Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 20s

REACHING FOR THE SKYMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION「REACHING FOR THE SKY」

MAN WITH A MISSION continues to captivate the world with their stylish wolf-masked persona.

Blending rock, electronic, and rap into a unique sound, they have won over fans both in Japan and abroad.

Since their debut in 2010, they have released numerous hit songs and contributed theme songs for the TV anime series Attack on Titan and Log Horizon.

In 2023, they became the first Japanese band to perform at the prestigious UK festival, DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL.

Their mysterious allure—maintained by all members wearing wolf masks—and their energetic live performances have earned high praise overseas.

They are a recommended band for those seeking powerful tracks and an edgy sound.

IdentityMY FIRST STORY

MY FIRST STORY – Identity (Audio)

Known for their emotional vocals and driving melodies, MY FIRST STORY is a Japanese rock band formed in Shibuya in the summer of 2011.

They made their debut in April 2012 with their first album, “MY FIRST STORY,” and have captivated many fans with their powerful songs.

Their 2016 album “ANTITHESE” debuted at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

That same year, they achieved the feat of drawing 12,000 people to the tour finale at Nippon Budokan.

The vocalist, Hiro, is also known as the younger brother of Taka from ONE OK ROCK.

Their bittersweet yet passionate lyrics and the intense performances of all the members grip the hearts of rock-loving men in their 20s and won’t let go.

lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Lilac” Official Music Video

Formed in 2013 and making their major-label debut in 2015, Mrs.

GREEN APPLE is known for a sound that fuses diverse genres such as J-pop and alternative rock.

Starting with the album “Variety,” they have released an original album every year.

They have provided theme songs for films, TV dramas, and anime, earning strong support—especially among younger listeners—for songs that depict youthful scenes and inner conflicts.

In 2023, they won four categories at the MTV VMAJ and received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

Motoki Omori writes and composes all of their songs, and together as a tight-knit trio they create tracks with catchy melodies and profound messages.

They are a highly recommended band for those who want to experience the power of music through live-house performances.

Aufhebung (Hegelian term often rendered as ‘sublation’)Mrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE – Aufheben

It’s a song by the five-member rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE.

It’s included on their third album, ENSEMBLE, released in 2018.

The philosophical lyrics really make you think.

The beautiful tones of the piano and violin are truly soothing.

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.

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.

Summer IllusionOmoinotake

Omoinotake / Summer Illusion [Official Music Video]

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.