RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 20s

Men in their 20s range from hardcore festival lovers to people who don’t know much about bands at all.

I’d like to introduce some recommended Japanese bands that are sure to get anyone hyped, no matter which camp you’re in.

There are plenty of heart-throbbing bands out there!

Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 20s (21–30)

HONDAFriday Night Plans

Friday Night Plans – HONDA (Prod.Dr.Pay)
HONDAFriday Night Plans

Friday Night Plans is a music project led by Masumi, a singer-songwriter based in Tokyo.

With a sound that spans R&B, soul, pop, and more, it’s bringing a fresh breeze to Japan’s R&B scene.

Since launching in 2018, the project has garnered international listeners with songs primarily in English.

From the start, it drew attention—being selected as Apple Music’s New Artist of the Week—and in 2019, a Honda commercial song reached No.

71 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.

On YouTube, the channel has surpassed 140,000 subscribers and received the Silver Creator Award.

Through collaborative work with producers like Tepppei and ENA, they continue to take on experimental challenges and pursue a unique artistic vision.

This is an artist recommended for those who seek a delicate, expressive voice and a flexible, genre-crossing musicality.

riskKroi

Kroi – risk [Official Video]
riskKroi

Kroi is gaining attention for their musical style rooted in Black music, blending a wide range of genres including R&B, funk, soul, rock, and hip-hop.

Formed in February 2018, they rose to prominence by winning an audition out of roughly 3,000 groups and performing at Summer Sonic, among other remarkable achievements.

They made their major debut with the album “LENS” in June 2021, and in January 2024 held a one-man show at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo.

Each member brings a different musical background, drawing influence from a wide array of artists such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

They’re a five-piece band perfect for music fans seeking a unique, genre-crossing mixture sound that transcends scene boundaries.

Summer IllusionOmoinotake

Omoinotake / Summer Illusion [Official Music Video]
Summer IllusionOmoinotake

Omoinotake is a three-piece band from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, taking flight onto the global stage.

With the unique lineup of keyboards, bass, and drums, their sound is strongly influenced by Black music.

They made their major-label debut in November 2021 with the album EVERBLUE on Sony Music Labels.

Their street performance in Shibuya drew over 500 people, and they’ve gained major attention with their songs featured as TV drama themes.

They are close with members of Official HIGE DANDism, and all three were born in 1992, making them a same-year classmates band.

Their appeal lies in clear falsetto vocals and arrangements brimming with an easy, infectious groove, as they continue to pursue a fresh, genre-defying musicality.

They’re a perfect fit not only for R&B fans but also for any music lover seeking something new.

Tokyo feat. Mamiko Suzuki, Skaaiyonawo

yonawo – tokyo feat. Mamiko Suzuki, Skaai (Official Video)
Tokyo feat. Mamiko Suzuki, Skaaiyonawo

The four-piece band yonawo from Fukuoka crafts a one-of-a-kind sound that fuses R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop.

With Shota Araya’s gentle vocals and the exceptional musicianship of every member, they create songs that resonate deeply with listeners.

They began their full-scale musical activities in 2017 and made their major-label debut in 2019.

Word of mouth about their high musicality spread, steadily expanding their fan base.

Their advanced performance skills and live shows have been highly praised across music media, and they command a strong presence at festivals nationwide.

In February 2025, they will release an ambitious work featuring Mamiko Suzuki and Skaai.

They’re recommended not only for R&B fans but also for anyone seeking genre-defying music.

rayBUMP OF CHICKEN

This band began with the unusual lineup of all childhood friends born in 1979.

Often classified as alternative rock or J-rock, they debuted in 1999 with the indie album “FLAME VEIN.” They made their major-label debut in 2000 and have since been active while providing numerous theme songs for anime and films.

Motoharu Fujiwara, the central figure of the band, writes and composes nearly all of their songs.

With profound lyrics and melodious sound, they continue to captivate many fans.

In 2007, they achieved a rare triple crown in the same year at the SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards 2008, a testament to their highly regarded talent.

BUMP OF CHICKEN also produces tracks that incorporate techno-inspired approaches into their band sound, taking on a wide range of musical styles, making them a perfect fit for music fans who love melodic songs.

FateOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism

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.

Cute Yuna-chanchou ☆ shakaiteki sandaru

Super☆Social Sandals “Cute Yuna-chan” Music Video
Cute Yuna-chanchou ☆ shakaiteki sandaru

Super☆Social Sandals is a four-piece rock band that burst onto the Gen Z music scene.

Blending lo-fi garage sounds with a nostalgic ’90s vibe, they’ve forged a distinctive world that resonates with young listeners.

Since forming in 2021, they’ve brought a fresh breeze with feverish, languid vocals and performances that are rough around the edges yet irresistibly compelling.

In 2023, they won MUSIC GOLD RUSH SEASON IV, earned honors in the “Derenno!? Summer Sonic!? 2023” audition, and went on to perform at Summer Sonic.

Based in Shimokitazawa, they play live shows energetically, and their cross-disciplinary creativity—such as video work by Mashiro Onizawa—is also drawing attention.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking modern pop music with a touch of nostalgia.