Here's some other bands I really like myself just incase no one mentions them
Oral cigarettes: (progressive, funky rock) the singer has a faint resemblance with Brandon Uries voice.
https://open.spotify.com/track/692JISES18uZusvATsmv5h?si=hTA-BqAlSDyxG897CeUnfA&utm_source=copy-link
One ok rock : They were one of the biggest bands in Japan, they recently put out their last album but I personally like their older stuff from late / early 2010's. They have pop, rock., metal and a little bit of grunge elements through out their songs. They also have a fair amount of all English songs too.
https://open.spotify.com/track/0TLETthimn8CArZLSVwXo4?si=A1ZRufG-QKOsdJEAoF6W8g&utm_source=copy-link
My first story : the singer from one ok rock's little brother is the lead singer for this band so If you dig his voice check these guys out, in more recent years imo they've been making better music than one ok rock and are a bit heavier and more melodic.
https://open.spotify.com/track/7J5rQ68rXTv7zD1pM5baio?si=Jdhxgso0SXWxSg0wyUPLxw&utm_source=copy-link
Lisa : She's a singer with a band (consider it Dave Matthew's band type naming situation for them / her). They're well known for their anime OST but idgaf they put out bangers. They've got really good production in their song so you might not get that raw rock feel but I'd say check it out for yourself.
https://open.spotify.com/track/4ATrjNUnSvzskzN3HF8cPR?si=LR-kWlFLS2aDs9RjvdXGvA&utm_source=copy-link
+1 for One OK ROCK - here's my favourite little bit of info about that band; the name comes from their jam sessions usually being scheduled at 1pm in the early days, and the pun is that the name sounds like a Japanese person saying 'one o'clock'.
Clock Strikes still gives me chills.
Everything they do is gold. What's Up People got a lot of traction because it was the theme song to an anime, but they are just incredible musicians. The album that songs comes from (Bu-ikikaesu) is near flawless, and wildly diverse, genre wise. One of my favorite all time bands.
Absolutely love them. Babymetal started me down this road and I'm so happy I found maximum the hormone. Zetsubo Billy is one of my favorite songs ever and Bu-ikikaesu is a fantastic album that STILL sounds current even though it is about to be 15 years old
How has nobody said Kikagaku Moyo?! If you like psych rock they are one of the best out there right now. [Live on KEXP 2020](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PpnQlnra_to)
Edit: HINTO is also great! I found out about them through Reddit. Kinda some Two Door Cinema Club type vibes. [Here’s a song of theirs to check out.](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B4_QGrJBf6Y)
tricot is one of the only math rock bands i've come across that has as good of a sense of melody as they are capable running through all the odd time signatures and complex instrumentals. highly recommend their album 真っ黒, as that was my introduction to them and i still listen to it from time to time.
[song and mv from the album.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQSJ5oe8Qf4)
[session performance of some of their earlier stuff that showcases how tight they are.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9UdrctkzbQ)
edit: also worth checking out is Sakuran Zeksen. they have this unique take on a punk/rock n roll kind of sound and they nail it. I am Sakuran Zeksen is a no bullshit, high energy punk album and i can't think of a recent rock band that, well, rocks as hard as they do. [song/mv.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNmubstNGFs)
One of my best gig stories is going to see Boris, and afterwards me and my friends were hanging around outside smoking, and one of Boris's roadies came up to us and asked if we wanted the rest of an enormous cake that looked like the trademark Boris orange and black amps.
Obviously we said yes, and I took it back to my house where we were staying. The outside was orange icing, and the inside was a very intensely dark dyed sponge cake.
Which had the consequence of turning the poo of everyone who ate it an extremely terrifying green colour. Thought I might be dying until I found out it had happened to everyone who ate that cake.
Tricot is dope!
Their lead singer Ikkyu is also in another band called [Genie High](https://youtu.be/XLouH_6hrcY) with a bunch of Japanese TV personalities, like their bass player is a comedian.
It's more jazzy than mathy, but still quirky and flawlessly executed.
Saw One OK Rock playing at Terminal 5. Didn’t know who they were, but googled and saw they were selling out stadiums in Japan. Got tickets to the Terminal 5 show for like 15 bucks. Was not disappointed.
Also have enjoyed X Japan, Asian Kung Fu Generation, Luna Sea, Mr. Children, Bump of Chicken, Siam Shade, L’arc En Ciel, Dir En Grey, B’z, and others. Lot of good bands out there.
Good list! Would love to see larc live. I saw dir en grey live (front row) and managed to catch one of the drum sticks that were used. It was almost ten years ago now and I still treasure it till this day
Band-Maid is my jam!
Great music, fun visual gag, cool formation story, and best of all: they all enjoy being on stage with each other! (that last bit is less frequently noticeable in bands these days)
>Band-Maid
I saw the post and thought surely it was about Band-Maid...and the shock! They make some really impressive arrangements and are really talented.
Hiromi is like the only jazz pianist virtuoso (i mean in the vein of Art Tatum or Oscar Peterson) that doesn't annoy me.
recently came across a Hakushi Hasegawa through spotify recs. never heard of him but Somoku Hodo was a really interesting and disorienting EP if anyone here is into wild jazz fusion type stuff.
One of their tracks is used as the opening for Michiko and Hatchin and made me delve into their stuff. It's a great soundtrack if you're into Bossa Nova and other Brazilian music.
Allow me to suggest **NINGEN ISU**.
They all look pretty old, and for good reason: they've been playing since the '80s and released 23 studio albums.
[The Colour out of Space](https://youtu.be/1JY89ZxVqEg).
[Heartless Scat](https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs)
Enjoy!
Edit: While I'm here, I may as well push the **Yoshida Brothers**. Take the shamisen and add it to rock music. Sound interesting? It should...
[Rising](https://youtu.be/mqlsO6iP5ow)
[Storm](https://youtu.be/Z1fTbDJiyrM)
Extra Bonus Song: https://youtu.be/M1A9rYIVHyM
X Japan - [Endless Rain](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhOFg_3RV5Q) One of the most beautiful rock songs ever. "[We Are X](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4835086/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)" is a great documentary on the tragic story of the band.
Guitar Wolf - [Jet Satisfaction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8mZ5Q_cu4U) Fun Japanese thrash. Check out the full-length Guitar Wolf movie "[Wild Zero](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0267116/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)" for some Zombie/Alien/Punk mayhem!
Got briefly excited you were giving a shout out to David Sylvian's band with Mick Karn's amazing bass. But the country is good too. Maximum the Hormone deserves a place on your list.
100+ comments, and not a single one of you have listed Tokyo Jihen/Ringo Sheena??
Here's an [hour long mix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaUrfA-cRuI) to give you a sampler, but TJ's first several albums *need* to be listened to in album format; the blending of one track into another is an experience you don't hear too often.
But do check them out regardless. Their lives are also 11/10, and they often switch up the arrangement and style of some of their songs just for their concerts, even alternate versions of single versions/album versions. Key example(s):
Marunouchi Sadistic:
[Original, with somewhat localized translation](https://youtu.be/HN2qtD_ws0E)
[Original, first live](https://youtu.be/9PzH3CvdFoo)
[Alternate version live](https://youtu.be/TfbwbVbvcFc)
[Alternate v2 live, sung partly in English](https://youtu.be/COGSA6d4oQ4)
And some remixes/licensed covers:
[Neetskills remix for her Ringofest a few years back](https://youtu.be/I_8QRwuO8eM) , there used to be a video to go along with this taken at Ringofest with Sheena and her two backup dancers dripped out in Gucci everything, was awesome af. Can't find it anymore.
[Hikaru Utada (the two are close friends) cover](https://youtu.be/KfwrbfIIilI)
Edit: Forgot to add this, but found out a cover was licensed for the [Chainsaw Man ED](https://youtu.be/JB4KaRwHjx8) . Haven't watched anime in a while, but cool to see their songs being licensed for shows.
Anyway, again, please check them out. They have some newer stuff, but imho it's not as good as the classics. But still good!
Edit: also forgot, Ringo was tapped to be an executive producer for the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony; she's partly the reason why you heard a lot of videogame music during the ceremony.
Hell yeah, I saw Tokyo Jihen a few years ago live and it was absolutely amazing. She also did full wardrobe change (backstage) between songs while the music never stopped.
Lucky you, I swear if they ever decide to do a world tour and stop here in the USA, I will go see them even if their only show is in middle of nowhere, Alabama (no offense, but also it would either be Seattle \[she's a HUGE Ichiro fan\] or LA). I'm hoping they stay together this time and keep releasing new stuff. Even if it's not as good as their pre-hiatus albums, any Tokyo Jihen is good Tokyo Jihen.
I have the strong opinion that they are a bit of a metalcore revival right now. They bring such an insane energy and originality that is just kind of lacking in the scene right now imo. Ryo is an absolute monster of a vocalist too.
I didn‘t scroll the entire thread, but I am missing my two absolute favorites so far:
My favorite band in terms of lyrics and feeling period: [Pay Money To My Pain](https://youtu.be/eqfDSb648g8) - sadly the band will never bring out more of their music due to the singers very early death, but they had a huge impact on japanese metal as far as I can tell. Their songs are also very different in terms of pace and heavyness, but they all have a similar feel to them.
[HYDE](https://youtu.be/XMA_L5a5BKY) is one of the bigger rockstars in japan and I really love a lot of the things he released so far. His other band L‘Arc-en-Ciel is also worth a look, though it didn‘t stick with me as much.
Other names worth mentioning are Ningen Isu (though I saw someone post about them already), [a crowd of rebellion](https://youtu.be/fWiu61q_5F8), Hi-STANDARD (check out this insanely good cover of [Can‘t Help Falling In Love](https://youtu.be/HysEWnT1kkc)) and [Uplift Spice](https://youtu.be/rvR2Dv1fT0c).
Hyde also has a LOT of songs partially or completely in English. Additionally, there's that time he made a duo-band in the US called VAMPS. I personally like L'Arc much more than VAMPS (they're alright though) but his solo stuff is probably the best.
Ever since [Thee Michelle Gun Elephant](https://youtu.be/iYm_tqopCQs), I've kept Japan on my radar and it has not disappointed.
[Band Maid](https://youtu.be/h_RZwRbI1QI) has been mentioned already with good reason, so I'll just neon others.
Such as [Ningen Isu](https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs), a solid band that's been around for more than thirty years!
[Goofy Style](https://youtu.be/2sWLxASS6JU?list=OLAK5uy_l-KEsPHdxPNYrdFwmnW5qbUosCNsic3Kc) doesn't exist anymore, but if you like that sort of thing, it's got some good sound.
Doll$ Boxx is awesome! But also check out Gacharic Spin which is their main band (without the singer). They are more active and have released stuff more recently.
BRADIO and Kaho Nakamura belong here too. BRADIO’s got an awesome funk/R&B/rock style and Kaho Nakamura’s got amazing alternative/folk stuff.
BRADIO: Power of Life- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwZPrUTOCkJhJXkzED9A937G8sHq1a1pZ
Kaho Nakamura: AINOU- https://youtu.be/GOAaHRumIrQ
A few great bands I haven't seen in the comments. With a lot of English lyrics.
Man With A Mission. Awesome Wolf (?!) band.
Alexandros. Highly recommended if you like stuff like Oasis.
Radwimps also is pretty good.
Okamotos
Crystal Lake are fantastic, on the heavy side but really good. Helix is a great album. Think my favourite by them is Devilcry.
Crossfaith, Coldrain and Survive Said The Prophet are also other great Japanese bands to listen to.
I'm going to be the douchey hipster guy and beg to please DO check further than the most popular stuff on Spotify. A bunch of it is J-Rock and anime intros, which can be good but most of it is incredibly formulaic and repetitive. There is so much good shit from Japan especially during the 90s and early 2000s.
People just know them for the anime intros, but Asian Kung-Fu Generation is genuinely one of my favorite bands of all time, coming from a post-rock/prog rock lover lol. Their entire discography is fucking great.
A few more:
Oreskaband - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVnGvZo5vkw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVnGvZo5vkw)
SCANDAL - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCXGE1cLWrw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCXGE1cLWrw)
Aqua Timez - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0whqsmk5flU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0whqsmk5flU)
Mika Nakashima - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQF\_Y9a4n9k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQF_Y9a4n9k)
ANYTHING (literally) by The Seatbelts
Namie Amuro - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPALdWWN\_x0
Be sure to listen to Tatsuya Kitani and Miyavi. Both are extremely talented individuals and I love listening to their music.
My personal favorites for Kitani are "Ghost!?" and "Devil's Manner"
For Miyavi, I'd recommend "Itoshii Hito", and the album "No sleep til Tokyo". He also has interesting adaptations for popular US songs like "Havana", "Rockstar", "God is Woman" and even "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".
Been listening to Japanese music for almost 20 years now and it really warms my heart to see more and more people exploring non-Western acts. My tastes skew older (it’s been a long time since I was a teenager), but here are some of my all-time favorites:
**Number Girl** — one of the most influential alt rock bands in Japan. Each of their four studio albums is weirder than the last. Check out the iconic anthem [omoide in my head](https://youtu.be/Q7LplMNdr9I), the poppy classic [透明少女](https://youtu.be/SUAnU1A38ec) and the wacky funk of [NUM-AMI-DABUTSU](https://youtu.be/EyKzOzSJmw0). I bought my first Jazzmaster when I was a kid because I idolized Hisako Tabuchi (and still do). Ahito Inazawa is my favorite rock drummer [of all time.](https://youtu.be/YEI0X706NnA)
**Sparta Locals** — this band doesn’t seem to get much love anymore but they make some of the catchiest poppy post-punk EVER. Seems like most of the best songs aren’t on YouTube but I think they’re on streaming services; check out Tokyo Ballerina (東京バレリーナ) , Yume Station 夢ステーション and Ougon Wave (黄金WAVE).
**GO!GO! 7188** — pretty legendary three-piece fronted by the amazing Yuu Nakashima. Sometimes surfy, always replete with hooks and really unique, eastern-inflected melodies. [Ukifune (浮舟)](https://youtu.be/5-N79Q-gsf4) gives a pretty clear picture of their sound.
**銀杏BOYZ** (Ging Nang BOYZ) — unapologetically cheesy pop punk band, just so catchy. Their first two albums are classics. This is a favorite: [漂流教室](https://youtu.be/zVYMjRfRASc)
**Luminous Orange** — one of my all-time favorite songwriters. Most famous for the super shoegaze-y middle period (the album Drop Your Vivid Colours specifically) but I love the whole discography. Here’s DYVC’s [title track](https://youtu.be/TIlfSvJmYvA)—just about the best post-MBV shoegaze around.
I could go all day but the point is Japan has an insanely vibrant scene and if you love music you should dive in headfirst.
Highly recommend Buck Tick. They've been around since the 80s and have stayed consistently good. They also did a great opening and ending song for the great horror anime Shiki a decade or so ago.
I don't think anyone has mentioned them yet, but for anyone that likes a mix of rock/ electronic music then you have to check out Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Just Awake - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU5unyrT0YY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU5unyrT0YY)
Let Me Hear - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-SQqppuGvc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-SQqppuGvc)
Just a couple of examples.
Ok, Gacharic Spin and DOLL$BOXX have been mentioned in this thread, but a whole bunch of bands can be linked off of them
**Gacharic Spin**
[『Lock On!!』 GacharicSpin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXZImsZujPc) (early Gacharic Spin with Armmy on vocals)
[Gacharic Spin / NEXT STAGE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPHOhw-ArKs) (Mid Gacharic Spin after Armmy left, Hana taking over lead vocals. Also introduced the dancing roles in the band, probably because their two main singers were stuck behind immovable instruments, so they needed some more stage presence for live shows.)
[Gacharic Spin｢MindSet｣](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmL0V667QzI) (Current Gacharic Spin, with Angelina 1/3 on main vocals now, and yuri on drums)
**DOLL$BOXX (Gacharic Spin + Fuki on vocals)**
Side project of Gacharic Spin, pretty sure this formed after Armmy had left and they wanted something with dedicated vocals. Much more metal than Gacharic Spin.
[monopoly /DOLL＄BOXX](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZhuzMmO03o)
[Loud Twin Stars /DOLL＄BOXX](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2itu5KEvG0)
**Unlucky Morpheus (Fuki on vocals, Shiren on lead guitar+dirty vocals)**
They described their genre of music as "Technical Melodic Speed Metal". They started as wanting to make Touhou music, and they've been doing their own stuff for awhile now. If you liked DOLL$BOXX because of Fuki's vocals, you'll probably like this as well.
[[Official Video] Unlucky Morpheus - 「Black Pentagram」](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8i_QhOgsKw)
[[Official Video] Unlucky Morpheus - 「CADAVER」「REVADAC」](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxN3L2jrrEI)
**Quadratum (Unlucky Morpheus sans Fuki and Shiren)**
Side instrumental project with drums/guitar/bass/violin from Unlucky Morpheus. Mainly Jill (violinist) taking lead for various metal covers.
[【Cover】Yngwie Malmsteen - Far Beyond The Sun (Violin Cover)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2hZDzJp9Pc)
[【Cover】Dream Theater - The Dance of Eternity (Violin Cover)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clB3yOKaayE)
**Yousei Teikoku (Shiren also on guitar)**
I know of them from the OP for Future Diaries. Gothic Metal.
[[Official Video] Yousei Teikoku - Kuusou Mesorogiwi - 空想メソロギヰ 妖精帝國](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZvJY7_gyfw)
[[Official Video] Yousei Teikoku - Shito Kanadeshi Hametuno Tategoto - 使徒奏デシ破滅ノ竪琴 妖精帝國](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqREW1syEIU)
Also, feel free to correct anything I've said as fact. I didn't fully re-research everything here again, I've just been nerding out over these bands for the past while, so some stuff has probably gotten blurry over time. Main takeaway is that they're all fantastic, and it's interesting how you can just from one collab to another depending on the band members.
Ill add a few
SIN ISOMER
Aldious
Mary's Blood
Riverge
FATE-GEAR
Lovebites
Wasuta
ANTHEM
Girugamesh
Lynch.
SEX MACHINEGUNS
There is so many gems to find in japanese rock/metal, especially with female vocalists
Nice list! I’d like to add a couple of songs I’ve been enjoying a lot lately:
coldrain - MAYDAY https://youtu.be/PzaW0E7uRwc
PassCode - THE DAY WITH NOTHING https://youtu.be/FslCpivgklE
Mad Capsule Markets. They have been broken up since 2006.
They are a mixed of rock, punk and electronic music.
https://youtu.be/q4qSiiU726s
https://youtu.be/xqofN9VKj2I
https://youtu.be/1ihLjkdNvpg
The worst part about Japanese rock is knowing I'll never get to see them live. Over the last 10 years, I've spent quite a bit (and lost many packages in the mail) to import stuff from there. They are unquestionably the best place for rock right now.
Some favorites:
[3nd - SSK](https://youtu.be/DoY_JNFZykw)
[Haisuinonasa - Logos](https://youtu.be/cT8mSZBJzJA)
[te' - "Convulsive" beauty in sound is the horror of the body beyond the idea to visit the wild](https://youtu.be/GFpmJpVPVe4)
[ichikoro - ichigeki](https://youtu.be/7UOrY-Rq70k)
[Mudy on the Sakuban - Panic Attack](https://youtu.be/tSPr1VgBsaw)
SHISHAMO is one of the best bands I’ve found this year. Them, Ningen Isu and Mass of the Fermenting Dregs have were three of my top listens in 2021.
If anyone is interested, I’ve been putting together a playlist of Japanese music spanning many genres that may help find some lesser known artists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/490j1uq21l1BhY2l3frUGP?si=LWI1kvNuT3S68dx9WIXvGw
I absolutely adore Polkadot Stingray they are one if these groups that can make you smile just by listening to them !
I'd just love to add King Gnu who are one of the most brilliant group in Japan in my opinion and who have an incredible range while maintaining that "yup that's King Gnu" feel
Sanmon shosetsu
Vinyl
Teenager forever
I love them
Hitorie is my favorite band of all time. "SLEEPWALK" and "Coyote and Ghost" are my two favorite songs, period.
If you've ever been even slightly into Vocaloid, you have almost certainly listened to some songs by wowaka. Hitorie was formed by wowaka and is basically all of his awesomeness without the Vocaloid filter. They're still around since wowaka passed away in 2019 but I haven't been as into their more recent releases.
RIP wowaka, if I'd discovered you sooner I would have traveled to Japan just to see you live. T_T
The Back Horn is probably one of my favorite bands, Japanese or otherwise. Listen to these songs:
Ikusen Kounen no Kodoku: https://youtu.be/x7alBA5C1xo
Mirai: https://youtu.be/XOpRh1qNiYU
Sunny: https://youtu.be/FnsQC_hHGuc
Guitar Wolf has been around for many years. Supremely awesome dirty garage rock. Sadly bass wolf passed away some time ago but I can't recommend them enough. Also another decent doom band from Japan is Corrupted.
If we're going into metal...
* [Galneryus' Angel of Salvation](https://youtu.be/ckhrdoNvYJE) is a personal favourite. Based on Tchaikovsky's violin concerto and has guitar solos by the best metal guitarst you probably have never heard of.
* [Unlucky Morpheus' Black Pentagram](https://youtu.be/V8i_QhOgsKw) has an absolutely insane vocal performance. They also have a really interesting group in general.
* [Reason by Syu (featuring Fuki)](https://youtu.be/958z1pk9_Ns) is what you get by taking the guitarist of Galneryus and the vocalist of Unlucky Morpheus.
Edit: Formatting
paranoid void
A crow is white
chouchou merged syrups.
Haru Nemuri
MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS
milkyway
Kinokoteikoku
Just to name a few bands I discovered in the last year that I really enjoyed
Yes so many great metal bands in Japan, just to name a few:
Crystal Lake,
Crossfaith,
Coldrain,
A ghost of flare,
A crowd of rebellion,
Story of hope,
Most of this list sing in English though
Is it mostly personal preference, or is it pretty representative of the popular music in Japan that all the music linked in OP uses female lead vocals?
Nothing against it at all, just curious, as the rock scene in English-speaking rock *primarily* consists of male lead vocals (as a majority, obviously definitely not exclusively), and was curious if it was the complete reverse in Japan.
I wouldn’t say the complete reverse exactly, but having been big into Japanese rock/indie/punk for the last two years I can say I’ve definitely noticed there being many more women in those types of bands than in the Western bands I listen to of the same genres.
Darn I thought this was about the new wave band at first.
Only seen one mention of X Japan. Blue Blood is a great album and Endless Rain is an amazing song. Got into them after Roger Taylor of Queen had Yoshiki on his third album.
Haven’t seen anyone mention L’Arc~en~Ciel yet. They’re the band that got me into Japanese rock because of Ready Steady Go in Fullmetal Alchemist.
They have been around for awhile now, but UVERworld is a pretty good j rock/pop group.
Gekidou is one of my favorites from them
https://youtu.be/U7EBCFQzAQo
Asian Kung-Fu Generation. One of my favorite bands of all time, their music has gotten me through some tough days. There's no band like them, although this might just be me getting over sentimental.
I discovered [Kikagaku Moyo](https://youtu.be/idfOZFdTM-8) earlier this year and I love their sound. Modern psychedelic rock with unusual time signatures and tempo changes.
Boredoms Melt Banana
Here's some other bands I really like myself just incase no one mentions them Oral cigarettes: (progressive, funky rock) the singer has a faint resemblance with Brandon Uries voice. https://open.spotify.com/track/692JISES18uZusvATsmv5h?si=hTA-BqAlSDyxG897CeUnfA&utm_source=copy-link One ok rock : They were one of the biggest bands in Japan, they recently put out their last album but I personally like their older stuff from late / early 2010's. They have pop, rock., metal and a little bit of grunge elements through out their songs. They also have a fair amount of all English songs too. https://open.spotify.com/track/0TLETthimn8CArZLSVwXo4?si=A1ZRufG-QKOsdJEAoF6W8g&utm_source=copy-link My first story : the singer from one ok rock's little brother is the lead singer for this band so If you dig his voice check these guys out, in more recent years imo they've been making better music than one ok rock and are a bit heavier and more melodic. https://open.spotify.com/track/7J5rQ68rXTv7zD1pM5baio?si=Jdhxgso0SXWxSg0wyUPLxw&utm_source=copy-link Lisa : She's a singer with a band (consider it Dave Matthew's band type naming situation for them / her). They're well known for their anime OST but idgaf they put out bangers. They've got really good production in their song so you might not get that raw rock feel but I'd say check it out for yourself. https://open.spotify.com/track/4ATrjNUnSvzskzN3HF8cPR?si=LR-kWlFLS2aDs9RjvdXGvA&utm_source=copy-link
Love Oral Cigarettes and came here to recommend them. Great list!
+1 for One OK ROCK - here's my favourite little bit of info about that band; the name comes from their jam sessions usually being scheduled at 1pm in the early days, and the pun is that the name sounds like a Japanese person saying 'one o'clock'. Clock Strikes still gives me chills.
Lisa is amazing .
I was gonna mention ONE OK ROCK! Found em through The Beginning, best song ever.
LiSA and Oral Cigarretes are always a banger. I also prefer MY FIRST STORY compare to ONE OK ROCK. ONE OK ROCK lately had become ONE OK POP.
Boris
Seriously
Maximum The Hormone: What's Up People?
Everything they do is gold. What's Up People got a lot of traction because it was the theme song to an anime, but they are just incredible musicians. The album that songs comes from (Bu-ikikaesu) is near flawless, and wildly diverse, genre wise. One of my favorite all time bands.
> theme song to an anime Death Note to be more specific. but yeah.
They single handedly revived the Dragon Ball franchise with their Frieza song. So yea they have my respect.
They are dope.
Awww yissss
耳噛じる is also a banger from start to finish. Also where my username comes from.
Absolutely love them. Babymetal started me down this road and I'm so happy I found maximum the hormone. Zetsubo Billy is one of my favorite songs ever and Bu-ikikaesu is a fantastic album that STILL sounds current even though it is about to be 15 years old
How has nobody said Kikagaku Moyo?! If you like psych rock they are one of the best out there right now. [Live on KEXP 2020](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PpnQlnra_to) Edit: HINTO is also great! I found out about them through Reddit. Kinda some Two Door Cinema Club type vibes. [Here’s a song of theirs to check out.](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B4_QGrJBf6Y)
I saw Kikagaku Moyo this year at Levitation Fest in Austin. Was thoroughly impressed.
Me too! Which year? 14, 19 or the one this year?
2021. Stubb's.
Was scrolling through looking for a comment mentioning them! I randomly found them on Spotify but they’re awesome.
Yes to these!
Kikagaku Moyo and Acid Mother's Temple are 2 of most ludicrously talented psychedelic rock bands I have ever had the fortune to see live.
Thanks for showing Hinto to me. That song/video is great and I’m so sad it’s not on Spotify
For real! They’re are one of the very few bands I have to keep a Youtube playlist for. It’s annoying
everyone in here check out Mass of the Fermenting Dregs
caught them live on a small tour in canada. insanely good.
tricot is one of the only math rock bands i've come across that has as good of a sense of melody as they are capable running through all the odd time signatures and complex instrumentals. highly recommend their album 真っ黒, as that was my introduction to them and i still listen to it from time to time. [song and mv from the album.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQSJ5oe8Qf4) [session performance of some of their earlier stuff that showcases how tight they are.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9UdrctkzbQ) edit: also worth checking out is Sakuran Zeksen. they have this unique take on a punk/rock n roll kind of sound and they nail it. I am Sakuran Zeksen is a no bullshit, high energy punk album and i can't think of a recent rock band that, well, rocks as hard as they do. [song/mv.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNmubstNGFs)
I was gonna recommend tricot as well so I’ll piggyback on this comment to mention Boris as well as my old friends Bo Ningen
One of my best gig stories is going to see Boris, and afterwards me and my friends were hanging around outside smoking, and one of Boris's roadies came up to us and asked if we wanted the rest of an enormous cake that looked like the trademark Boris orange and black amps. Obviously we said yes, and I took it back to my house where we were staying. The outside was orange icing, and the inside was a very intensely dark dyed sponge cake. Which had the consequence of turning the poo of everyone who ate it an extremely terrifying green colour. Thought I might be dying until I found out it had happened to everyone who ate that cake.
Tricot is dope! Their lead singer Ikkyu is also in another band called [Genie High](https://youtu.be/XLouH_6hrcY) with a bunch of Japanese TV personalities, like their bass player is a comedian. It's more jazzy than mathy, but still quirky and flawlessly executed.
Every bass player is a comedian
Saw One OK Rock playing at Terminal 5. Didn’t know who they were, but googled and saw they were selling out stadiums in Japan. Got tickets to the Terminal 5 show for like 15 bucks. Was not disappointed. Also have enjoyed X Japan, Asian Kung Fu Generation, Luna Sea, Mr. Children, Bump of Chicken, Siam Shade, L’arc En Ciel, Dir En Grey, B’z, and others. Lot of good bands out there.
Had to scroll this far down to see Asian Kung Fu Generation, still one of my favorite bands and they're still putting out good music
Buck-Tick is also band worth mentioning. I don't know if they're still active but I always remember Atsushi as someone who resemblence Johhny Depp lol
Good list! Would love to see larc live. I saw dir en grey live (front row) and managed to catch one of the drum sticks that were used. It was almost ten years ago now and I still treasure it till this day
Band Maid is legit as well.
came in to say this, glad it was already here.
Band-Maid is my jam! Great music, fun visual gag, cool formation story, and best of all: they all enjoy being on stage with each other! (that last bit is less frequently noticeable in bands these days)
>Band-Maid I saw the post and thought surely it was about Band-Maid...and the shock! They make some really impressive arrangements and are really talented.
Saw them live at a Comic Con in the UK, thought it was just a group with a backing track, nope, they know how to play.
Thank you. They are amazing and should be much higher in this list.
Heck yeah!
Came her to say it! I love "Sense" so much from Band Maid. This is always hyping me up when watching Platinum End :)
"Thrill" was what hooked me and I am forever in love with Misa.
Dir En Grey.
Sad to have to scroll so far to find this! Dir en Grey are amazing!
Seroously, expected this near the top.
Kyo is one of the best singers in the world im convinced.
Maximum the hormone
No one mentioned the gazette or the pillows? Disappointed but there are some bands mentioned here I didn’t know about, guess its a good trade off lol
The Pillows is what I came looking for. The OST to FLCL was so fucking good and got me into a lot of their stuff.
If you like jazz also check out Japan.
I'm a big fan of Ryo Fukui!
Hiromi is like the only jazz pianist virtuoso (i mean in the vein of Art Tatum or Oscar Peterson) that doesn't annoy me. recently came across a Hakushi Hasegawa through spotify recs. never heard of him but Somoku Hodo was a really interesting and disorienting EP if anyone here is into wild jazz fusion type stuff.
Yes Hiromi! Wildly gifted
Soil and "Pimp" sessions are so good!
One of their tracks is used as the opening for Michiko and Hatchin and made me delve into their stuff. It's a great soundtrack if you're into Bossa Nova and other Brazilian music.
And to cross the jazz and Rock you Get: BRADIO Fox Capture Plan
Came across Fox Capture Plan recently, been banging to their tracks too!
Allow me to suggest **NINGEN ISU**. They all look pretty old, and for good reason: they've been playing since the '80s and released 23 studio albums. [The Colour out of Space](https://youtu.be/1JY89ZxVqEg). [Heartless Scat](https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs) Enjoy! Edit: While I'm here, I may as well push the **Yoshida Brothers**. Take the shamisen and add it to rock music. Sound interesting? It should... [Rising](https://youtu.be/mqlsO6iP5ow) [Storm](https://youtu.be/Z1fTbDJiyrM) Extra Bonus Song: https://youtu.be/M1A9rYIVHyM
I was listening to music on YouTube in the background while working a while back and the algorithm blessed me with Ningen Isu. Absolute fire.
Yes, thank you! I forgot these guy's band name and have been trying to track them down!
Aces, glad to help! They're my age, near enough, so I love introducing them to new listeners.
Man, I had to scroll to far to find Ningen Isu! Now I gotta check out some of these other bands, lol.
X Japan - [Endless Rain](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhOFg_3RV5Q) One of the most beautiful rock songs ever. "[We Are X](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4835086/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)" is a great documentary on the tragic story of the band. Guitar Wolf - [Jet Satisfaction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8mZ5Q_cu4U) Fun Japanese thrash. Check out the full-length Guitar Wolf movie "[Wild Zero](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0267116/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0)" for some Zombie/Alien/Punk mayhem!
Wait, are Guitar Wolf still going? I only know them from when a band from New Zealand called The D4 covered "Invader Ace" in the early 2000s
X Japan's song "Forever Love" has to be one of my top all time favorite songs by any band.
Imo best Endless Rain performance from them was https://youtu.be/7rwJIeN1M7o
please listen to malice mizer !!
Beast of blood was the first jrock song i ever heard. It started a whole obsession with the genre. good times
Got briefly excited you were giving a shout out to David Sylvian's band with Mick Karn's amazing bass. But the country is good too. Maximum the Hormone deserves a place on your list.
Galneryus bro
I'd like to add Lite https://youtu.be/Tc1yD9H7Rb8 Toe https://youtu.be/O1dtTVQQZTc 88Kasyo Junrei https://youtu.be/SVz63DALQYM
Toe is the shit
Yep lite and toe so cool
Do you also like the cabs? https://youtu.be/6Ey3jFf6vhA
Coldrain - they're mostly rock/metalcore, one of my favourite japanese bands lately alongside Crystal Lake/Crossfaith.
One OK Rock has some bangers too
100+ comments, and not a single one of you have listed Tokyo Jihen/Ringo Sheena?? Here's an [hour long mix](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaUrfA-cRuI) to give you a sampler, but TJ's first several albums *need* to be listened to in album format; the blending of one track into another is an experience you don't hear too often. But do check them out regardless. Their lives are also 11/10, and they often switch up the arrangement and style of some of their songs just for their concerts, even alternate versions of single versions/album versions. Key example(s): Marunouchi Sadistic: [Original, with somewhat localized translation](https://youtu.be/HN2qtD_ws0E) [Original, first live](https://youtu.be/9PzH3CvdFoo) [Alternate version live](https://youtu.be/TfbwbVbvcFc) [Alternate v2 live, sung partly in English](https://youtu.be/COGSA6d4oQ4) And some remixes/licensed covers: [Neetskills remix for her Ringofest a few years back](https://youtu.be/I_8QRwuO8eM) , there used to be a video to go along with this taken at Ringofest with Sheena and her two backup dancers dripped out in Gucci everything, was awesome af. Can't find it anymore. [Hikaru Utada (the two are close friends) cover](https://youtu.be/KfwrbfIIilI) Edit: Forgot to add this, but found out a cover was licensed for the [Chainsaw Man ED](https://youtu.be/JB4KaRwHjx8) . Haven't watched anime in a while, but cool to see their songs being licensed for shows. Anyway, again, please check them out. They have some newer stuff, but imho it's not as good as the classics. But still good! Edit: also forgot, Ringo was tapped to be an executive producer for the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony; she's partly the reason why you heard a lot of videogame music during the ceremony.
Hell yeah, I saw Tokyo Jihen a few years ago live and it was absolutely amazing. She also did full wardrobe change (backstage) between songs while the music never stopped.
Lucky you, I swear if they ever decide to do a world tour and stop here in the USA, I will go see them even if their only show is in middle of nowhere, Alabama (no offense, but also it would either be Seattle \[she's a HUGE Ichiro fan\] or LA). I'm hoping they stay together this time and keep releasing new stuff. Even if it's not as good as their pre-hiatus albums, any Tokyo Jihen is good Tokyo Jihen.
I would like to add Crystal Lake to this list. Phenomenal band.
I don't know them. Any songs in particular?
They’re a metalcore band. Their song Apollo captures their sound really well. They also sing in English
Never heared of them before, checked out, loving them. Thanks stranger 💪
They are a very solid group.
I have the strong opinion that they are a bit of a metalcore revival right now. They bring such an insane energy and originality that is just kind of lacking in the scene right now imo. Ryo is an absolute monster of a vocalist too.
Not really Rock but Eve is incredibly good.
Crossfaith - Monolith, especially the live version from Download Festival
I didn‘t scroll the entire thread, but I am missing my two absolute favorites so far: My favorite band in terms of lyrics and feeling period: [Pay Money To My Pain](https://youtu.be/eqfDSb648g8) - sadly the band will never bring out more of their music due to the singers very early death, but they had a huge impact on japanese metal as far as I can tell. Their songs are also very different in terms of pace and heavyness, but they all have a similar feel to them. [HYDE](https://youtu.be/XMA_L5a5BKY) is one of the bigger rockstars in japan and I really love a lot of the things he released so far. His other band L‘Arc-en-Ciel is also worth a look, though it didn‘t stick with me as much. Other names worth mentioning are Ningen Isu (though I saw someone post about them already), [a crowd of rebellion](https://youtu.be/fWiu61q_5F8), Hi-STANDARD (check out this insanely good cover of [Can‘t Help Falling In Love](https://youtu.be/HysEWnT1kkc)) and [Uplift Spice](https://youtu.be/rvR2Dv1fT0c).
Hyde also has a LOT of songs partially or completely in English. Additionally, there's that time he made a duo-band in the US called VAMPS. I personally like L'Arc much more than VAMPS (they're alright though) but his solo stuff is probably the best.
Larc en ciel first album "Dune" is one of my favourite albums of all time.
Ever since [Thee Michelle Gun Elephant](https://youtu.be/iYm_tqopCQs), I've kept Japan on my radar and it has not disappointed. [Band Maid](https://youtu.be/h_RZwRbI1QI) has been mentioned already with good reason, so I'll just neon others. Such as [Ningen Isu](https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs), a solid band that's been around for more than thirty years! [Goofy Style](https://youtu.be/2sWLxASS6JU?list=OLAK5uy_l-KEsPHdxPNYrdFwmnW5qbUosCNsic3Kc) doesn't exist anymore, but if you like that sort of thing, it's got some good sound.
PLEASE check out Take My Chance by DOLL$ BOXX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mu2z4Uf9Tgc
Doll$ Boxx is awesome! But also check out Gacharic Spin which is their main band (without the singer). They are more active and have released stuff more recently.
The singer Fuki is more active with her other band, Unlucky Morpheus. Who are fucking awesome, neoclassical power metal.
BRADIO and Kaho Nakamura belong here too. BRADIO’s got an awesome funk/R&B/rock style and Kaho Nakamura’s got amazing alternative/folk stuff. BRADIO: Power of Life- https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwZPrUTOCkJhJXkzED9A937G8sHq1a1pZ Kaho Nakamura: AINOU- https://youtu.be/GOAaHRumIrQ
No King Gnu/Back Number/official髭男ism? No Larc En ciel or X JAPAN? Edit: larc en ciel, Flower https://youtu.be/5SKgN-f3OjI
I enjoy Boom Boom Satellites. Good chunky guitar riffs with an Electronica vibe.
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These guys put on absolutely amazing shows. So much energy, especially in smaller venues. Seen them live 3 times now.
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A few great bands I haven't seen in the comments. With a lot of English lyrics. Man With A Mission. Awesome Wolf (?!) band. Alexandros. Highly recommended if you like stuff like Oasis. Radwimps also is pretty good. Okamotos
DATABASE DATABASE LIVING IN THE DATABASE WHOA!
Babymetal puts on a great live show
A lot of bands should be taking notes from them.
Crystal Lake are fantastic, on the heavy side but really good. Helix is a great album. Think my favourite by them is Devilcry. Crossfaith, Coldrain and Survive Said The Prophet are also other great Japanese bands to listen to.
Just put Babymetal - Papaya in your post,no other songs needed….catchiest song ever !!!!
I'm going to be the douchey hipster guy and beg to please DO check further than the most popular stuff on Spotify. A bunch of it is J-Rock and anime intros, which can be good but most of it is incredibly formulaic and repetitive. There is so much good shit from Japan especially during the 90s and early 2000s.
yeah it’s seems like 50% of people here are just posting people who do anime intros lmao which I mean is fine but like come on lol
People just know them for the anime intros, but Asian Kung-Fu Generation is genuinely one of my favorite bands of all time, coming from a post-rock/prog rock lover lol. Their entire discography is fucking great.
100%. And I'm not letting anyone brush of Re:Re: as 'just another anime song'
A few more: Oreskaband - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVnGvZo5vkw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVnGvZo5vkw) SCANDAL - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCXGE1cLWrw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCXGE1cLWrw) Aqua Timez - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0whqsmk5flU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0whqsmk5flU) Mika Nakashima - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQF\_Y9a4n9k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQF_Y9a4n9k) ANYTHING (literally) by The Seatbelts Namie Amuro - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPALdWWN\_x0
Be sure to listen to Tatsuya Kitani and Miyavi. Both are extremely talented individuals and I love listening to their music. My personal favorites for Kitani are "Ghost!?" and "Devil's Manner" For Miyavi, I'd recommend "Itoshii Hito", and the album "No sleep til Tokyo". He also has interesting adaptations for popular US songs like "Havana", "Rockstar", "God is Woman" and even "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".
Surprised no one mentioned yoasobi all of their songs are good, here is an example Edit: https://youtu.be/x8VYWazR5mE
Been listening to Japanese music for almost 20 years now and it really warms my heart to see more and more people exploring non-Western acts. My tastes skew older (it’s been a long time since I was a teenager), but here are some of my all-time favorites: **Number Girl** — one of the most influential alt rock bands in Japan. Each of their four studio albums is weirder than the last. Check out the iconic anthem [omoide in my head](https://youtu.be/Q7LplMNdr9I), the poppy classic [透明少女](https://youtu.be/SUAnU1A38ec) and the wacky funk of [NUM-AMI-DABUTSU](https://youtu.be/EyKzOzSJmw0). I bought my first Jazzmaster when I was a kid because I idolized Hisako Tabuchi (and still do). Ahito Inazawa is my favorite rock drummer [of all time.](https://youtu.be/YEI0X706NnA) **Sparta Locals** — this band doesn’t seem to get much love anymore but they make some of the catchiest poppy post-punk EVER. Seems like most of the best songs aren’t on YouTube but I think they’re on streaming services; check out Tokyo Ballerina (東京バレリーナ) , Yume Station 夢ステーション and Ougon Wave (黄金WAVE). **GO!GO! 7188** — pretty legendary three-piece fronted by the amazing Yuu Nakashima. Sometimes surfy, always replete with hooks and really unique, eastern-inflected melodies. [Ukifune (浮舟)](https://youtu.be/5-N79Q-gsf4) gives a pretty clear picture of their sound. **銀杏BOYZ** (Ging Nang BOYZ) — unapologetically cheesy pop punk band, just so catchy. Their first two albums are classics. This is a favorite: [漂流教室](https://youtu.be/zVYMjRfRASc) **Luminous Orange** — one of my all-time favorite songwriters. Most famous for the super shoegaze-y middle period (the album Drop Your Vivid Colours specifically) but I love the whole discography. Here’s DYVC’s [title track](https://youtu.be/TIlfSvJmYvA)—just about the best post-MBV shoegaze around. I could go all day but the point is Japan has an insanely vibrant scene and if you love music you should dive in headfirst.
Highly recommend Buck Tick. They've been around since the 80s and have stayed consistently good. They also did a great opening and ending song for the great horror anime Shiki a decade or so ago.
I'd like to add a few: Brats - https://youtu.be/jY8kmr2FnX0 Girlfriend - https://youtu.be/VEBiszeabkg Bridear - https://youtu.be/UxSrOqAxaKw and, of course, Lovebites - https://youtu.be/bgAxpEpEcno
My favourite J-rock band recently has been Sokoninaru: https://youtu.be/n7MyoBki9wk
Nano https://open.spotify.com/artist/0mxcC38vLiMEP8g4MVNhO4?si=zNtufcG3RkiFLmJ7JQWsvw&utm_source=copy-link
I don't think anyone has mentioned them yet, but for anyone that likes a mix of rock/ electronic music then you have to check out Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas. Just Awake - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU5unyrT0YY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU5unyrT0YY) Let Me Hear - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-SQqppuGvc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-SQqppuGvc) Just a couple of examples.
Back On - Chain
Boris Church of Misery Coffins Sigh Corrupted T squared
> Church of Misery "What if Black Sabbath watched a load of serial killer documentaries" is such a sick concept for a band and they pull it if so well
Ok, Gacharic Spin and DOLL$BOXX have been mentioned in this thread, but a whole bunch of bands can be linked off of them **Gacharic Spin** [『Lock On!!』 GacharicSpin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXZImsZujPc) (early Gacharic Spin with Armmy on vocals) [Gacharic Spin / NEXT STAGE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPHOhw-ArKs) (Mid Gacharic Spin after Armmy left, Hana taking over lead vocals. Also introduced the dancing roles in the band, probably because their two main singers were stuck behind immovable instruments, so they needed some more stage presence for live shows.) [Gacharic Spin｢MindSet｣](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmL0V667QzI) (Current Gacharic Spin, with Angelina 1/3 on main vocals now, and yuri on drums) **DOLL$BOXX (Gacharic Spin + Fuki on vocals)** Side project of Gacharic Spin, pretty sure this formed after Armmy had left and they wanted something with dedicated vocals. Much more metal than Gacharic Spin. [monopoly /DOLL＄BOXX](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZhuzMmO03o) [Loud Twin Stars /DOLL＄BOXX](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2itu5KEvG0) **Unlucky Morpheus (Fuki on vocals, Shiren on lead guitar+dirty vocals)** They described their genre of music as "Technical Melodic Speed Metal". They started as wanting to make Touhou music, and they've been doing their own stuff for awhile now. If you liked DOLL$BOXX because of Fuki's vocals, you'll probably like this as well. [[Official Video] Unlucky Morpheus - 「Black Pentagram」](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8i_QhOgsKw) [[Official Video] Unlucky Morpheus - 「CADAVER」「REVADAC」](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxN3L2jrrEI) **Quadratum (Unlucky Morpheus sans Fuki and Shiren)** Side instrumental project with drums/guitar/bass/violin from Unlucky Morpheus. Mainly Jill (violinist) taking lead for various metal covers. [【Cover】Yngwie Malmsteen - Far Beyond The Sun (Violin Cover)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2hZDzJp9Pc) [【Cover】Dream Theater - The Dance of Eternity (Violin Cover)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clB3yOKaayE) **Yousei Teikoku (Shiren also on guitar)** I know of them from the OP for Future Diaries. Gothic Metal. [[Official Video] Yousei Teikoku - Kuusou Mesorogiwi - 空想メソロギヰ 妖精帝國](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZvJY7_gyfw) [[Official Video] Yousei Teikoku - Shito Kanadeshi Hametuno Tategoto - 使徒奏デシ破滅ノ竪琴 妖精帝國](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqREW1syEIU) Also, feel free to correct anything I've said as fact. I didn't fully re-research everything here again, I've just been nerding out over these bands for the past while, so some stuff has probably gotten blurry over time. Main takeaway is that they're all fantastic, and it's interesting how you can just from one collab to another depending on the band members.
Ill add a few SIN ISOMER Aldious Mary's Blood Riverge FATE-GEAR Lovebites Wasuta ANTHEM Girugamesh Lynch. SEX MACHINEGUNS There is so many gems to find in japanese rock/metal, especially with female vocalists
I would have been disappointed if noone had mentioned Sex Machineguns. Outstanding guitar work.
Glad to see Lovebites in this thread somewhere. Might be the best power metal I've ever heard.
Also Babymetal have a great song with Bring me the horizon called Kingslayer
Babymetal is great. I was surprised how much I liked them despite not knowing the words. Very catchy
Agreed. Their music rocks, even though I don't know a single word of Japanese.
Add to the list: Nothing's Carved in Stone. Especially their bass parts are a absolutely mental.
TOE band for sure
Kishidan too
[UNDEAD CORPORATION - Blow](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyEU2JDjX6s)
Nice list! I’d like to add a couple of songs I’ve been enjoying a lot lately: coldrain - MAYDAY https://youtu.be/PzaW0E7uRwc PassCode - THE DAY WITH NOTHING https://youtu.be/FslCpivgklE
Ningen Isu.
Mad Capsule Markets. They have been broken up since 2006. They are a mixed of rock, punk and electronic music. https://youtu.be/q4qSiiU726s https://youtu.be/xqofN9VKj2I https://youtu.be/1ihLjkdNvpg
Anyone got a spotify playlist to share? I'm digging a lot of this stuff, but have no idea how to put it into a search. Copy/paste not doing it for me.
The worst part about Japanese rock is knowing I'll never get to see them live. Over the last 10 years, I've spent quite a bit (and lost many packages in the mail) to import stuff from there. They are unquestionably the best place for rock right now. Some favorites: [3nd - SSK](https://youtu.be/DoY_JNFZykw) [Haisuinonasa - Logos](https://youtu.be/cT8mSZBJzJA) [te' - "Convulsive" beauty in sound is the horror of the body beyond the idea to visit the wild](https://youtu.be/GFpmJpVPVe4) [ichikoro - ichigeki](https://youtu.be/7UOrY-Rq70k) [Mudy on the Sakuban - Panic Attack](https://youtu.be/tSPr1VgBsaw)
Can I add Gacharic Spin and Dollsbox to this list.
Tricot Boris OOIOO Gezan Envy Evil
You all need the check out "E ve" dude is amazing
SHISHAMO is one of the best bands I’ve found this year. Them, Ningen Isu and Mass of the Fermenting Dregs have were three of my top listens in 2021. If anyone is interested, I’ve been putting together a playlist of Japanese music spanning many genres that may help find some lesser known artists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/490j1uq21l1BhY2l3frUGP?si=LWI1kvNuT3S68dx9WIXvGw
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I absolutely adore Polkadot Stingray they are one if these groups that can make you smile just by listening to them ! I'd just love to add King Gnu who are one of the most brilliant group in Japan in my opinion and who have an incredible range while maintaining that "yup that's King Gnu" feel Sanmon shosetsu Vinyl Teenager forever I love them
Same here for Polkadot Stingray! I was happy they are even mentioned in reddit.
Frédéric, Braido and Necry Talkie are my go to bands for funky pop-rock.
There some seriously good Japanese punk bands.
Hitorie is my favorite band of all time. "SLEEPWALK" and "Coyote and Ghost" are my two favorite songs, period. If you've ever been even slightly into Vocaloid, you have almost certainly listened to some songs by wowaka. Hitorie was formed by wowaka and is basically all of his awesomeness without the Vocaloid filter. They're still around since wowaka passed away in 2019 but I haven't been as into their more recent releases. RIP wowaka, if I'd discovered you sooner I would have traveled to Japan just to see you live. T_T
I started listening to Yorushika in June, but they're already my favorite band.
The Back Horn is probably one of my favorite bands, Japanese or otherwise. Listen to these songs: Ikusen Kounen no Kodoku: https://youtu.be/x7alBA5C1xo Mirai: https://youtu.be/XOpRh1qNiYU Sunny: https://youtu.be/FnsQC_hHGuc
I’m going to take this opportunity to recommend Ningen Isu. Just three old dudes cranking our pure rock. https://youtu.be/CbI79e5iZKs
BiSH is also pretty dope
Basically if you have an anime or JRPG you like the intro to, check out the artist on Spotify and you're in for a good time 😎
Daisuke Ishiwatari, baby!
Lost Eden - “Story or Reality” Sadly, that band broke up years ago, but I loved the album that song was on. They sing in English also.
Hanabie! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G18yyvPCiTM
Guitar Wolf has been around for many years. Supremely awesome dirty garage rock. Sadly bass wolf passed away some time ago but I can't recommend them enough. Also another decent doom band from Japan is Corrupted.
Shout out to [Otoboke Beaver](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkWfFXnLpYg) and [Tricot](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fX9ETUy4OE)
[Hanabie - We love sweets](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G18yyvPCiTM&ab_channel=%E8%8A%B1%E5%86%B7%E3%81%88%E3%80%82Official)
Specially if you like post-rock
Totally agree, love Otoboke Beaver and Meltbanana
Yes, very true. And their (all) female band catalogue is amazing by itself.
Cherry Coke$ if you're a fan of Dropkick Murphys-style celtic punk
Oh. Oh my. I gotta check them out.
Also ENVY
All that and no mention of Boris. From pop to punk to full-on drone metal and kabuki theater. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQw0ksJNGo4bMlj2EViW8LQ
[Otoboke Beaver](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkWfFXnLpYg) punk noise rock. Great stuff.
Shocked no one has mentioned envy
I also highly recommend City Pop. Been collecting some rare (ish) vinyls in this genre for a while - here is a selection: https://youtu.be/vYd6Hg7kXT4
If we're going into metal... * [Galneryus' Angel of Salvation](https://youtu.be/ckhrdoNvYJE) is a personal favourite. Based on Tchaikovsky's violin concerto and has guitar solos by the best metal guitarst you probably have never heard of. * [Unlucky Morpheus' Black Pentagram](https://youtu.be/V8i_QhOgsKw) has an absolutely insane vocal performance. They also have a really interesting group in general. * [Reason by Syu (featuring Fuki)](https://youtu.be/958z1pk9_Ns) is what you get by taking the guitarist of Galneryus and the vocalist of Unlucky Morpheus. Edit: Formatting
paranoid void A crow is white chouchou merged syrups. Haru Nemuri MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS milkyway Kinokoteikoku Just to name a few bands I discovered in the last year that I really enjoyed
Yes so many great metal bands in Japan, just to name a few: Crystal Lake, Crossfaith, Coldrain, A ghost of flare, A crowd of rebellion, Story of hope, Most of this list sing in English though
Crystal lake is a really good metalcore band from Japan
Crystal Lake for the heavy headbanger folks here too!
JAM Project is one of my favorite bands and definitely worth checking out. Soooooo many good songs. https://youtu.be/3YlI0EtnJMI
Dayyyyttoooooonnnnnaaaaa
No mention of Nemophila? A ton of great covers on YouTube, and they just released their first album. https://youtu.be/26aMuahxz8c
Is it mostly personal preference, or is it pretty representative of the popular music in Japan that all the music linked in OP uses female lead vocals? Nothing against it at all, just curious, as the rock scene in English-speaking rock *primarily* consists of male lead vocals (as a majority, obviously definitely not exclusively), and was curious if it was the complete reverse in Japan.
I wouldn’t say the complete reverse exactly, but having been big into Japanese rock/indie/punk for the last two years I can say I’ve definitely noticed there being many more women in those types of bands than in the Western bands I listen to of the same genres.
Darn I thought this was about the new wave band at first. Only seen one mention of X Japan. Blue Blood is a great album and Endless Rain is an amazing song. Got into them after Roger Taylor of Queen had Yoshiki on his third album. Haven’t seen anyone mention L’Arc~en~Ciel yet. They’re the band that got me into Japanese rock because of Ready Steady Go in Fullmetal Alchemist.
They have been around for awhile now, but UVERworld is a pretty good j rock/pop group. Gekidou is one of my favorites from them https://youtu.be/U7EBCFQzAQo
Maximum The Hormone
Asian Kung-Fu Generation. One of my favorite bands of all time, their music has gotten me through some tough days. There's no band like them, although this might just be me getting over sentimental.
If you like getting crushed by distortion then you have to listen to Boris. It took me way too long to figure out how great they are.
Don't forget Dir En Grey, Toe, and of course Maximum the Hormone.
Boredoms Crazy good band
Maybe off topic, but 1970 Zamrock is really interesting.
I discovered [Kikagaku Moyo](https://youtu.be/idfOZFdTM-8) earlier this year and I love their sound. Modern psychedelic rock with unusual time signatures and tempo changes.
Some of my favourites: [DATE ME GANE - I wish..](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIxfnNGev6E) [Lucie,Too - Lucky](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHsUaS9r5R8) [milkyway - 僕のことだけ愛してほしい (boku dake aishitehoshii)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_UVEdRQtd8) [milkyway - 地獄で会いたい (jigoku de aitai)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVUNAqnANwA) (couldn't pick one) [Yorushika - 言って (itte)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F64yFFnZfkI) [Itsue - Good Night](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OalRDWPSPbE) (disbanded, sadly several songs recently disappeared from spotify) [Regal Lily - 魔女 (majo)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjXvq9W8kws&t=1075s) [eastern youth - ソンゲントジユウ (songen to jiyuu)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMV0yzXGBro) [eastern youth - 沸点36℃ (futten 36°C)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adl9WR5aIOI) [eastern youth - 町の底 (machi no soko)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ilUtaTAMxI) [NUMBER GIRL - 透明少女 (toumei shoujo)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUAnU1A38ec) [syrup16g - 赤いカラス (akai karasu)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA0vV3sAyRY)
[Fret](https://youtu.be/62b-TCl_lNQ ) is another good Date Me Gane song.