How about listening to a total headbanger jam?
Here are 15 (and some of the greatest) Japanese rock bands you need to listen to RIGHT NOW
Japanese rock, or more popularly known as J-Rock has been shaking the world since time immemorial
Its eclectic, futuristic, and experimental sound attracted millions of fans from all parts of the world
Celebrated group ONE OK ROCK has left impressive footprints of representing J-Rock across the world
The band’s sound versatility from alternative, and emo, to pop-rock, made them one of the most renowned Japanese rock icons
Under this award-winning band are their remarkable collaborations with All Time Low, Sum41, 5SOS, My Chemical Romance, Avril Lavigne, and Ed Sheeran
One Ok Rock has recently been hailed as “Artist of the Year” by Spaceshower Music Awards 2020
Sugoi!
Must Listen: The Beginning, Wherever You Are, Nobody’s Home, Clock Strikes and Pierce
Known as a band that transcends to all ages
RADWIMPS is a chart mainstay in Japan, scoring multiple Oricon number 1s since debut
The platinum-certified band is known for its striking lyrics and experimental rock sound
Their frontman, Yojiro Noda also debuted as a solo artist under the name “illion” and released two albums
RADWIMPS gained more global recognition by providing the soundtrack of the highest-grossing anime film of all time, “Your Name”
Must Listen: Sparkle, Iron Bible, Setsuna Rensa, DADA and IKIJIBIKI (Ft Taka of One Ok Rock)
A legendary group that provided a multitude of music for video games, movies, TV shows, and anime in Japan
BUMP OF CHICKEN has successfully charted in the Oricon’s top ten for their every release
Their major influence in pop culture in Japan been evident ever since
Must Listen: Ray, Tentai Kansoku, Zero, Good luck and Smile
One of the best-selling and most successful J-rock bands having 75 million record sales
They also hold the record for the most number 1 albums in the Oricon charts
Band fun fact: their fandom name is called Father & Mother
ALSO READ: “Your Name” is coming to Netflix this July!Debut: 1992 (Major Debut) to Present | 28 years active
Must Listen: Himawari, Ashioto~Be Strong, Namonaki Uta, and Inori “Namida No Kidou”
BAND-MAID
How about listening to these maid café chic rockers?
Band-Maid’s submissive theme is a total contrast with their hard-hitting rock songs
Due to their uniqueness and vocal colors, they were awarded as Best Musical Act of 2020 by Neo Awards
Must Listen: Domination, Endless Story, Don’t You Tell Me, Freedom and The Non-fiction Days
Highschool buddies turned internationally-recognized all-female band
Aside from their pretty faces, the band is also critically-acclaimed for their talents
Scandal provided the hit soundtracks for the anime Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
In 2019, Scandal announced that they will be creating their own private label
Must Listen: Scandal Baby, Shunkan Sentimental, Namida No Regret and Doll
Japanese fusion rock band consisting of five members
UVERworld was known for its works such as the opening theme of the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Season 2 and Bleach
Their official fan club is called New Sound Wave, while the band’s staff are called Neo Sound Crew
Must Listen: Mixed Up, Kimi No Suki Na Uta, Core Pride and Impact
Previously known as SrvVinci, the band underwent major changes from label transfer and name
Thus, the conception of King Gnu This breakout Japanese band has been making waves for their raw and stellar discography
King Gnu is a billboard japan chart-topper since their major debut in January last year
They recently bagged the Best New Asian Artist – Japan award during the 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
To top it off, they’ve also won the Best Japanese Act in the MTV Europe Music Awards in the same year
ALSO READ: I-POP U 2022 MANILA: A night to remember with Alice, Xdinary Heroes, Golden Child, WayV, and NCT DreamDebut: 2015 to Present | 5 years active
Must Listen: Hakujitsu, Tokyo Rendezvous, Teenager Forever and Humor
Historic J-rock act, L’Arc~en~Ciel features a stunning 40 million records sales on their profile
Despite issues surrounding the band, the members continued and strive for success
Shortly after, the majority of their releases topped the Oricon charts
Following their notable achievement in Japan, they extended their promotion to the US market in early 2000
Europe debut followed a year after
Even now, L’Arc~en~Ciel proves to be a strong force in the Japanese rock scene
Must Listen: Winter Fall, Caress of Venus, Hitomi No Jyuunin and Bless
Hard rock band Man with A Mission is known for its eccentric concept and intriguing backstory
Each member wears distinctive wolf masks on all performances and music videos
Said to be artificially made android, created by a mad scientist, they were frozen in Antarctica for a long time while listening to all kinds of music
They were then able to escape and started a music career in Japan
Their songs have been used for numerous anime, live-action movies, and video games
Must Listen: Fly Again, Don’t Loose Yourself, Emotions, and Get Off of My Way
CoEd band Mrs Green Apple originated from Tokyo, Japan
Their first album, “Twelve” immediately placed 10th on the Oricon charts
Instantly placing in the top 10 of the Oricon charts is considered a great feat for a Japanese rock band
Mrs Green Apple provided the ending theme for the anime series, Yu-Gi-Oh!
The band’s sound is as refreshing and good as their name echoes
Must Listen: Inferno, Cheers, Ao To Natsu, and WanteD
BABY METAL
If you’re torn between idols and bands, Baby Metal is the answer to your struggle
Effectively combining the idol charm, and the band’s metal instrumentation
Baby Metal has been considered a success since their 2014 debut
The members were originally a sub-unit of an idol group Sakura Gakuin
Baby Metal became an official independent artist in 2013
Thus, they went on several tours around and outside Asia, furthermore proving their exceptional band appeal
ALSO READ: RADWIMPS announces 15th Anniversary special concertMust Listen: Akatsuki, Road to Resistance, Headbanger, and Megitsune
Upon debut, My First Story recorded remarkable sales for their first and second album
It gathered massive attention from the public, scoring them gigs in some of the biggest music festivals in Japan
My First Story launched their fandom in 2016 called “Storyteller”
The band toured all 47 prefectures of Japan for their “We’re Just Waiting 4 You” Tour in the same year
Debut: 2011 (Major Debut) to Present | 9 years active
Debut: 2011 (Major Debut) to Present | 9 years active
Debut: 2011 (Major Debut) to Present | 9 years active
Must Listen: The Story is My Life, Alone, Neurose and Second Limit
Originally known as “Champagne”, the band went to promote with the name for seven years
In 2018, they renamed to “Alexandros” due to the request of the Bureau of Champagne in Japan
Since formation, the band’s releases have constantly topped various Japanese music charts
Awards also came pouring to the band as Best Rock Artist, People’s Choice, and Best Group Artist from 2016 to 2019
Must Listen: Wataridori, Girl A, Swan and Snow Sound
Official HIGE DANdism, also known by the name “Higedan”, is Japan’s premiered pop and rock band to date
Formed in 2012, the band is now considered one of the fastest rising stars in Japan
The piano-pop band holds a striking record of 23 weeks in the billboard Japan top 10
Higedan’s sound can be described as rock with heavy influences on R&B and soul
Their song “Pretender” accumulated 100 million total streams in just a short span
“Pretender” also won Song of the Year for both Space Shower Music Awards 2019 and MTV Video Music Awards Japan
Indeed, chou sugoi!
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Debut: 2012 to Present | 8 years active
Must Listen: Pretender, No Doubt, Stand By You and Shukumei
Give these Japanese rock bands a listen if you need a playlist revamp or just in the mood to widen your music horizon
Is your favorite band included in the list?
Leave your comments below or share your feels!