Recommended Japanese bands for teenage boys

hologramNICO Touches the Walls

NICO Touches the Walls - Hologram

A four-piece rock band formed in 2004, named after the idea of imagining a new world beyond the wall.

While rooted in power pop and alternative rock, they drew attention for their distinctive sound that incorporated experimental elements.

Since their major debut in 2007, they have created a string of tie-in songs for popular anime, steadily expanding their fan base.

Centered on Tatsuya Mitsumura’s soaring vocals and outstanding songwriting, they consistently delivered energetic, uplifting messages.

From 2015, they also performed under an acoustic band moniker, showcasing their musical versatility.

Until their much-regretted breakup in 2019, they continued to capture the hearts of young listeners.

For those who encountered their music in their youth, they remain a wonderful band that lingers fondly in the heart.

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"

You hear a lot of ONE OK ROCK in commercials and such these days, don’t you? Their recent songs have a lot of English lyrics, but many of their older tracks are pretty easy to sing at karaoke.

Among them, “Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer” is catchy and highly recommended.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Official HIGE DANDism, a four-piece piano pop band from Shimane Prefecture, began their journey by pursuing a fresh pop sound rooted in the members’ diverse musical backgrounds.

Building on J-pop and pop rock, they blend elements of Black music, soul, and even metal to craft a unique sonic world.

They released their indie album “Love and Peace Are Within You” in 2015 and made their major-label debut in 2018.

Soon after, they provided the theme song for Fuji TV’s prime-time Monday 9 p.m.

drama, quickly rising to prominence.

In 2019, they won Best New Artist Video at MTV VMAJ 2018, and their albums “Traveler” and “Editorial” earned back-to-back Grand Prizes at the CD Shop Awards.

Incorporating technopop elements as well, their music captivates many listeners with its pleasant melodies and distinctive vocals.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]

Omoinotake is a three-piece band from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, known for their distinctive sound strongly influenced by Black music such as soul, R&B, and hip-hop.

Featuring Reo Fujii’s soaring vocals and piano, Tomoaki Fukushima on bass, and Hironoshin Tomita on drums, they’ve drawn attention as a rare guitar-less band.

They made their major-label debut in November 2021 with their first EP, “EVERBLUE,” on Sony Music Labels, and in 2024 provided the theme song for the drama “Eye Love You,” starring Fumi Nikaido.

Even before their major debut, they showcased their abilities with street performances in Shibuya starting in 2017, drawing crowds of over 500 people at their peak.

Expressing Black music through a uniquely band-oriented approach, their sound is recommended not only for traditional rock fans but also for listeners who love R&B and soul.

Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Theory of Heart [Official Music Video]

Many people may have come to know them through the movie Your Name.

You probably know “Zenzenzense” and “Sparkle,” but I hope you’ll also give their older songs a listen.

Their lyrics and unique worldview are captivating, and I think you’ll quickly get hooked.

Why I’m MeRIZE

RIZE 『Why I’m Me』Music Video

Formed in 1997, the Japanese three-piece rock band RIZE delivers a unique sound that fuses a wide range of genres, including mixture rock, alternative rock, nu metal, and punk rock.

They made their major debut in August 2000 with the release of the album “ROOKEY.” After relocating their base of operations to Los Angeles, they expanded their activities overseas, including a U.S.

tour with Kottonmouth Kings.

In December 2017, they proved their prowess by successfully holding the first Nippon Budokan concert in the band’s history.

With passionate messages and overwhelming performances, RIZE continues to leave a powerful mark on the J-rock scene, offering a moving experience with their heartfelt, high-energy sound.

To tell the truth,SHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Actually, I…”

“SHISHAMO” is a girls’ band, but these two songs told from a boy’s perspective are highly recommended, so I’d love for everyone to give them a listen.

“I Got a Girlfriend” is said to be followed by “Actually, I…,” so try listening in that order.

It’s a love story that looks pure but isn’t pure at all.