History
Japanese rock music, often referred to as "J-rock" began to develop in the late 1960s. This late 1960s sub genre is referred to as Group Soups". Some of the most well known bands of that era were The Tigers, The Tempters, The Spiders, The Golden Cups, The Mops, The Blue Comets, The Funnies, The Wild Ones, The Happenings Four and others.
In the 1970s, singer-songwriters like Kazuki Tomokawa and Kan Mikami became popular and groups like Magical Power Mako led a folk-rock scene. During the late 1980s popular rock bands such as X Japan helped define a new "Visual Kei" aesthetic in Japanese rock and pop music.
Several Japanese rock bands have experienced success in the U.S. in recent years. Some of those artists include Cornelius, Boredoms, Boris, and Acid Mothers Temple.
Contemporary Japanese Rock Music
Rhapsody Online: Free Japanese Noise Rock Music
MP3.com: Boris MP3 Downloads
iTunes: Boredoms
