It can be challenging to find information on Japanese indie bands, but don't miss out on their amazing music! While they may not be as popular as major bands, they offer a unique and refreshing sound that is worth exploring.
In this article, we've curated a list of notable and recommended indie bands for you to discover, including Girls Bands, Rock Bands, Pop Bands, and many more. Our selection ranges from minor bands to popular bands, so there's something for everyone.
If you're looking for new and exciting music, check out our guide to Japanese indie bands. We hope it will be a helpful resource for your next music discovery journey.
What is a Japanese indie band?
Indie bands in Japan operate independently or with small independent labels, rather than affiliating with major labels like Sony, Avex, or Victor. These bands typically start out touring the country, playing live shows, and promoting themselves on SNS and YouTube until they gain a following.
Some indie bands may eventually sign with major labels, but others choose to continue their independent activities by establishing their own independent label. These bands build their fan base gradually and on their own terms, without the backing of a major label.
If you're looking for fresh and unique music, check out the Japanese indie music scene. You never know what undiscovered talent you might find!
40 recommended indie bands
Here are 40 Japanese indie bands that we recommend.
This article will be updated as soon as we find a good band.
Recommended Indie Bands in Japan
PEARL CENTER
This twin-vocal band was formed by the members of PAELLAS, which disbanded in 2019.
They play fresh and stylish music with a sound reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s. The band's sexy vocals are sure to get you hooked.
Note: Pearl Center has been dissolved.
PEARL CENTER
Bellmainz
A three-piece pops unit formed in 2018. Based in Kobe and Osaka, they feature nostalgic yet fresh songs with a respect for the pop rock of yesteryear, such as the 1980s and 1990s.
The vocalist, a graduate of Kwansei Gakuin University's Light Music Club, also has a great voice in copy bands of BUMP OF CHICKEN and Mr. Children, which has been played more than 1 million times.
Bellmainz
Brother Sun Sister Moon
Brother Sun Siter Moon was formed in Osaka in August 2017.
The band is made up of brother and sister with English lyrics and a unique worldview, but the songs are pop, with a good old 1960s-1970s Beatles feel, creating a sound that resonates across borders and eras.
Brother Sun Siter Moon
Roman Kakumei
The band was formed in Kyoto in 2017. The band has a 1960s and 1970s feel like Happyend, and also has sympathy with Never Young Beach in recent bands.
The band also features unique lyrics that repeat the same words over and over again, which is sure to become a habit.
Roman Kakumei
goeth
The band was formed in Sapporo, Hokkaido in 2020. The band is very comfortable to listen to and makes you want to repeat and listen to them over and over again.
goeth
Stereo Girl
A five-piece alternative rock band. The band features a sound that evokes the UK rock of yesteryear, such as Oasis, and cool female vocals.
Stereo Girl
kurayamisaka
With a somewhat nostalgic sound, female vocals, and great melodies and development, this rock band is sure to captivate you.
kurayamisaka
EMPTEI
The band started in 2020. The band has a unique atmosphere that is loose but fashionable.
EMPTEI
Nagakumo
A neo-acoustic band that will be active in January 2021. The band has a high level of performance ability and background in Shibuya-style music and jazz, such as Flipper's Guitar and Cymbals.
Nagakumo
Sundae May Club
A three-piece band from Nagasaki. The band features a pop-rock sound with a female vocalist's voice that pierces straight through.
Sundae May Club
sancrib
A four-piece band from Fukuoka. The band features stylish music that evokes the Japanese pop music of yesteryear.
sancrib
No Buses
Already a well-known 5-piece band. They caught fire overseas and their music videos have been viewed more than 5 million times.
They are the first Japanese band to be signed to Tugboat Records. The band plays great old indie rock and is sure to hit all the right notes.
No Buses
illiomote
A girl band formed by two female childhood friends.
Their songs are pop and happy, while playing royal rock numbers reminiscent of beabadobee and others.
illiomote
TAMIW
A post-trip hop band formed in 2018 with vocalist TAMI.
They are touring the US in 2019. Songs are produced at hidden place, a recording studio run by the members.
The band's composition utilizing analog synths and high quality music videos are also noteworthy, and deep music lovers such as Massive Attack will surely be hooked.
TAMIW
Pepetterz
A three-piece band formed in Kobe, Japan, which has participated in a tribute album to Chatmonchy. The band's quirky music, composed with stylish guitars similar to that of "Petrols," a band led by Ukigumo, a well-known guitarist of Tokyo Incidents, is very addictive.
Pepetterz
Singer's High
A four-piece band formed in 2020. With their distinctive high pitched, atmospheric vocals, they are especially recommended for those who like Creep Hype and others.
Singer's High
Yutai Communications
A 3-piece band from Kyoto, Japan, formed in 2019. The band plays calm songs with twin male and female vocals.
The songs are comfortable to listen to with a combination of loose, ever-listening vocals and electro-emphatic elements.
Yutai Communications
Khaki
A four-piece band based in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo, which has been in full swing since 2021. The band has a unique world view and creative arrangements that shine through.
Khaki
The Mcfaddin
This next generation rock band combines a physical band sound with a digital approach created with DTM.
The band's songs have an autotuned vocals and a Mura Masa-like approach, but are firmly embedded in a rock band.
The Mcfaddin
ego apartment
Alternative band formed in 2020. The band has established its own musical style by combining catchy pop melodies with alternative D.I.Y. sound.
Their fashionable and comfortable sound, which mixes various genres, has established a unique world view.
ego apartment
South Penguin
The band was formed in 2014. Currently, all members except Akatsuka, the guitarist and vocalist, are active with supporting members.
The band has already been active for a long time, having performed at the Fuji Rock Festival, and has comfortable vocals and a sophisticated, lean, minimalist sound. The band has also released songs with guest rappers.
South Penguin
NICO NICO TAN TAN
Formed in 2019, the band is composed by two music and two video directors.
The band is highly recommended for King Gnu and Templay lovers and builds a creative worldview in both video and music.
In December 2020, the band was selected as one of the top 5 bands in Asia for "Vans Musicians Wanted" sponsored by Vans, and also performed at Summur Sonic 2022.
NICO NICO TAN TAN
Laura day romance
A four-piece band with female vocals formed in 2017. The band is known for their fresh and sophisticated performances and lyrics.
Laura day romance
Easycome
Formed in 2015 after a member change and name change from a band formed with college circle mates.
The band plays royal pop songs with female vocals that seem faintly nostalgic.
Easycome
Denims
Denims is a long-running band formed in Osaka in 2012.
With roots in black music such as funk and blues, the band freely mixes elements of hip-hop, jazz, punk, and city pop to create a sound that is uniquely Denims.
Denims
Cody・Lee(李)
The band was formed in 2018 by a group of college friends.
They are quite popular overseas and their music videos have over 6 million views.
The band plays funky and colorful pop music.
Cody・Lee(李)
FREESIAN
In 2021, Maeda Kazushi, who really wants to sing without hands in order to pursue the "strongest Japanese song," gathered members who would do everything except singing and formed this band in Kobe.
The contrast between the hot rock and the clean, pure voice that exits is what makes this band so appealing.
Freesian
I Was Born
A long-running four-piece rock band formed in 2011.
The band plays rock music with a lot of originality and has built a unique world view that is habit-forming and unique.
I Was Born
UlulU
Three-piece girls band. They are a girls' band that delivers songs that stick with everyone with their straightforward guitar rock and catchy pop melodies.
Not only that, their quirky lyrics are sure to catch your heart.
UlulU
PK Shampoo
A rock band formed in 2018 by four former members of a Kansai University music circle.
The band plays heartbreaking garage rock, with numbers that will make your heart clench.
PK Shampoo
um-hum
A progressive R&B band from Osaka with an average age of 21, formed about 2 years ago. The band won the grand prix at the eo music try only one year after its formation.
With cool female vocals and high performance skills that show a background in R&B and other black music, the band plays music that is hard to believe that the average age of the band is 21.
um-hum
JYU
Based on Ryo Takanami's personal playing activities, this band started its band activities with members mainly from Kushiro, Hokkaido, which is Ryo's hometown. The band has performed at Rock In Japan Festival 2019 in less than a year of formation. The more you listen to the song, the more addicted you will become to the chorus melody and lyrics.
JYU
Aircraft
An alternative garage pop band based in Osaka. They play pop and easy listening songs with distinctive male and female vocals.
Aircraft
Nagisa no Beethovens
A band from Kyoto, Japan, where everyone writes and sings, with beautiful Beach Boys-like chorus work and a tasteful retro worldview.
Nagisa no Beethovens
Teikokukissa
The band was formed by former members of the Kansai University Light Music Club, and those who like Andymori and others will surely fall in love with the pop and catchy chorus.
Teikokukissa
BYLINZI BOYZ
This 3-piece band was formed in Chiba, Japan in 2019. The vocalist's voice is sure to knock you out with one hit.
BYLINZI BOYZ
Os Ossos
Three-piece band from Nagano, based in Tokyo. They upload high quality session videos with great performances and equipment.
Os Ossos
pinfu
A four-piece band from Saitama, Japan. The band's punk, garage, storytelling, and shouted vocals are muddy and piercing.
pinfu
Brandy Senki
Osaka 3 piece rock band. The retro song melodies and lyrics, which somewhat remind you of the Showa period, are addictive.
Brandy Senki
Retroriron
The band was formed in Tokyo in June 2020, centering on Ryouon, a singer-songwriter. The song has a high degree of perfection, and the melody of the chorus is very moving.
Retroriron
Summary
Indie bands in Japan face significant challenges, with many struggling to make ends meet even before the pandemic hit. In the current climate, it's even harder for them to stay afloat.
However, we can help support these talented musicians by listening to their music and attending their live shows. Not only does this give us the opportunity to discover new and exciting music, but it also helps indie bands gain more exposure and recognition.
We hope this article has inspired you to explore the world of Japanese indie bands and has provided you with valuable information. Let's work together to keep independent music thriving during these challenging times.
Recommended Indie Bands in Japan