Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 20s

UN-APEXTK

TK from Ling tosite sigure “UN-APEX” Music Video (Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- Ending Theme)

TK captivates listeners with an inventive sound rooted in post-hardcore and progressive rock.

He formed Ling tosite sigure in 2002 and is a highly skilled artist who handles everything from songwriting and composition to engineering.

He launched his solo career in 2011, debuting with the album “flowering.” With intricate guitar melodies and a delicate vocal delivery, he has crafted a one-of-a-kind sound world that balances intensity and beauty.

In 2010, Ling tosite sigure’s album “still a Sigure virgin?” reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

He has also produced numerous songs for anime tie-ins, showcasing his undeniable talent.

His music, woven with a distinctive vocal timbre and expressive power, is highly recommended for those who want to be moved by emotional soundscapes.

In that caseHattori

Macaroni Empitsu "Saraba" Music Video

Centering on pop and rock, as the vocalist and guitarist of Macaroni Enpitsu, Hattori captivates many listeners with his delicately expressive singing.

Formed in 2012 by members who graduated from music college, the band is based in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, and actively performs live.

They made their debut with the 2015 mini-album “Al Dente,” and gained major attention in 2020 with an appearance on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE.

In December 2021, they won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist.

With literary lyrics and a warm vocal tone, they create songs that capture the small moments of everyday life.

They’re a perfect fit for listeners seeking a gentle, comforting voice and emotionally resonant expression.

wishYoshida Ukyō

Marcy – Wish (Official Music Video)

The clear, transparent voice of Ukyo Yoshida, vocalist of Marcy, a three-piece rock band from Fukuoka, gently envelops listeners’ hearts.

Since forming in 2018, they have captivated many with songs that skillfully blend rock and J-pop, marked by delicate vocals and melodic lines.

In June 2022, they made their major-label debut with Universal Sigma and released the album “Memory.” Tracks that served as theme songs for original web dramas and spread by word of mouth on social media kept charting on Spotify’s Viral Chart for about a month straight.

In August 2023, they performed at ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL for the second time, showcasing their solid abilities.

Their deeply resonant vocals and expressive power—conveying strength even within a sense of poignancy—are recommended for moments when you want quiet healing for your heart.

kaiju (giant monster)Yamaguchi Ichiro

Sakanaction / Kaiju -Music Video-

Ichiro Yamaguchi, a multi-talented artist from Otaru, Hokkaido, serves as the leader of Sakanaction.

With a diverse musical range spanning alternative rock, dance, and electro-pop, he has built a unique artistic world.

Since his major debut in 2007, he has continued to captivate listeners with innovative sounds that transcend genre boundaries.

He made his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2013, and in 2015 he composed the music for the film “Bakuman.”, winning the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music.

His original songs—shaped by influences from folk to electronic music—and his literary lyrics, delivered in a tender, bittersweet voice, leave a lingering resonance.

Yamaguchi’s vocals, which combine delicate sensibility with solid musicality, are highly recommended for anyone seeking a moving musical experience.

Supernova9mm Parabellum Bullet

9mm Parabellum Bullet – Supernova

Formed in Yokohama, Kanagawa in 2004, 9mm Parabellum Bullet is a skilled rock band with a distinctive presence, spanning a wide musical range from post-hardcore to heavy metal.

They made their major debut in 2007, and their album “Termination” reached No.

10 on the Oricon charts.

Since then, they have continued to captivate many listeners with powerful performances and a unique worldview.

In September 2009, they proved their prowess by successfully headlining a solo show at Nippon Budokan.

The heavy sound woven by Takuro Sugawara’s vocals and Yoshimitsu Taki’s guitar becomes even more compelling when experienced live.

Energetically active—having also performed at Yokohama Arena—the band’s music is perfect for fans seeking both powerful performances and melodic elements.

Bad peopleBLANKEY JET CITY

Blankey Jet City Bad People

As one of the defining rock bands of the ’90s, BLANKEY JET CITY established a distinctive garage rock sound.

After winning the Grand Ikaten King title on TBS’s “Miyake Yūji no Ikasu Band Tengoku” in 1990, they made their major-label debut with the album “Red Guitar And The Truth.” Their intense, overwhelming sound drew widespread attention, and they proved their prowess on major stages like Nippon Budokan and Yokohama Arena.

In 1997, they headlined the Fuji Rock Festival, cementing their popularity.

Though they disbanded to much regret after their July 2000 show at Yokohama Arena, their music continues to influence many musicians.

They’re the perfect band for music fans who seek powerful performances and a uniquely imaginative world.

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.