Music

10 Must-Listen J-Rock Bands and the Hottest Bands to Watch for in 2024!

 
10 Must-Listen J-Rock Bands and the Hottest Bands to Watch for in 2024!

You might be curious about Japanese rock bands but unsure where to start or what bands are out there. Each Japanese rock band has its unique style, and some have even gained international fame, which might be news to some readers.

We’ll showcase 10 quintessential Japanese rock bands that represent the nation’s vibrant music scene, including their hit songs for you to check out.

Contents

1.Introducing 10 J-Rock Bands You Must Listen To!

Japanese rock music has seen various bands flourish since the 1960s, with an unprecedented band boom occurring during the 1980s and 1990s. Today, Japanese rock music, often referred to as “Hou-Rock(邦ロック)” by the Japanese, has established itself as a distinct musical genre.

Here, we introduce 10 of the most iconic bands representative of Japanese rock music.

1-1.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK, formed in 2005, consists of four members: TAKA, TORU, RYOTA, and TOMOYA.The band made its major debut in 2007 with their first single “内秘心書(Naihi Shinsho)” Since then, they have played at the iconic Nippon Budokan, and embarked on dome, arena, and world tours.

Today, having signed with an international label, ONE OK ROCK has grown into a globally successful rock band, showcasing their talent in world tours. Their popular songs include “Wherever you are,” “The Beginning,” and “Eye of the Storm.”

1-2.L’Arc~en~Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel, formed in 1991, comprises four members: hyde, ken, tetsuya, and yukihiro.They broke through in 1994 with the video single “眠りによせて(Nemuri ni Yosete)” and have since released numerous hit songs. Through successful tours, periods of hiatus, and comebacks, L’Arc~en~Ciel has established itself as one of Japan’s most renowned rock bands.

Their hit songs include “花葬(Kasou)” “Caress of Venus,” and “虹(Niji).”

1-3.King Gnu

King Gnu, formed as “Srv.Vinci” in 2013, consists of members 勢喜 遊(Seki Yu), 常田 大希(Tsuneta Daiki), 井口 理(Iguchi Satoshi), and 新井 和輝(Arai Kazuki). They made a significant mark on the indie scene by performing at the major American festival “SXSW” in 2017 and conducting a tour across the United States. Following this, they renamed the band to King Gnu and made their major debut in 2019. Since then, they have produced numerous hit songs and climbed to the top ranks of Japanese bands.

King Gnu’s popular songs include “白日(Hakujitsu),” “一途(Ichizu),” and “カメレオン(Chameleon).”

1-4.UVERworld

UVERworld was formed in 2000 and consists of six members: TAKUYA∞, 克哉(Katsuya), 彰(Akira),真太郎(Shintarō), 信人(Nobuto), and 誠果(Seika). The band debuted in 2005 with their first single “D-tecnoLife.” They have since secured numerous tie-ups with anime and TV dramas, garnering significant support from the younger generation in particular.

Some of UVERworld’s popular songs include “君の好きなうた(Kimi no Suki na Uta),” “CHANCE!,” and “儚くも永久のカナシ(Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi).”

1-5.Maximum the Hormone

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Maximum the Hormone, formed in 1998, consists of four members: マキシマムザ亮君(Maximum the Ryo-kun), ダイスケはん(Daisuke-han), 上ちゃん(Ue-chan), and ナヲ(Nao). The band made its major debut in 2004, captivating many with their unique lyrics and powerful heavy bass sound. Known for their unconventional and groundbreaking projects, Maximum the Hormone has established a distinct presence in the music world.

Some of their hits include “光のメガラバ(Koi no Mega Lover),” “F,” and “ぶっ生き返す!!(Bukkikikaesu).”

1-6.BUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN was formed in 1994 and consists of four members: 藤原 基央(Fujiwara Motoo), 増川 弘明(Masukawa Hiroaki), 直井 由文(Naoi Yoshifumi), and 升 秀夫(Masu Hideo). Since their 2000 debut with their first single “Diamond”, they have registered top 10 hits on Japan’s Oricon charts with every CD single release.

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s popular songs include “天体観測(Tentai Kansoku),” “カルマ(Karma),” and “なないろ(Nanairo).”

1-7.the GazettE

the GazettE, formed in 2002, consists of five members: RUKI, URUHA, AOI, REITA, and KAI. As a visual kei band, they are known for their flamboyant makeup and unique worldview. They made their major debut in 2005 and have since received high acclaim both domestically and internationally, with performances at the Nippon Budokan, arena concerts, and world tours.

Popular songs of the GazettE include “Cassis,” “Anata no Tame no Kono Inochi,” and “SHIVER.”

1-8.SiM

SiM was formed in 2004 and consists of four members: MAH, SHOW-HATE, SIN, and GODRi. Their music uniquely combines loud rock and reggae, captivating audiences with intense sounds and rhythmic performances. Since their 2013 debut, they have steadily increased their fan base through national tours and performances at the Nippon Budokan, establishing themselves as a leading loud rock band in Japan.

SiM’s hits include “UNDER THE TREE,” “Blah Blah Blah,” and “The Rumbling.”

1-9.MAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION, formed in 2010,is a band known for its unique concept and backstory. The members are Tokyo Tanaka, Jean-Ken Johnny, Kamikaze Boy, DJ Santa Monica, and Spear Rib.

After making their 2011 debut, they expanded their activities with national tours and increasing tie-ups with TV dramas and anime.

Some of MAN WITH A MISSION’s popular songs include “Emotions,” “Remember Me,” and “Seven Deadly Sins.”

1-10.SCANDAL

SCANDAL was formed in 2006 and is an all-female band consisting of HARUNA, MAMI, TOMOMI, and RINA. They made their major debut in 2008 and quickly became one of Japan’s leading girl bands. SCANDAL is active every year, releasing singles and albums, and holding live tours, with a wide fan base both in Japan and internationally.

Some of SCANDAL’s hit songs include “Shoujo S,” “Shunkan Sentimental,” and “Koisuru Universe.”

2. Featured J-Rock Bands to Watch for in 2024!

Thus far in 2024, there are three particularly noteworthy rock bands in Japan.

・ブランデー戦記

ブランデー戦記(Brandee Senki), formed in 2022 by 蓮月(Hazuki), みのり(Minori), and ボリ(Bori), is a trio that has captured the attention of Japan’s rock enthusiasts. Their debut music video, “Musica,” surpassed one million views on YouTube within a month of its release. The band’s appeal lies in their lyrical wordplay, melodic lines, and the vocals of Hazuki.

・アンと私

アンと私(Ann to Watashi), a trio consisting of 二口(Futakuchi), ヤマモトマキ(Yamamoto Maki), and 岩本 充生(Iwamoto Mitsuo), was formed in 2020. Their 2023 release, “Tinder,” went viral on TikTok, attracting fans with its relatable lyrics.

・NOIMAGE

NOIMAGE, formed in 2021 by 藤井 凱也(Fujii Gaiya), 後藤 憲正(Goto Norimasa), and 和泉 海(Izumi Kai), released their first single “Image is” just three months . The following year, they launched an album and tour. Known for their straightforward lyrics and upbeat melodies, they have garnered a strong following among young people.

Conclusion

In Japan, rock music is known as “J-Rock ” or “Hou-Rock” and is a popular genre across a wide range of ages. Bands like ONE OK ROCK, King Gnu, and MAN WITH A MISSION have achieved international success.

Japan hosts many festivals centered around rock bands. While smaller events are a regular occurrence nationwide, large-scale outdoor festivals like Fuji Rock, Rock in Japan Festival, and Metrock are especially popular. If your trip to Japan coincides with these events, be sure to grab a ticket and enjoy Japan’s rock festivals!

*This article is based on information available as of March 2024.

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