Recommended Japanese bands for men in their 20s

This is not a dream.Birejjimanzusutoa

Village Man’s Store “It’s Not in a Dream” (Official Music Video) / Village Man’s Store

They’re a rock band from Nagoya.

A five-piece that epitomizes “manly rock ’n’ roll,” with vocalist Gii Mizuno’s overwhelming singing power backed by a killer instrumental lineup.

Their live shows are just as strong—he’ll keep up the shouts and vibrato for a solid two hours without breaking a sweat.

Every moment and my whole life—it’s all me.Kankaku Pierrot

Kankaku Piero 'Every Moment and a Lifetime Are All Me' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO (Theme song for the drama 'Forever a White Feather')

They’re a rock band formed in Osaka in 2013.

They operate under a label they started themselves and handle everything on their own.

As with the song in the video, they’re also a band that often gets picked for TV drama theme songs.

True to their nickname “Kan-Ero,” they occasionally produce adult-themed tracks.

Millennium PlanTRACK15

TRACK15 – Millennium Plan [Official Music Video]

TRACK15 is forging ahead in the new generation of guitar rock.

The band was formed in 2020 in Takatsuki, Osaka.

Their 2023 single “Three” reached No.

8 on the Oricon Weekly ROCK Singles Chart.

In 2024, they were selected as an Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist, and their song “Millennium Plan” was chosen as the ending theme for the MBS drama “Nice to Meet You, Hello, Please Divorce,” bringing them even more attention.

You’ll find yourself captivated by Ren’s emotional vocals and the band sound that supports them.

School Magician GirlHanbureddāzu

Hump Back's “School Magician Girl” Music Video

We’re a rock band from Osaka.

We formed to perform at our high school’s cultural festival.

All of us felt like we were at the bottom of the school caste, and we sing—pop but a bit twisted—about our frustrations with the people at the top, our unrequited feelings for our crushes, and the emotions we had during classroom seat changes.

backlightBILLY BOO

BILLY BOO – Backlight [Official Music Video]

BILLY BOO is a band that builds on Black music like hip-hop and R&B while unfolding a genreless sound.

Hailing from Sendai, they began activities in May 2024, and one of their biggest draws is vocalist KAZUKI UJIIE’s heartrending, unforgettable voice that sticks with you after just one listen.

Released in the fall of 2024, “Lens” garnered buzz as background music for a dating reality show.

Furthermore, “Rhapsody” was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime “Nazotoki wa Dinner no Ato de” and secured power-play rotation on 57 radio stations nationwide, showing their momentum is only growing.

Effortlessly transcending genre boundaries, their music is perfect for listeners seeking something fresh and stimulating.

You know, right?DENIMS

DENIMS – “You Know, Right?” (Official Music Video)

They’re a rock band from Osaka.

Their charm lies in a mature, jazzy sound.

The songs have a nicely laid-back, stylish vibe.

The crisp, well-defined guitar tones are pleasing to the ear.

It’s a well-balanced band that works both when you want to get pumped up and when you want to relax.

out of focusHalf time Old

Half time Old “Outfocus” Music Video

They’re a rock band from Aichi Prefecture.

They won RO69 JACK 14/15, which helped spread their name.

Their appeal lies in a powerful, high-pitched vocal style.

In the song featured in the video, they sing about how, despite changes in their surroundings brought on by their position, they are steadily moving their own story forward themselves.