Recommended Japanese bands for teenage boys

rayBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN feat. HATSUNE MIKU「ray」LIVE MUSIC VIDEO

BUMP OF CHICKEN has countless great songs, so I recommend all of them, but I want to introduce “ray” because it clearly changed the image of the band for me.

The vocalist of BUMP has liked Rei Ayanami from the anime Evangelion for a long time and even released a song called “Arue,” so I hope you’ll listen to both and appreciate what makes each of them great.

dramaticBase Ball Bear

Base Ball Bear – Dramatic

They’re a forever-subculture, forever-youth kind of band.

They’ve been singing songs that are peak adolescence for over ten years, so they feel completely timeless.

Personally, they evoke a strong image of an after-school pool.

That’s how refreshing they are—a refreshing band singing refreshing songs.

HallucigeniaChevon

Hallucigenia / Chevon [Lyric Video]

We take a closer look at Chevon, a rising rock band from Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Formed around vocalist Mayu Tanikinuma, they are characterized by crisp guitar rock and philosophically charged lyrics.

Drawing from a wide range of styles—from classical to rap—they aim to craft songs that resonate on a visceral level.

In July 2022, just a year after launching their activities, they performed at JOIN ALIVE 2022.

On their co-headlining tour “Daikoushin,” Tanikinuma fully showcased her monster-vocalist prowess, drawing major attention.

With their distinctive worldview and highly addictive melodies, they’re sure to capture the hearts of anyone who wants to dive headfirst into music!

love hotelCreepHyp

CreepHyp – Love Hotel

A straightforward title is nice, too.

And it really gives off a strong subculture vibe.

If you listen closely to the lyrics, it seems to be from a girl’s perspective.

With summer coming up, it’s a song I’d love guys to listen to for various reasons.

Even if you’re not a fan of the vocal style at first, I think it’ll grow on you after a few listens.

Plan ADISH//

DISH// – Plan A [Official Video] | TV Anime “The Elusive Samurai” Opening Theme

DISH// is a band that continues to energize the music scene with a new style that fuses band performance and dance.

They debuted in June 2012 with their first indie single, “It’s alright,” and steadily grew their fan base after making their major-label debut in June 2013.

In 2020, they won an Excellence Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards, and in December 2021, they made their first appearance on the 72nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, continuing their rapid ascent.

Capable across a wide range of genres—including pop, rock, and ballads—DISH//’s musicianship and energetic live performances instantly captivate audiences.

They have many collaborations with anime as well; their opening theme songs, in particular, enjoy strong support from overseas fans.

Highly recommended for music lovers seeking passionate performances and catchy songs.

spacesonicELLEGARDEN

ELLEGARDEN「Space Sonic」Music Video

This band is an old one too, but it’s a legendary band.

They’ve announced a hiatus, yet many people love ELLEGARDEN.

If you’re a guy who likes punk but haven’t found a Japanese band that really clicks, you should give them a listen.

They’re just plain cool.

Before foundationFirst Love is Never Returned

First Love is Never Returned “Before the Foundation” (Official Music Video)

A five-piece band from Hokkaido, First Love is Never Returned is sure to win you over! Blending pop, R&B, and indie rock into an all-encompassing pop sound, they’re bound to capture the hearts of teens like you.

Though they only officially kicked off in 2023, they’ve been steadily growing their fanbase with catchy tracks like “POP OUT!” and “Back Mirror.” Lead vocalist Kazuki Ishida’s lovelorn voice is guaranteed to resonate with you.

In 2024, they were selected for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2024,” drawing attention as next-generation artists.

If you want to express yourself through music, this might be the perfect band for you.