Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 20s

long hairFOMARE

FOMARE “Long Hair” Official Lyric Video

A melodic hardcore band that took flight from Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture to the entire country.

Since their formation in 2014, they have steadily built their career, winning the runner-up prize at FM Gunma’s band contest “ROCKERS2015” in November 2015.

They went on to top the Oricon Indie Albums Chart with their album “FORCE,” and made their major-label debut in November 2020.

Their appeal lies in a three-piece lineup’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound, powerful vocals, and emotionally resonant Japanese lyrics, with a string of hit signature songs to their name.

With powerful musicianship and passionate live performances, they are a formidable band that captivates rock fans and doesn’t let go.

Before foundationFirst Love is Never Returned

First Love is Never Returned “Before the Foundation” (Official Music Video)

Hailing from Hokkaido, the five-piece band First Love is Never Returned delivers an all-encompassing pop sound that fuses pop, R&B, and indie rock.

They officially kicked off their activities in 2023 and have been steadily growing their fanbase, including serving as the opening act at RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2023.

Lead vocalist Kazuki Ishida studied vocals in New York, and his uniquely captivating tone—often described as a “voice in love”—is a key draw.

Known for songs like “POP OUT!” and “Back Mirror,” they were selected for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2024.” Combining youthful, vibrant sensibilities with refined musicianship, their music is recommended not only for festival enthusiasts but also for listeners new to band music.

HONDAFriday Night Plans

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

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.

UkifuneGO!GO!7188

GO!GO!7188 – Ukifune / Ukifune – Ukifune (Official PV)

This is a three-piece rock band formed by classmates Yuu and Akko from Kagoshima.

They specialize in surf rock and garage rock infused with traditional Japanese flavors, and made their major debut in 2000.

Skillfully weaving in elements of nostalgic Shōwa-era pop while adding a punk rock edge, they captivated many fans with their distinctive sound.

Their fiery live performances—driven by Yuu’s striking vocals and guitar, Akko’s bass, and Turkey’s drums—left audiences in awe.

Even after disbanding in February 2012, the members each continued their musical pursuits.

If you discovered rock in your youth, this band will surely resonate with you.

Stay GoldHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD – Stay Gold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Hi-STANDARD has led Japan’s 1990s punk rock scene with a truly one-of-a-kind presence.

Since forming in 1991, they’ve captivated countless fans with catchy melodies and a powerful sound.

After debuting with the 1994 mini-album “LAST OF SUNNY DAY,” their 1995 album “GROWING UP” became a massive hit, selling over 700,000 copies including overseas editions.

Their strong vocals over melodic hardcore and their energetic performances have had a major impact on Japan’s rock scene.

They are also known as pioneers in the music world, having launched the rock festival “AIR JAM” in 1997.

A band with a timeless appeal that makes your heart race whenever you listen—deeply tied to the memories of youth.

riskKroi

Kroi – risk [Official Video]

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.

LuckyLucie, Too

Lucie,Too – Lucky (Official Music Video)

We’re a girls’ rock band from Utsunomiya.

We sing straightforward, girlish feelings of love with sweet vocals.

Our band name, Lucie,Too, is taken from a song by a band called Now, Now.

We have close ties with fellow locals SUNNY CAR WASH—our former drummer was involved, and our bassist went to the same high school, for example.