1988 and have led Japan’s rock scene with beautiful poetry and high musicality.

In 2007, they broke new ground with “Ore-tachi no Ashita,” climbing to even greater heights alongside Miyamoto’s overwhelming vocal prowess.

Their influence on the music world is immense—Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.Children has openly said he was “shocked” by them.

The grand sense of scale and the worldview woven by lyrics that resonate with the heart will warmly envelop you along with memories of your youth.

O-EdoKabukirokkusu

KABUKI ROCKS – Oedo – O-EDO
O-EdoKabukirokkusu

Kabuki Rocks brought a fresh breeze to Japan’s music scene with a sound that fuses traditional kabuki and modern rock.

In 1989, they made their major-label debut after appearing on the TBS music program “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku.” Centered around Ichiban Ujigami—known for his white makeup and flamboyant costumes—the band has created original songs that incorporate Edo-period language and traditional Japanese scales.

As pioneers of the visual-kei movement, they have maintained a devoted fan base, and their musical style has had a significant influence on subsequent artists.

Why not revisit that one-of-a-kind sound—born from the meeting of Japan’s traditional culture and rock—along with your fond memories?

My beloved, good night…B’z

This is a Japanese rock band sound by B’z, who attract intense attention from countless later artists thanks to their expansive, energetic vocals and skillful guitar work.

With a commanding presence that’s also highly popular among men in their 60s, it’s a piece that’s crafted to fire up live audiences.