In 2007, Julian Cope brought classic Japanese rock ’n’ roll to the indie literati’s attention with Japrocksampler—an astute, awkwardly named analysis of early Japanese rock music and the cultural revolution it helped precipitate. Groups like Flower Travellin’ Band and Speed, Glue & Shinki aren’t exactly household names in America, but they’re respected immensely by those who know.
Comparatively, not a ton has been written—in English, at least—about contemporary Japanese rock. This is probably because rock ’n’ roll in Japan, like everywhere else, has been supplanted by other, newer forms of pop music.
“[Rock music is favored] mostly by people with high antennas, but it’s never ranked high in the hit chart,” Sawao Yamanaka, the guitarist and lead singer for Japanese rock band the Pillows, tells me over email. “In Japan, I believe dance music is much more popular.”