Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 20s

Fashion OperationNekura Tōkī

Nekraitalkie MV 'Fashion Strategy'

They’re a rock band from Osaka.

Guitarist Asahi was captivated by vocalist Mossa’s voice and scouted her, leading to the band’s formation.

While the lyrics tend to be on the gloomy side, their signature lies in the sound design that maximizes each member’s sense of catchiness and pop appeal.

Telecaster StripePorukadotto Sutingurei

Polkadot Stingray “Telecaster Stripe” MV

They’re a rock band from Fukuoka.

The band’s name is taken from a species of stingray that bears venom.

The vocalist, Shizuku, is heavily influenced by Ringo Sheena.

They’re also known for their musicianship, including cool guitar riffs and a solid, reliable rhythm section.

RickenbackerRīgaru Rirī

Legal Lily – “Rickenbacker” Music Video

They’re a girls’ rock band from Tokyo.

In terms of genre, their sound leans toward shoegaze.

Their distinctive lyrics are captivating, creating a world that feels fantastical yet real.

The vocals—especially the high notes—are expansive and clear, with a somewhat ennui-tinged quality.

fuckin’ so tiredyoru no honki dansu

Yoru no Honki Dance “fuckin’ so tired” November 29, 2014 at UMEDA Shangri-La

They’re a rock band from Kyoto.

True to their name, they produce a lot of dance music.

When they perform this song live, the vocalist sometimes jumps down into the crowd mid-song to sing and dance wildly with the audience.

However, they get lost in larger venues, so this performance is limited to smaller club settings (“hako”).

The Washing Machine, You, and the Radiomakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “The Washing Machine, You, and the Radio” MV

They are a five-piece rock band from Kanagawa Prefecture, all graduates of music college.

With strong vocals and musicianship, their songs are highly addictive.

“Sentakuki to Kimi to Radio” is a danceable four-on-the-floor rock number that makes your body sway just by listening.

Comedian Wagyu and singer aiko have both praised their music.

Demon POP, insanely catchy, ultimate hyper ultra musicYabai T-shatsu Yasan

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Demon-POP Ultra-Catchy Strongest Hyper Ultra Music” Music Video

This is a band formed in a university light music club.

As you can hear in this song, vocalist Koyama says his songwriting credo is to pair a cool melody with ridiculously silly lyrics.

They’re the most up-and-coming band in today’s rock scene.

As an aside, the female parts are so high that they’d be tough to sing at karaoke.

Millennium PlanTRACK15

TRACK15 – Millennium Plan [Official Music Video]

TRACK15 is forging ahead in the new generation of guitar rock.

The band was formed in 2020 in Takatsuki, Osaka.

Their 2023 single “Three” reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly ROCK Singles Chart.

In 2024, they were selected as an Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist, and their song “Millennium Plan” was chosen as the ending theme for the MBS drama “Nice to Meet You, Hello, Please Divorce,” bringing them even more attention.

You’ll find yourself captivated by Ren’s emotional vocals and the band sound that supports them.