Top 25 Japanese Rock Bands
Do you want to discover what are the best japanese rock bands? Through this complete analysis we investigate the music groups that are already part of the history of Japanese music.
Although rock is not a musical style typical of the Japanese country, the Japanese are some of the largest consumers of this genre.
Reaching the greatest expansion of rock music around the 70s and 80s, in Japan authentic musical gems have been created that you will love to discover.
Different sounds and letters that they mix english with japanese to achieve a greater projection worldwide.
So is he J-Rock, a very sugary type of music that mixes guitars, basses, drums and many other instruments to achieve a sound of the most original, and unique in the world!
If you also like rock music, you cannot miss these Japanese rock bands that will surprise you. Some are already known around the planet, and others are beginning to hit very hard in their country of origin. Do you dare to discover them?
These 25 Japanese rock bands will surprise you. We collect the best popular groups and well-known JRock bands so you start listening to the best Japanese rock.
In this article you will find ...
The best Japanese rock bands
RC Succession
Born in the 60's, which is known today as RC Succession is a band that saw the light specifically in 1968, with the publication of their first album.
This is definitely the oldest rock band in Japan, mix of the American style of the time with an Asian touch that makes it completely different.
Their sound, somewhat less strident than those of other rock bands, they fuse rock, folk and glam, adding a more electric sound as the '70s progressed.
But if there is something that characterizes this group, it is the voice of its singer. With English lyrics, the voice is slightly sharper than other groups, making itself known in half the world until its dissolution in the early 90s.
For more than 20 years, the group remained in the top places in Japanese music, participating in multiple concerts and releasing a large number of albums and singles.
Some of the members even tried to pursue their careers separately. But they will always remain in the music history of Japan as one of the most influential Japanese rock groups of all time.
Genders
Blues rock, folk rock and glam rock.
Period of activity
1968-1991
Members
- Kiyoshiro Imawano - vocals, guitar (1968-1991)
- Kazuo Kobayashi - bass (1968-1991)
- Reichi Nakaido - lead guitar, vocals (1978-1991)
- Hirofumi Kasuga - guitar, drums (1978, 1990-1991)
- Rei Atsumi - keyboards (1990-1991)
- Kenchi Haren - guitar (1968-1977)
- Kozo Niida - drums (1978-1990)
- Ginji Ogawa - guitar (1979-1980)
- Gee2Woo - keyboards (1980-1990)
Discography (Albums)
- Shoki no RC Succession - 1972
- Tanoshii Yube Ni - 1972
- Single man - 1976
- Rhapsody [álbum en vivo] - 1980
- Please - 1980
- Blue - 1981
- Beat Pops - 1982
- OK - 1983
- King of live [álbum en vivo] - 1983
- Feel So Bad - 1984
- Heart Ace - 1985
- The tears or a clown [álbum en vivo] - 1986
- Marvy - 1988
- Cobra No Nayami [álbum en vivo] - 1988
- Baby a Go Go - 1990
Buck tick
Also known for being another of the top Japanese rock bands, Buck Tick's style has nothing to do with RC Succession's.
From nothing less than 1985 to the present day, its members give their all on stage, with a type of music that their fans continue to like. Japanese old and young followers.
His style is characterized by being visual kei rock, wearing gothic clothes and making music along the same lines.
They mix the sound of the instruments that they themselves play electronic music, achieving fresh, catchy songs that will never go out of style.
It was one of the first bands to start the visual movement throughout Japan, along with other heavy metal bands of the time.
Its evolution has been constant and progressive, founding his own style from the beginning of that small group that was born decades ago in the small town of Fujioka.
It currently fills stadiums in Tokyo and main cities of Japan and from all over the world.
Genders
J-Rock, alternative rock, gothic rock, j-goth, industrial rock, electronic rock, dark wave, power pop, visual kei, punk, drum and bass, grunge, post-rock, ambient, and breakbeat.
Period of activity
1983 - Present
Members
- Atsushi Sakurai (Voice)
- Hisashi Imai (Lead guitar, effects, second voice, and backing vocals)
- Hidehiko Hoshino (Rhythm guitar, keyboard and backing vocals)
- Yutaka Higuchi (Bass)
- Toll Yagami (Drums and Percussion)
Discography (Albums)
- Hurry Up Mode - 1987
- Sexual XXXXX! - 1987
- Seventh Heaven - 1988
- Taboo - 1989
- Aku no Hana - 1990
- Kurutta Taiyou - 1991
- Darker Than Darkness -Style 93- 1993
- Six / Nine - 1995
- Cosmos - 1996
- Sexy Stream Liner - 1997
- One Life, One Death - 2000
- Kyokutou I Love You - 2002
- Mona Lisa Overdrive - 2003
- 13kai wa Gekkou - 2005
- Tenshi no Revolver - 2007
- Memento Mori - 2009
- Razzle Dazzle - 2010
- Yume Miru Uchuu - 2012
- Arui wa Anarchy - 2014
- Atom mirai-ha N ° 9 - 2016
- No.0 - 2018
Glay
Formed in 1987, this band wasted no time releasing their first album just one year after starting rehearsal.
They are still on the crest of the wave in Japan, with more than 12 studio albums and songs that have been sung and danced in all corners of the Japanese country.
Glay's formula is simple. His songs have a style classic pop rock, so they never fail among the young.
The Japanese letters and their catchy rhythms also fit into the musical culture of other countries of Asia, Europe and America.
If you want to listen to alternative rock, start with this band to gradually immerse yourself in the Japanese rock band culture.
Do you want to know a curiosity about this group? 'Glay' comes from a misspelling which was committed the first day they named the group.
The intention was to call him 'Gray', 'Gray in English, but in Japan sometimes the sound 'R' and 'L' are confused.
There could be no better fusion between a English word that has been 'japanized', and that perfectly describes the essence of this group. Originals like none!
Genders
Japanese pop rock.
Period of activity
1988 - Present
Members
- Takuro Kubo (guitar, leader and main composer)
- Teruhiko Kobashi (voices)
- Yoshihito Wayama (bass)
- Hisashi Tonomura (guitar)
- Akira (drums) (1993–1994)
- Nobumasa (drums) (1994–1995)
- Masahide Sakuma (guitar, keyboards, producer) (mid-1994 – present)
- Toshimitsu Nagai (drums) (1995 – present)
- Daijiro Nozawa (keyboards) (1995–1998)
- Shigeo «sk55» Komori (keyboards) (1998–2004)
- Yuta Saitou (keyboards) (2004–2005)
- Seiichiro Nagai (keyboards) (2007 – present)
Discography (Albums)
- Hai to Diamond - 1994
- Speed Pop - 2995
- Beat out! - nineteen ninety six
- BELOVED - 1996
- Pure soul - 1998
- Heavy Gauge - 1999
- One Love - 2001
- Unity Roots & Family, Away - 2002
- The Frustated - 2004
- Love is Beautiful - 2007
- Glay - 2010
- Hope and the Silver Sunrise - 2011
B'z
Composed of so only 2 members, B'z is such a powerful band that it didn't need anyone else to take it to the top.
Today it is known throughout Japan and much of Asia, as one of the best japanese rock bands ever.
Its powerful sound is a matter of Tak, the band's producer, songwriter and guitarist. The magic of the lyrics is the responsibility of Koshi Inaba, the vocalist.
The formula seems to have worked for them since the late 1980s, because they are still sweeping every new album that they put on the market, each time they are a more mature sound, but surprising like the first day.
Not surprisingly, B'z has been the first Japanese group to cross barriers, reaching the Hollywood walk of fame where it has its own star.
You may even hear some of their most famous songs, because They have appeared in Japanese series and in video games such as Dragon's Dogma and other CAPCOM games.
Their spectacular video clips. And let's not say the live shows they do in their impressive concerts! They are brutal!
Genders
Hard rock, pop rock, blues rock and new wave.
Period of activity
1988 - Present
Members
- Takahiro «Tak» Matsumoto (producer, composer, guitarist)
- Koshi Inaba (lyricist, vocalist)
Discography (Albums)
- 1988 - B'z - 1998
- 1989 - OFF THE LOCK - 1989
- 1990 - BREAK THROUGH - 1990
- 1990 - RISKY - 1990
- 1991 - IN THE LIFE - 1991
- 1992 - RUN - 1992
- 1994 - The 7th Blues - 1994
- 1995 - LOOSE - 1995
- 1997 - SURVIVE - 1997
- 1999 - Brotherhood - 1999
- 2000 - ELEVEN - 2000
- 2002 - GREEN - 2002
- 2003 - BIG MACHINE - 2003
- 2005 - THE CIRCLE - 2005
- 2006 - MONSTER - 2006
- 2007 - Action - 2007
- 2009 - MAGIC - 2009
- 2011 - C'MON - 2011
- 2015 - EPIC DAY - 2015
- 2017 - DINOSAUR - 2017
The pillows
With a more indie style, The Pillows is one of the funniest 80's bands from all over Japan.
Like other Japanese rock bands of the time, their songs are intoned in the Japanese language. But they are so simple to sing, that it is not a heavy rock for most. You have to hear it!
The great leap to fame was given when they participated by doing several of the main songs of the anime series FLCL (Furi-Furi).
In a very short time they came to play all over Japan and also in many countries in Europe and America, where they have millions of followers today.
Their success comes largely from the great work they do, pulling out a new album practically every year.
They already carry more than 25 albums, of which very few are compilations, with totally original songs and always with the same level of production.
At present they are still active but they have stopped the rhythm a bit, because age and fatigue are already beginning to show. Although it seems that there is strength for a while!
Genders
Alternative rock, indie rock, post grunge and power pop.
Period of activity
1989 - Present
Members
- Sawao Yamanaka (lyrics, vocals and guitar)
- Manabe Yoshiaki (lead guitar)
- Sato Shinichiro (drums)
- Kenji Ueda (bass, 1987-1992)
- Tatsuya Kashima (bass, 1992-1999)
- Jun Suzuki (bass, 1999-2015)
Discography (Albums)
- Pantomime - 1990
- 90's My Life - 1990
- Moon Gold - 1991
- White Incarnation - 1992
- KOOL SPICE - 1994
- Living Field - 1995
- Please Mr. Lostman - 1997
- Little Busters - 1998
- Runner's High - 1999
- Happy Bivouac - 1999
- Fool on the planet - 2001
- Smile - 2001
- Thank You, My Twilight - 2002
- Another Morning, Another Pillows - 2002
- Penalty Life - 2003
- Turn Back - 2004
- GOOD DREAMS - 2004
- MY FOOT - 2006
- Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! - 2007
- Pied Piper - 2008
- Ooparts - 2009
- Discharge (Yamanaka solo CD) - 2010
- Horn Again - 2011
- Trial - 2012
- Moondust - 2014
- STROLL AND ROLL - 2016
Moon Sea
Another of the pioneers in Japanese visual kei movement was Luna Sea. Born around the same time as X Japan, Glay, and Buck Tick, it remains one of the most well-known influential bands in all of Japan.
In his repertoire, songs by progressive rock style, with alternative and punk touches of the most original.
Since the late 1980s and early 1990s, this group continues to maintain its loyal followers, which little by little are increasing in number.
As long as the years go by, it is one of the most influential Japanese groups, with mythical songs that sound in half the world.
The band disbanded in 2000, giving a grand farewell concert at Tokyo Dome which was attended by thousands of Japanese and foreigners.
Fortunately, have come together again to continue composing and surprising with their new successes.
According to critics, his latest studio albums are not only at the height of the first works that were so well received, if not, they far exceed them.
Genders
Visual Rock, progressive rock, alternative rock and postpunk (or afterpunk)
Period of activity
1989 - Present
Members
- Ryuichi Kawamura (Voice)
- Sugizo (Lead Guitar and Violin)
- Inoran (Rhythm Guitar)
- J (Low)
- Shinya (Drums)
Discography (Albums)
Studio albums
- Luna Sea - 1991
- Image - 1992
- Eden - 1993
- Mother - 1994
- Style - 1996
- Shine - 1998
- Lunacy - 2000
- To Will - 2013
- LUV - 2017
Album of versions
- Singles - 1997
- Period -The Best Selection- 2000
- Another Side of Singles II - 2002
- Slow - 2005
- Complete Best - 2008
- Complete Best -Asia Limited Edition- 2013
- 25th Anniversary Ultimate Best -The One- 2014
Live albums
- Never Sold Out - 1999
- Luna Sea 3D in Los Angeles - 2011
- Never Sold Out 2 - 2014
Siam Shade
A great reference to the J-Rock of the 2000s, Siam Shade is one of the Japanese rock bands that more curiosity arouses outside the Japanese country.
His music is a mix of hard rock and metal. And yet it has some very catchy songs, which make it a band suitable for practically all audiences.
They began their journey in the early 90's, and just when they started to rise like foam, they dissolved in 2002 due to discrepancies between group participants.
A great shame for his followers. But luckily, many other Japanese bands of the same style began to emerge, taking as references to its acclaimed members.
His songs have been used as a soundtrack for different japanese anime movies and series like Rurouni Kenshin, among others.
Many of his singles are still heard frequently on japan radio. And it is also possible to enjoy their live concerts that they managed to record on their main tours.
Genders
Jrock, hard rock and metal.
Period of activity
1991 - 2002
Members
- Hideki (Voice)
- Daita (Guitar)
- Kazuma (Guitar)
- Natin (Bass)
- Junji (Drums)
- A (Battery)
- Ataru (Guitar)
Discography (Albums)
- Siam Shade - 1994
- Siam Shade II - 1995
- Siam Shade III - 1996
- Siam Shade IV - Zero - 1998
- Siam Shade V - 1998
- Siam Shade VI - 2000
- Siam Shade VII - 2000
- Siam Shade VIII B-Side Collection - 2001
- Siam Shade IX A-Side Collection - 2002
- Siam Shade X - Perfect Collection - 2002
- Siam Shade XI Complete Best - Heart of Rock- 2007
- Siam Shade XII - The best live collection - 2010
L'Arc en Ciel
Known in Japanese as Laruku, L'Arc ~ en ~ Ciel is the original name that this band received in their days, back in 1991.
It literally means rainbow, a word that goes perfectly with the cheerful and sometimes gray style of this unique group.
With the guitar and drums as the main background instruments, the songs that its members have made for several decades invite you to dance with frenzy.
There is no single that has not been successful in and outside of Japan. Although of course, some themes are more recognized, as part of the most famous anime openings of all the world.
Have a touch of pop, some hard rock, and a lot of J-Rock so typical of Japanese rock groups.
From her clothing, the staging at concerts, the care with which they take care of the presentation of the records, their incredible video clips ... they will not leave you indifferent!
And also the sympathy they lavish on their followers; there is nothing that the guys from L'Arc ~ en ~ Ciel don't take care of in detail. They are incredible!
Genders
Rock, hard rock, pop rock, alternative rock and Jrock.
Period of activity
1991 - Present
Members
- Hyde (voice)
- Tetsuya (leader and bass)
- Ken (guitar)
- Yukihiro (drums)
Discography (Albums)
- DUNE - 1993
- Earth - 1994
- Heavenly - 1994
- True - 1996
- Heart - 1998
- Ark - 1999
- Ray - 1999
- Ectomorphed works - 2000
- REAL - 2000
- Clicked Singles Best 13 - 2001
- Smile - 2004
- Awake - 2005
- Kiss - 2007
- Butterfly - 2012
Malice Mizer
Continuing with the best Japanese rock bands, we cannot fail to include in our list other Jrock groups that have become part of the recent history of music.
There are those who compare this band to Versailles, the Japanese neoclassical heavy metal group. However, we must not forget that Malice Mizer's style is more rocker, and somewhat softer.
The name comes from the words 'malice' and 'misery', two terms that marked the musical style of the group in its beginnings.
Of the french romanticism They evolved to a somewhat more gothic aspect, which can be appreciated both in the type of music, as in the lyrics and the production of the video clips.
His specialty is synth pop and symphonic rock, in addition to presenting a visual kei aesthetic with period costumes of the most elaborate.
His video clips are small works of art. For this and many other reasons, he has gained a wide group of followers who continue to listen to his songs years after his separation.
Genders
Gothic rock, symphonic rock, neoclassical, art rock, pop rock, and synth pop.
Period of activity
1992 - 2001
Members
- Mana (guitar, synthesizer)
- Közi (guitar, synthesizer)
- Yu ~ ki (under)
- Kami (drums, percussion) (1993-1999)
- Gaz (drums) (1992-1993)
- Tetsu (voice) (1992-1994)
- Gackt (voice and piano) (1995-1999)
- Klaha (voice) (2000-2001)
Discography (Albums)
- Memorie - 1994
- Memorie DX - 1994
- Voyage - 1996
- Merveilles - 1998
- Bara no Seido - 2000
Bump of chicken
Under this curious name hides another of the rock bands more fun and original that has given the history of Japanese music.
These guys who started no less than in 1994 in the beautiful city of Sakura, in Chiba, are today known as the Best Indie Band & Japanese Speaking JRock around the world.
All its members they are maintained from day one in which they decided to set up the group. They have participated in anime series as popular as Pokemon or One Piece.
In fact, they are friends since kindergarten, so the ties that unite them are not only on a musical or work scale. And it shows in everything they do!
His early works were based on the Beatles discography, the fetish group of all the members of Bump of Chicken.
But don't worry, that the songs on his records they have nothing to do with the style of the British band.
The Japanese are more lively, with songs that invite you to dance and move 'like a headless chicken', celebrating that they have some of the Japan's best-selling albums in its first weeks of launch. Wow!
Genders
Jrock and indie.
Period of activity
1994 - Present
Members
- Motoo Fujiwara (voice and guitar)
- Hiroaki Masukawa (guitar)
- Yoshifumi Naoi (bass)
- Hideo Masu (drums)
Discography (Albums)
- Flame vein - 1999
- The living dead - 2000
- Jupiter - 2002
- Flame vein +1 - 2004
- Yggdrasil - 2004
- Orbital Period - 2007
- Present from you - 2008
- Cosmonaut - 2010
- Aurora Arc - 2019
Asian Kung Fu Generation
If you are a lover of japanese culture and anime, surely you've ever heard Haruka Kanata's song.
The Mythical intro of the Naruto series It is the creation of Asian Kiung Fu Generation, a band that, in addition to releasing songs incessantly since 1996, is also dedicated to creating the opening of many types of Japanese series.
Formed by a group of friends who met in college, the members of this band they are very talented.
Although the musical style that they usually play is the simplest, the true skill is shown in the handling of the instruments and a voice that is capable of reaching virtually any register.
Winners of various awards for best artist, best songs and albums, there are not any of his songs that are not worth listening to.
You can see the care with which they make their records, as well as the passion they put on stage in their live concerts, and the magnificent creations of his moving video clips. If they have it all!
Genders
Alternative rock, pop punk and indie rock.
Period of activity
1996 - Present
Members
- Gotoh Masafumi (vocals and guitar)
- Kita Kensuke (lead guitar and background vocals)
- Yamada Takahiro (bass and background vocals)
- Ijichi Kiyoshi (drums)
Discography (Albums)
- Kimitsunagi Five M - 2003
- Sun-Fa - 2004
- Fan Club - 2006
- World World World - 2008
- Surf Bungaku Kamakura - 2008
- Magic Disk - 2010
- Landmark - 2012
- Wonder Future - 2015
FLOW
Mix of rock, punk and indie, this band from Saitama has one of the most prosperous careers in the land of the rising sun.
Very few Japanese rock groups have gone so far as to have such prospecting abroad. They are from most listened to artists in Japan and in much of Asia, Europe, Australia and the American continent.
If you want to enjoy the best J-rock today, let yourself be delighted by their records. From the first to the last, this Japanese rock group has managed to maintain its own style, without disappointing its longtime fans.
However, it has also managed to evolve into the style that today's young people like. That is why it is one of the most famous Japanese rock bands of the current scene, with hordes of fans that follow them everywhere.
His music is cane, with catchy rhythms and vindictive lyrics in Japanese and English.
Some song may sound like the last one movie of Dragon Ball Z. Easy to adapt to all moods, FLOW is the ideal band as a bedside band to listen to on a daily basis.
Genders
J-rock, alternative rock, indie rock, punk and popular music.
Period of activity
1998 - Present
Members
- Keigo Hayashi (voice)
- Koshi Asakawa (voice)
- Takeshi Asakawa (guitar)
- Hisorhi Iwasaki (drums)
- Kotaro Goto (bass)
Discography (Albums)
- FLOW - 2001
- Sunshine 60 - 2002
- Like a Rolling Snow - 2002
- Splash !!! - 2003
- Game - 2004
- Golden Coast - 2005
- Isle - 2008
- # 5 - 2009
- Nuts Bang !!! - 2009
- Microcosm - 2010
- Black & White - 2012
- Flow the Max !!! - 2013
- 26 to Go Go !!! - 2014
- # 10 - 2016
JAM Project
We go from anime to anime, with one of the groups that has been soundtrack to the One Punch-Man action webcomic.
The acronym for JAM comes from 'Japan Animation Makers'. So you can imagine what is the origin and professional career of this group that was born with a fixed goal.
Mizuki was the founding member of the group, who was a singer of the opening of Mazinger Z.
With a perfect voice to do this type of musical work, and an impeccable trajectory, each of the members that currently form it are experts in J-pop and J-rock for series and japanese movies.
The group also has another band 'alter-ego' who makes other types of music for pleasure.
Something less known The monsters, it's the other band which is composed by the same members, with a type of music that is darker than heavy metal. Whatever name they receive, the truth is that they are incredible artists.
Genders
J-rock, anison, heavy metal, rock and video game music.
Period of activity
2000 - Present
Members
- Voice (Leader): Jewel (Masami Okui)
- Guitar: Michael (Hironobu Kageyama)
- Bass: Milky (Masaaki Endoh)
- Keyboard: Pretz (Hiroshi Kitadani)
- Drums: Bomber (Yoshiki Fukuyama)
Discography (Albums)
- BEST Project - 2002
- Freedom - 2003
- JAM-ISM - 2004
- Olympia - 2006
- Big Bang - 2007
- Get over the border - 2008
- Seventh Explosion - 2009
UVERworld
Totally breaking with the classic rock style, UVERworld is one of the most original Japanese rock bands that the Japanese country has given.
They are characterized by doing rock fusion, with synthesizers and beatboxing, for a spectacular effect that no other band in the world has achieved.
And it is that alternative male bands They are booming in the Japanese country.
In the search for new sounds, rock and Japanese indie give us surprises like this, innovating both in music and audiovisual production.
Thanks to the fact that in 2005 they won an award for the best song, little by little it has been sneaking among the best jrock bands for series openings.
The first known theme was for the intro of the Serie bleach, to later star in the musical themes of Blood +, D.Gray-man or Mobile Suit Gundam 00, among many other famous series in the Japanese country.
Genders
Fusion rock, R&B, beatboxing, alternative rock and rap rock.
Period of activity
2000 - Present
Members
- Takuya Shimizu (voice)
- Katsuya Shiratori (leader and guitar)
- Akira Saionji (guitar)
- Nobuto Kuwahara (bass)
- Shintaro Tamaki (drums)
- Seika (dj and saxophone)
Discography (Albums)
- Timeless - 2006
- Bugright - 2007
- Proglution - 2008
- Awakeve - 2009
- Last - 2012
- Life 6 Sense - 2011
- The one - 2012
- Ø Choir - 2014
- Tycoon - 2017
TK From Ling Tosite Sigure (Toru Kitajima)
Virtuoso in handling different instruments such as guitar or piano, TK From is the stage name taken by Toru Kitajima before becoming famous.
This young Japanese musician and composer born in Tokyo is a veritable machine composing, playing and singing their own songs separately or with your Ling Tosite Sigure group.
Since he started his career separately, he has been able to experiment with different musical styles, participating in songs with groups like Aimer or Boom Boom Satellites.
The truth is that any playing style turns it into magic. Although he himself admits that rock is the one he feels most comfortable with since he started playing in his childhood.
If you stop to analyze his career, it seems there is no end. Among his works highlights a extensive discography with his group and as a soloist, singles with other colleagues, and even self-produced videotaped albums.
His latest single, Katharsis became a whole musical phenomenon inside and outside of Japan. And when it seemed like he couldn't improve it, he puts out a great album like Sainou which greatly improves his previous jobs.
Genders
Post-
Period of activity
2002 - Present
Members
- Toru Kitajima (voice, guitar, piano)
Discography (Albums)
- Flowering - 2012
- Fantastic Magic - 2014
- White Noise - 2016
- Sainou - 2020
Blue Encount
Blue Encount is another of the Japanese rock band names that you must keep in mind.
Coming from Kumamoto, these guys have gone very little by little, until today they become a benchmark within the best Jrock bands for young people.
His themes are very lively and lively, standing out for his indie style and alternative rock.
But undoubtedly what draws the most attention is the aesthetics of the handsome members, who continue to dress as teenagers with youth clothes, long hair, glasses and super cool hats.
Why are they so recommended then? Do not stay only in the physical aspect of these boys, also look at the mastery they have playing the instruments and intoning their sweet melodic ballads.
By topics like Hajimari or Survivor They have become the most popular band on Japanese radios and also in half the world. You will like them too!
Genders
Indie rock and alternative rock.
Period of activity
2004 - Present
Members
- Shunichi Tanabe (vocals, guitar)
- Yuya Eguchi (guitar, leader)
- Yuuta Tsujimura (bass)
- Yoshihide Takamura (drums)
Discography (Albums)
- Band of Destination - 2014
- Nearly Equal - 2015
- The End - 2017
- Vector - 2018
- QE-D. - 2020
LiSA
We continue with the Japanese rock bands with one of the best known female singers of the Japanese country.
LiSA is the stage name given to Risa Oribe, a talented singer-songwriter who works both in his indie rock group and composing songs for anime series and Japanese cinema films.
Known in Japan as Anison (contraction of the words 'anime song' in English), there are many artists who are dedicated to make anime songs, and LiSA is one of the most influential within the J-rock genre.
From launching his career in 2010 doing songs for the series Angel Beats!, has not stopped working on musical themes that are heard all over the world today.
In Japanese anime series, it is very common for artists like LiSA to lend their voice to characters from Japanese rock bands. with female vocalist like those of the Angel Beats! series.
An example of this is the fictional band Girls Dead Monster, the first of many others for which this girl has put her amazing voice on, and has even written many of the lyrics.
Genders
J-roc, J-pop and anison.
Period of activity
2005 - Present
Members
Risa Ōribe (voice and lyricist)
Discography (Albums)
- Keep the Beats! - 2010
- Letters to U - 2011
- Lover »s» mile - 2012
- Landscape - 2013
- Launcher - 2015
- Lucky hi Five - 2016
- Little Devil Parade - 2017
One Ok Rock
Could One Ok Rock be one of the pioneering bands of the current teen fan phenomenon in Japan? We bet yes!
Of all the Japanese rock bands that started over 15 years ago, this one follows maintaining its essence disc after disc. With some handsome and talented members who move millions of followers around the world.
The one that started with a total of 5 members in 2005, today has 4 members after the loss of one of the guitarists, and the change of drums that took place a year after its beginnings.
Apart from that, the group has continued exactly the same, doing incredible songs with lyrics in English and Japanese, with a marked rock, metal and punk style.
Music critics around the world compare these guys' work to big groups like Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, Green Day or The Smashing Pumpkins.
However, they make a totally different genre, even within the Japanese scene itself.
If you are lucky enough to ever see them live, you will realize for yourself the magic aura that they project on the stage. The best j-rock band? They are impressive!
Genders
Alternative rock, nu metal, power pop, post hardcore, pop punk, post grunge and emo.
Period of activity
2005 - Present
Members
- Morita Takahiro (voice)
- Yamashita Toru (guitar)
- Kohama Ryota (bass)
- Kanki Tomoya (drums)
- Alexander Onizawa (ex-guitar)
- Koyanagi Yuu (ex-drummer)
Discography (Albums)
- Zeitakubyō - 2007
- Beam of Light - 2008
- Kanjō Effect - 2008
- Niche Syndrome - 2010
- Zankyo Reference - 2011
- Jinsei × Boku = - 2013
- 35xxxv - 2015
- Ambitions - 2017
- Eye of the Storm - 2019
Kana-Boon
Although they do not have a very extensive discography, Kana-Boon is considered today as one of the best Japanese rock bands for their participation in different anime series.
Make a very lively and catchy rock music, in a Japanese style that you will love.
Nobody has given these guys fame. Since they were young they have struggled to participate in different national and international competitions, playing in the street to make himself known.
Thanks to that they managed to record their first album, starting an unstoppable career staying on top.
His songs have been used for the openings of series such as Naruto, in Japanese anime films of world projection, and as musical anthem for many events juveniles in Japan.
Count on dozens of singles behind him. Possibly they are the J rock singers with the most songs off the album, among which their mythical song of Silhouette.
Genders
Alternative pop rock.
Period of activity
2006 - Present
Members
- Maguro Taniguchi (voice and electric guitar)
- Hayato Koga (electric guitar)
- Yuma Iida (bass)
- Takahiro Koizumi (drums and percussion)
Discography (Albums)
- Doppel - 2013
- Time - 2015
- Origin - 2016
- NAMiDA - 2017
Amazarashi
Amazarashi means in Japanese 'exposed to rain'. A name that comes to him that is not even painted in the musical style played by one of the most listened to Japanese rock bands today in the Japanese country.
This rock band from Japan is somewhat less frenetic than other young rock bands, but is accompanied by lyrics with deeper feelings.
It is a group that has also fought for its current position, whose members have gotten to know each other over the years until strike the perfect balance they have right now.
The group is actually made up of Hiromu (vocalist and guitarist) and Manami (keyboardist), but on stage they are joined by a guitar, bass and drums, with different support members that change depending on the theme or in live concerts.
This detail makes the type of songs they play are the most varied, but always following the same line. They are not just children playing music.
At Amazarashi we find some of the most experienced musicians and composers who offer a mature and more professional rock. Very Japanese style!
Genders
Alternative rock, pop rock and Japanese rock.
Period of activity
2007 - Present
Members
- Akita Hiromu (vocals and guitar)
- Toyokawa Manami (keyboard)
Discography (Albums)
- Bakudan no Tsukurikata - 2010
- One Room Jojoshi - 2010
- Anomie - 2011
- Sennen Kofukuron - 2011
- Love Song - 2012
- Ne Mama Anata no Iutori - 2013
- Anta e - 2013
- Yuhi Shinko Higashizumu - 2014
- Kisetsu wa Tsugitsugi Shinde Iku - 2015
- Amazarashi Senbun no Ichiya Monogatari Starlight - 2015
- Speed To Masatsu - 2015
Kenshi yonezu
Despite his music sounding like typical Japanese teen songs, Kenshi is a Professional musician who has a long experience acquired since childhood.
And that he is only 30 years old! He was formerly known for the Hachi stage name. But today he uses his real name, participating in many types of work musicals.
This guy started forming his own music band while studying high school. He had always known what his professional career would be like.
Shortly after started experimenting with Vocaloid, a Japanese speech synthesis program, until in 2012 he made his public debut using his own voice. Which did not leave anyone indifferent.
Both alone and with fellow musicians, Kenshi has formed some of the best japanese anime rock bands.
This young composer, musician and singer is responsible for the opening of current series such as My Hero Academy (Peace Sign), or the ending of Sangatsu no lion, and many other songs that have been among the most listened to on Japanese radios for months.
Genders
J-pop and J-rock.
Period of activity
2009 - Present
Members
- Kenshi Yonezu (musician, songwriter, and singer)
Discography (Albums)
- Diorama - 2012
- Yankee - 2014
- Bremen - 2015
- Bootleg - 2017
The Oral Cigarettes
Coming from the city of Nara directly to the capital, this rock group has been one of the last bombings among young Japanese people.
They make music with a fresh style mix of British and American rock, with lyrics in Japanese and some songs also in English.
His best known song is the series opening theme Noragami Aragoto, titled Hey Kids !!.
But it is not by far the best work they have done, with studio albums that could be classified as authentic works of art.
They are one of my favorite groups of the moment. Funny songs, very elaborate video clips, a most original way of dressing, and an advertising on social networks that the great voices of the United States would already want.
If you are also in search of new voices within Japanese rock bandsYou are going to love The Oral Cigarettes.
Genders
Emo, indie rock, dance rock, alternative and progressive rock.
Period of activity
2010 - Present
Members
- Takuya Yamanaka (vocalist and guitar)
- Akira Akirakani (bass and backing vocals)
- Shigenobu Suzuki (guitar)
- Masaya Nakanishi (drums)
- Take (ex-drummer) (2010-2012)
Discography (Albums)
- The BKW Show !! - 2014
- Fixion - 2016
- Unofficial - 2017
- Kisses and Kills - 2018
- Before it's too late - 2019
- Suck Very World - 2020
My First Story
Even if they try to detract from this young music bandIt must be admitted that each and every one of his works has an extraordinary quality.
This group was born from the desire of each of its members to make a niche on the walk of fame in Japan. They are achieving it little by little, with a lot of effort and with a amazing work.
Its four current members already they came from other rock music groups in which they had not connected at all.
It was a producer who saw the true potential of each of these guys separately, bringing them together to make a first work together that since its launch. it was very well received.
No one thought in 2o11 that this Japanese idol group could go this far. But My First Story already has 10 full albums and a lot of singles.
What's more have collaborated with other Japanese bands rock band, and have made their first steps in the world of Anison, songs for dramas and for console games.
Genders
Alternative rock, post hardcore and alternative metal.
Period of activity
2011 - Present
Members
- Hiro (Voice)
- Teru (Guitar)
- Nob (Bass)
- Kid'z (Drums)
Discography (Albums)
- My First Story - 2012
- The Story of my Life - 2013
- Kyogen Neurose - 2014
- Antithese - 2016
- All Lead Tracks - 2017
- All Secrets Tracks - 2017
- The Premium Symphony - 2018
- S S S - 2018
- The Plugless - 2020
- V - 2020
Mrs. Green Apple
Mrs. Green Apple is one of the current Japanese rock bands most famous in the Japanese country.
His songs have been heard for more than a decade throughout Japan, with a very good reception of each of the singles and albums that have been released throughout their career.
Led by one of the best voices of the national rock scene, Omori has known how to choose well the rest of the musicians in his band that have led him to the top of sales.
Together they have participated in Japan's top rock music festivals, receiving several awards through which they have also been able to participate by making music for series.
One of his best known themes is the song Inferno from the series Fire force, A great song!
Last year they decided to take a hiatus, leaving all their fans waiting for your return with a new album.
However, Motoki Omori has surprised with a album in which he debuted as a soloist, with songs that have already broken records in just a few months.
Genders
Alternative rock, j-pop, indie pop, and pop rock.
Period of activity
2013 - Present
Members
- Omori Motoki (Voice and Guitar)
- Wakai Hiroto (Guitar)
- Takano Kiyokazu (Bass)
- Fujisawa Ryoka (Keyboard)
- Yamanaka Ayaka (Drums)
Discography (Albums)
- Twelve - 2016
- Mrs. Green Apple - 2017
- Ensemble - 2018
- Attitude - 2019
- 5 - 2020
BiSH
We finish our list of the best Japanese rock bands in style, with a group of girls who are at the head of the 'japan idols bands'.
With very few years of experience, the truth is that it has known how to stand out above other bands of the style thanks to the musical quality of their songs and the melodious voice of its singer.
This female Japanese rock band was born after a arduous audition process in which a group of beautiful and talented girls was chosen.
Some of them were already known in Japan, but it would be the first time that they would all work together. What seemed like a riskiest project has been a complete success for the production company.
So far they have a total of 5 albums that have swept sales throughout Japan.
His video clips have millions of views worldwide, and it seems that the career of this group has only just begun.
This type of japanese punk rock which is more typical of male singers seems to have been very popular with young people.
So if you are looking for Japanese female rock bands alternatives, you can not stop listening to the songs of BiSH.
Genders
Alternative metal, punk rock, idol rock, alternative rock, and J-pop.
Period of activity
2015 - Present
Members
- Aina The End
- Cent Chihiro Chicchi
- Momoko gumi
- Lingling
- Hashiyasume Atsuko
- Ayuni D
- Yukako Love Deluxe
- Hug Mii
Discography (Albums)
- Brand-new idol Shit - 2015
- Fake Metal Jacket - 2016
- Killer Bish - 2016
- The Guerrilla Bish - 2017
- Carrots and Sticks - 2019
What are the best Japanese rock bands?
Although we have our favorites we are not experts in music nor can we be impartial.
We know that we have left ourselves in the inkwell dozens of Japanese rock bands that top the charts around the world.
And you, what other japanese rock bands would you add to this endless list? Did you know these musical formations? Let us know in the comments!
Passionate about travel and completely in love with Japan. Never has a country conquered me so much. Join our group of Backpackers in Japan on Facebook or our whatsapp group and interact with other travelers. Get the best discounts and bargains in groups! Do you have any question? Enter the groups and solve your doubts with other users 🙂
👇 Can you help us keep alive Alternative Japan? Thanks a lot! 👇
🎌 Do you want the best organized trip to Japan in Spanish? The best value for money and with Spanish guides who live in Japan 🙂
✅ Upcoming departures: 2021
🏯 Fixed itineraries, tailor-made, excursions and much more. Request information clicking here 👌
Leave a Reply