Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 20s

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.

1998Atomic Skipper

Atomic Skipper – 1998(Music Video)

Atomic Skipper is a rock band formed in 2014 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Flying the banner of being a “head‑on, no‑nonsense rock band,” they deliver energetic live performances.

After releasing their first nationwide-distributed mini-album, “Shishun o Koete,” in 2020, they put out their major-label debut album, “Orbital,” from Universal Sigma in 2023.

Their hallmark is crafting emotional melodies rooted in rock and J-pop.

I Wanna Keep My Head UpTHUMB

I Wanna Keep My Head Up

A high-energy melodic hardcore band with a driving sound! Formed in 1997, the three-piece band THUMB was launched by former members of SHERBET at its core.

They released numerous dynamic tracks, including the albums “PEACE OF MIND” and “Let’s Grow Up Together.” In 2000, they proved their popularity by selling out tickets instantly for the “Nine Samurai” tour.

Although they disbanded in 2002, they reunited in 2014.

Their guitar sound—deftly weaving together power chords and harmonics—is absolutely irresistible.

PetalishSorry No Camisole

Sorry No Camisole – Petalish (Live Video)

Sorry No Camisole is an alternative band that unleashes destructive energy and raw sonics.

Formed in Tokyo in 2023, this five-piece draws from ’90s indie roots such as grunge and garage punk.

They debuted in 2024 with their first single, “Disgust / Petalish.” Blending punk’s explosive power with post-punk cool, their music is perfect for listeners seeking sounds unbound by convention.

Overdriveosage

osage – Overdrive [Music Video] (Theme song for BS-TBS Thursday Drama 23 'Spice.')

Osage, a four-piece rock band from Shimokitazawa, has been gaining attention for a sound that blends nostalgia with freshness.

Their music is rich with appeal, driven by Kenta Yamaguchi’s distinctive vocals and the members’ outstanding musicianship.

After winning the grand prize at the murffin discs audition in 2018, they made their major-label debut in 2024 on gr8! records.

Their strength lies in a sonic palette that incorporates diverse genres such as mixture rock and hip-hop.

They’re a must-listen for anyone exploring the possibilities of music.

Soldiers of Februarythe cabs

the cabs / Soldier in February [Official Music Video]

the cabs is a band that built a unique world with complex rhythmic structures and literary lyrics.

They made their indie debut in 2011 on Zankyo Record with the mini-album “Ichiban Hajime no Dekigoto.” A highly skilled group, they balance songs that make full use of irregular time signatures, drumming likened to a bomber, and a translucent singing voice.

In February 2013, they were forced to disband due to the disappearance of their guitarist, but the members continued with their respective projects and achieved a long-awaited reunion in 2025.

Experimental yet emotionally expressive, their music resonates across generations.

nineteenRusan’chiman

Ressentiment 'Nineteen'

Ressentiment is an alternative rock band that emerged from the light music club of Tokyo Metropolitan Musashigaoka High School.

Their name embodies the drive to aim higher by channeling defiance toward rulers and the powerful.

Starting with their 2020 demo EP “Kazaana Akeru,” they have actively released work including their first mini-album “memento.” Their sound shows the influence of math rock, and is characterized by lyrics and vocals that capture raw, unfiltered emotion.

They deliver music that resonates deeply with those who feel a sense of dissatisfaction or loneliness in their present circumstances.