Recommended Japanese bands for teenage boys

Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei

Galileo Galilei - Aoi Shiori (Blue Bookmark)

They disbanded in 2016, but they’re a band I highly recommend.

From their debut to their breakup, they released songs across a wide range of genres.

You’ve probably heard “Aoi Shiori” and “Circle Game,” which are also songs from Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.

asking for the moonKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Naimono Nedari” Music Video

It seems that around 2015, arrangement videos of this song were popular on social media.

The only thing I remember is the scandal involving the actress, but the song itself is very pop, easy to listen to, and I recommend it.

The vocalist’s clear, transparent voice is lovely.

MONSTER DANCEKEYTALK

KEYTALK/「MONSTER DANCE」MUSIC VIDEO

“MONSTER DANCE” is a song I want you to listen to when your energy is low! It’s irresistibly catchy dance music.

The lyrics don’t seem to have any particular meaning.

It feels like wordplay—there’s a strong commitment to rhyming and keeping the vibe upbeat.

Basically, it’s a song that says, “Let’s all just dance for now.”

Raise Your FlagMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION 『Raise your flag』

I feel like MAN WITH A MISSION has a lot of anime tie-ins.

“Raise Your Flag” is the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.

Even if you haven’t listened to their songs before, I think when you go through their albums you’ll find yourself thinking, “Oh, I know this one.”

IdentityMY FIRST STORY

MY FIRST STORY – Identity (Audio)

MY FIRST STORY is a four-piece rock band formed in the summer of 2011 in Shibuya, Tokyo.

They’re known for powerful vocals, fast-paced melodies, and lyrics that are both heartrending and passionate.

They released their first album, “MY FIRST STORY,” in April 2012 and have steadily built their career since.

Their 2016 album “ANTITHESE” debuted at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

That same year, they attracted 12,000 fans at a successful concert at Nippon Budokan.

The band’s leader, Hiro, is the third son of former celebrity couple Shinichi Mori and Masako Mori, and his older brother is Taka from ONE OK ROCK.

With fiery live performances and relatable lyrics, their music is a perfect fit for teenage boys.

Highly recommended if you want to dive headfirst into music.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Formed in 2013 and making their major-label debut in 2015, Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is known for a sound that fuses diverse genres such as J-pop and alternative rock.

Starting with the album “Variety,” they have released an original album every year.

They have provided theme songs for films, TV dramas, and anime, earning strong support—especially among younger listeners—for songs that depict youthful scenes and inner conflicts.

In 2023, they won four categories at the MTV VMAJ and received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Motoki Omori writes and composes all of their songs, and together as a tight-knit trio they create tracks with catchy melodies and profound messages.

They are a highly recommended band for those who want to experience the power of music through live-house performances.

confessionMy Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – Confession (Official Music Video)

It seems the vocalist, Shiiki, is hugely popular among young girls, so it’s definitely a band that guys should check out.

I think Shiiki is handsome, but the lyrics are basically on the whiny side.

And for some reason, he’s generally timid.

A handsome guy you can empathize with.