Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 20s

I was deceived by Mikako Yamaguchi.Gubbai Fujiyama

Goodbye Fujiyama / I Was Tricked by Mikako Yamaguchi

As you might guess from their name, they’re a rock band from Yamanashi Prefecture.

The catchy guitar riff in the intro grabs your heart in an instant.

Their straightforward vocals have a certain feminine quality that’s really appealing.

They write many songs about heartbreak—on their 2017 album, 6 out of the 7 tracks are breakup songs.

From here onkepura

Kepla / From Now On (Lyric Video)

Kepla is drawing attention with down-to-earth lyrics that resonate with listeners and a driving, high-speed sound.

Formed in September 2020, the four-piece rock band has a youthfully evocative backstory: all members are classmates from Tokyo Metropolitan Saginomiya High School.

They made their debut in July 2021 with the mini-album “Days of Youth,” achieving a remarkable milestone as its tracks surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube.

In September 2024, they made their major-label debut with EMI Records, fully blooming with the skills they honed during their indie days.

Another appeal is their fan-centered approach: the members themselves handle merch and jacket design, keeping a close connection with their audience.

Their songs, which feel like snapshots of fleeting moments of youth, feature fresh sensibilities and lyrics that evoke real empathy, steadily growing their fanbase—especially among younger listeners.

ding-dong ditchKontenporarīna seikatsu

Contemporary Life / Ding-Dong Ditch [MUSIC VIDEO]

They are a rock band from Osaka.

Ren Asahi, the vocalist and guitarist, is a multi-talented artist who not only writes lyrics and composes music but also creates the artwork and fonts used in their music videos, and even works on Nico Nico Douga as the Vocaloid producer “Ishifuro.” Aya Fujita, the bassist, is said to be following him, captivated by his talent.

Get me drunk with a mojitoGōruden Bonbā

Golden Bomber “Make Me Drunk with Mojito” MV

Golden Bomber, a visual kei “air band” brimming with entertainment value, is bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene.

Since forming in 2004, they have built a unique world of their own, wielding visual appeal and humor as their weapons.

Sho Kiryuin’s distinctive vocals, catchy melodies, and the striking personalities of all the members come together in perfect harmony.

Their signature song released in 2009 became a huge hit with its humor-packed lyrics and unforgettable melody, winning a Japan Gold Disc Award for Best 5 Singles and shaking the music industry.

In March 2024, they held an arena concert to mark their 20th anniversary.

Highly recommended for those who want to relive nostalgic youth days or enjoy a performance with top-tier entertainment.

melancholysaidāgāru

Cidergirl “Melancholy” Music Video

They’re a band aiming for a sound that fizzes away like carbonated bubbles.

None of the members show their faces online, shrouding them in mystery.

Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration—according to the members, they’re just hiding because they’d be embarrassed if their hometown friends found out.

A cheeky comment, isn’t it?

The world calls it love.Sambomasutā

Sambomaster / The World Calls It Love MUSIC VIDEO

Armed with passionate messages and a powerful sound, Sambomaster has secured a firm place in Japan’s rock scene.

Formed in 2000, this three-piece rock band is known for an energetic, emotional rock style.

They made their major debut in 2003, and their song used as the ending theme for the drama Densha Otoko became a big hit.

In 2011, they created a support song for the Great East Japan Earthquake recovery efforts, and they’ve continued to captivate audiences at numerous festivals and live shows.

In 2023, their achievements in the music world were recognized with the Miura Jun Award.

Takashi Yamaguchi’s distinctive vocals and powerful stage performances are must-see, and their lyrics—often centered on life and love—resonate with many.

They’re highly recommended for anyone looking to experience music brimming with energy and intensity.

Isn’t this kind of thing weird?domiko

domico / Isn't This Strange? (Official Video)

They’re a rock band consisting of two members: vocal/guitar and drums.

Despite having only two people, their songs have remarkable depth and are highly addictive.

In live performances, they record the guitar riffs and layer additional guitar parts to create a thicker sound.

There’s a certain sense of nostalgia in their melodies and tempos.