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Japanese Indie Music: Ten Undiscovered Gems  
BESTS 

Tags: japan, music, japanese, indie, indie pop, obscure

ObscureSound.Com compiled their list of the ten best Japanese bands we haven't heard of here in the U.S. Give these bands a listen- and feel free to comment on your favorite!

	The B'z: The B’z consist of the duo Tak Matsumoto (guitar) and Koshi Inaba (vocals, keyboards). Making their debut in 1988, The B’z may be the most successful Japanese rock bands of all time. Matsumoto and Inaba are truly the Marr-Morrissey of Japan, with Matsumoto writing the music and Inaba on lyrics/vocals. Matsumoto is a sensational guitarist and outstanding songwriter. If you’re looking for an introduction to Japanese music, The B’z are the way to go.
	Kagerou: Despite their overdrawn and ghoulish appearance, their music can be elegant, emotional, and powerful. They really don’t sound as gothic as they look, and the gothic band look in Japan is called ‘Visual-Kei’. It’s just a unique style in Japan, taking roots from such Western artists as Bauhaus, David Bowie, and T-Rex.. Frontman Daisuke has some of the most unique vocals I have ever heard, and it’s certainly a compliment. An outstanding band!
	Pizzicato Five: I’d like to introduce to you to the wonderful genre of Shibuya-Kei: music that combines several styles, including blues, fusion, traditional music, folk, and rock. It is said to be Japan’s most popular original genre.. Pizzicato Five is one of the most famous Japanese bands to Westerners due to their flow and accessible jazzy sound. They are considered one of the most successful Shibuya-Kei artists of all time.
	The Pillows: The Pillows are one of the Japanese bands who gained popularity because of the anime popularity in Japan. A regular in the series FLCL, they are one of Japan’s more popular rock bands. They kicked off a tour in the United States in March 2005 as well. The three members of Sawao Yamanaka (vocals), Yoshiaki Manabe (guitar), and Shinichiro Sato (drums) have been together since '89 making lots of cathcy songs.
	Dir En Gray: Dir En Grey is one of the most successful Visual-Kei artists ever. As displayed because of hundred of fan sites and fan cults, they are one of the most popular. Their frantic style of play and consistent albums have made them a trademark in Japanese music. They are younger than most Japanese bands of their stature, having been around for less than ten years. They have been known to embrace English roots, as each of their albums is often seen going in a different music direction, sometimes approaching full English.
	Inugami Circus: Originating in 1994, they are actually a Visual-Kei band with a real girl! Her name is Kyouko, she serves as their vocalist and she adds a nice flavor to the Blues-influenced rock. Their lyrics tend to be associated with ghostly and violent things, so they are one of the bands that actually reflect their attire. Nonetheless, the music is quite good
	MUCC: MUCC got their name from the number ‘69′. In Japanese, ‘69′ can be pronounced “mukku”. With that interesting bit said, they are one of the louder bands in the Japanese genre. Like Dir En Grey, their frantic play style can be found, but it is often more consistent. The song ‘Dilemma’ is very entertaining. They are currently a hot selling band, since forming in 1997.
	Cibo Matto: Cibo Matto was formed in New York, but the founding members are Japanese (Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda) and combine many Japanese elements. They’re basically in a genre of their own, combining general shibuya-kei, Latin music, and even rap to create a very interesting sound. They are really only for a specific group of people, but all music fans should respect and admire their sound. They broke up in 2001 but their two albums (Viva! La Woman and Stereo Type A) are both very fun stuff.
	Tokyo Jihen: Translated to The Tokyo Incidents, Tokyo Jihen combines several music styles, mostly blues, to make a great sound.‘Blackout’ is the song that grew on me the most. I’m really digging the keys, claps, and Shiina Ringo’s usual great vocal style. In my opinion, Shiina Ringo is probably one of the most rawly talented songwriters in the world. I know that may seem like a high honor, but she has displayed signs of outstanding song and structure writing since her debut album, Muzai Moratorium, in 1999.
	Chara: Chara is Miwa Sato, who has been making quality J-Pop since the early 90s. With vocals that could pass for a middle school girl, it fits in right in with the twinkling keyboards and catchy beats in ‘Atashi Ha Koyoko’. Child-like qualities in vocals are often considered a plus in Japanese pop music, and Chara comes with no exception. She released an album with imminent English in Montage with Yen Town Band in 1996.

Lister: diperniac
Source: ObscureSound.Com

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