Our 2024 top list honors the visual kei and Japanese rock artists who defined the year with groundbreaking achievements and boundary-pushing creativity. These musicians didn’t just transcend borders—they redefined the genre, delivering rock that resonated worldwide.
We turned to you—our readers—on X, Facebook, and Instagram for your favorite artists of the year, to influence our picks and the ranking. Without further ado, we present JROCK NEWS’ top visual kei and Japanese rock artists of the year.
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Top 10 visual kei artists
1. The GazettE
The GazettE has claimed the top spot as our number one visual kei band of 2024, a year marked by profound loss, inspiring resilience, and renewal. On April 15, bassist Reita passed away, leaving a deep void in the band and its global fanbase. To honor his memory, the band held a deeply moving memorial concert on his birthday at Toyosu Pit, livestreamed for fan club members. In their announcement, they shared, “After many discussions […] we have decided to hold a memorial concert to send him off with the music and live performance he loved more than anything”.
To further connect with their global fanbase, the GazettE opened a tribute message board, receiving thousands of heartfelt entries celebrating Reita’s legacy.
Following a period of healing, the band returned to the stage with renewed determination. As they prepare for their 23rd-anniversary tour in 2025, their resilience and unity are a testament to their enduring bond with fans and commitment to their music. While Reita’s absence is deeply felt, vocalist Ruki, guitarists Aoi and Uruha, and drummer Kai continue to carry his spirit forward.
For a deeper look at Reita’s legacy, revisit our 2021 audio interview with him from “club Zy.”, our 2019 conversation with the band about their journey, or our recent visit to Deal Design in Tokyo, where we explored Reita’s passion for design and his lasting impact.
2. jiluka
JILUKA brought their signature “Electro Gothic Metal” (EGM) to international fans with two thrilling tours this year. The WORLD TOUR 2024 ‘K4RMA’ spanned Japan, Europe, and Los Angeles, featuring standout performances at Spain’s Resurrection Fest and Portugal’s Evil Live Festival. Their US TOUR 2024 followed, electrifying audiences in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York.
The band also unleashed a blazing new single, S4VAGE, further pushing the boundaries of their genre and solidifying their global impact.
In 2025, JILUKA joins forces with Swedish rock band Imminence for The Return of the Black Tour. With an extensive North American schedule, the band is set to bring their dynamic blend of visual kei and Electro Gothic Metal to fans like never before. Get ready to experience their “savage” energy in a city near you!
3. HYDE
HYDE had a standout year with the release of HYDE [INSIDE] on September 13. The album features collaborations with internationally recognized talents from SiM, MY FIRST STORY, Crystal Lake, and more, blending diverse influences into his signature sound.
Speaking of MY FIRST STORY, the band teamed up with HYDE this year for the mashup single Mugen (夢幻), featured as the opening theme for the hit action anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Hashira Training Arc.
To support his new album, HYDE launched the HYDE [INSIDE] LIVE 2024 WORLD TOUR, starting in Asia with stops in South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The tour continued to North America for shows in New York and Los Angeles, his first US appearances in five years, before continuing to Shanghai, Chengdu, and Beijing.
With a bold album and global tour, HYDE solidifies his place as a trailblazer in the international rock scene.
4. DIR EN GREY
DIR EN GREY had a dynamic year, blending fresh creations with nods to their storied past. They released the new single The Devil In Me alongside 19990120, a reimagining of selected tracks from their major debut album Gauze.
In March, DIR EN GREY took their iconic “FROM DEPRESSION TO ________” tour to Europe, revisiting fan-favorite albums Withering to death. and UROBOROS. Footage from the tour became a concert film, Zankyou no Ketsumyaku, screened in theaters across Japan. During this long-awaited return overseas, we had the privilege of interviewing the band’s leader, guitarist Kaoru.
Looking ahead, the band announced three US shows and performances in Taipei and Hong Kong for 2025. With hints of a new album in the works, DIR EN GREY continues to evolve, pushing boundaries while honoring their legacy.
5. KAYA
This year, Kaya elevated his music with a string of international performances and releases. In March, he performed solo and with his side project, Schwarz Stein, in Chile, and then joined HIZAKI at Anime Boston in the US. This fall, he toured Latin America with Mana and Kozi, and later teamed up with HIZAKI again for the “GRACE ADDICT” event in Bangkok, further cementing his global presence.
Kaya also released his praised album BOUQUET, while Schwarz Stein dropped DEMIGOD, their first new album in 20 years. With his sights set on a world tour, Kaya’s diverse projects and performances continue to expand his reach, showcasing his versatility and dedication to his art.
6. Kizu
Kizu released two powerful singles, Ningen Shikkaku and Oni. Meanwhile, under their own label, Damage Records, they also introduced a new band, “sugar”. They made waves with a surprise “guerilla” live outside Shibuya 109, plus a fun collab with Karaoke Manekineko. Their overseas show in Shanghai and one-man performance at Yoyogi National Gymnasium added to their growing momentum. With a solo 2025 Nippon Budokan show announced, their rise continues as they gain an ever-expanding fanbase.
7. Xaaxaa
XaaXaa marked their 10th anniversary with a powerful US debut at Katsucon. They dropped three bold singles—Boku to OD, Nozokitai, and Kasa ga nai—showcasing their sharp, evolving sound. Taking their energy global, they tore it up in Taiwan with NIGHTMARE, the MADNA, and FORBIDDEN. With every move, they push boundaries and keep listeners on their toes.
Relive XaaXaa’s exciting US debut in our exclusive interview, here.
8. Kamijo
This year marked a major turning point for KAMIJO as a solo artist. He released the single Utsukushii Hibi no Kakera and the EP Violet Dawn, while thrilling fans with a seven-show European tour, “The Anthem”. Looking ahead, he’s announced a 2025 national tour, a 30th-anniversary show, and the ambitious overseas tour “THE AMERICAS TOUR 2025: MASTERPIECE”. With plans to relocate his home base to Los Angeles to expand his career, KAMIJO is entering an exciting new chapter.
9. deadman
This year, deadman made a major return with Genealogie der Moral, their first new album in 19 years—and it slaps. Alongside the album release, they kept the energy high with multiple domestic tours and exciting mashup events with other artists. With a powerful mix of nostalgia and fresh energy, deadman proved they’re still a force in the scene.
10. dexcore
DEXCORE has expanded to a wider audience within Asia in 2024 with performances in Bangkok and Shanghai, broadening their horizons for overseas performances. For elsewhere in the world, DEXCORE has given fans no shortage of music with three new singles SKINDEEP, Still Alive, and PARAMNESIA showcasing their everchanging styles.
Top 10 Japanese rock artists
1. HANABIE.
“HANABIE.” has had an extraordinary year, breaking boundaries and achieving remarkable milestones. From taking over the cover of “Kerrang!” to announcing their theme song Oishii Survivor for the action anime Momentary Lily, the band’s rise has been unstoppable! They also fulfilled a dream by performing on the same stage as their senpai band, Crystal Lake, in front of tens of thousands of people at Resurrection Fest.
In 2024, they embarked on an ambitious world tour, delivering around 100 performances, connecting with fans, and honing their stage presence.
Despite their packed schedule, they released the unapologetic EP Bucchigiri Tokyo and four music videos. Not only that, HANABIE. even took the time for an extensive interview with JROCK NEWS, sharing some wild stories while chewing on the candy we bribed them with.
Last year, HANABIE. took the second spot on our Japanese rock top list. However, this year, they’ve truly outdone themselves, and as such, we are thrilled to award the top position to this incredibly hard-working band!
2. atarashii gakko!
Dance troupe “ATARASHII GAKKO!” wrapped up the best year ever, with a fresh full-length album AG! Calling, three singles (including a tie-in with Hollywood blockbuster Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), and a two-part world tour that brought their hijinks to 24 cities in Europe, Asia, and North America. They even joined the Coachella lineup along with YOASOBI and Hatsune Miku.
Weaving together jazz, hip-hop, EDM, and even Japanese oldies with prodigious acrobatics, these forever high schoolers taught us that you don’t need to be in a rock band to kick butt and melt faces. Just ask Maximum the Hormone—the metal heavyweights invited ATARASHII GAKKO! to collaborate on a remake of their song Shimi in June.
3. knosis
KNOSIS had a breakout year, solidifying their presence on the global stage as they went major under Sharptone Records. They toured Europe, playing nine shows that showcased their harsh, genre-defying sound to new audiences. The band also dropped their explosive single Fuhai, featuring Yukina of “HANABIE.”, our number one Japanese rock act of 2024.
Back home, KNOSIS kept up a near-constant touring schedule in Japan, building a rapidly growing following with their chaotic, electrifying live performances. Looking ahead, they’ve announced their first Australia tour for 2025, joining three global metalcore acts: Void of Vision from Australia, and American bands Gideon and Unity TX.
Ranked number 10 on our top Jrock list last year, KNOSIS has shocked us with their rapid ascent. With their fearless approach to music and relentless drive, we can’t wait to see where this powerhouse band takes off next.
4. Ado
Utaite prodigy Ado ventured across Asia, Europe, and North America on her first international tour Wish despite never setting foot outside Japan before 2024. Later in the summer, she dropped her new album Zanmu, which boasted a whopping 14 singles, including tie-in Kura Kura for the action anime SPY X FAMILY.
Remaining completely anonymous—performing as a backlit silhouette inside a draped cage set at the back of the stage—Ado enraptured the entire world with her unmistakable voice. In March, we had the privilege of seeing Ado perform in Los Angeles, where she delivered a stunning rendition of her hit Aishite Aishite Aishite. The smash hit track has surpassed 20 million streams on YouTube, and over 10 million views for the live performance that we had the privilege to witness.
Ado’s continued to keep us all on edge too: Her next tour Hibana promises 33 concerts, adding new stops in Europe, USA, and South America! Ready for the show?
See what Ado had to say about her first international tour, in our exclusive interview here.
5. Yoasobi
Electropop duo YOASOBI kicked off 2024 by closing out the annual New Year’s Eve countdown festival Kouhaku Utagassen. Then in July, it did another solid for the Japanese public broadcaster NHK by offering new song Butai ni Tatte as the theme for the Paris Olympics coverage.
Talk about going global, singer Ikura and producer Ayase released their third all-English EP E-Side 3, and hit up Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, China, and USA, including an appearance at Coachella and the White House with the US President! With Crossfaith drummer Tatsuya Amano joining as a fixture in the touring lineup, YOASOBI rocked louder than ever before!
6. Lovebites
LOVEBITES made waves this year with the announcement of their first world tour, THE THIN LINE BETWEEN LOVE AND HATE, featuring stops across Europe and major festival appearances, including Spain’s Rock Imperium and Resurrection Fest, France’s Hellfest main stage, and ProgPower USA in September. They also released Lovebites EP II and revealed plans for their 2025 album, No More Tragedy.
7. Asterism
Three-member heavy metal band Asterism dominated 2024 with their high-energy performances and creative collaborations. They rocked the stage at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, later returning to the city in November for their LIVE TOUR 2024 PLANET OF METAL. Teaming up with manga artist Acky Bright, they brought their PLANET OF METAL album to life, blending their signature sound with bold visual artistry. Check out our interview with these metal pioneers here.
8. Babymetal
BABYMETAL solidified their status as a global powerhouse with a massive world tour spanning the US, Europe, Asia, and South America, selling out so many US shows they had to add more dates. This year also saw two major collaborations with internationally renowned bands: the high-energy single and video Ratatata with ELECTRIC CALLBOY and Brand New Day featuring Tim Henson and Scott LePage of POLYPHIA.
9. coldrain
This year, coldrain revisited their roots with a re-recording of their debut album Final Destination, featuring a new track, VENGEANCE. Vocalist Masato made waves beyond the band, lending his voice to NOISEMAKER’s Supernatural, THE ORAL CIGARETTES’ DUNK, and Nothing’s Carved In Stone’s All We Have. In 2024, coldrain toured Europe for the first time in four years, reaching audiences in Germany, France, and Poland.
10. MAD JAMIE
After MAD JAMIE performed her first show abroad last year, she quickly set off for a full European tour this year. As an emerging rock idol, we truly respect the work that lead performer Kanjosen Akubi put into reaching the overseas audience. This year, she also achieved her first solo headlining show at Zepp Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Make sure to head over and read our interview with MAD JAMIE, where we discuss how visual kei is a big part of MAD JAMIE’s essence.
Thank you for joining us for this year’s list! We’re grateful for your continued support of JROCK NEWS as we highlight the incredible diversity of Japanese rock.
Want to help shape next year’s rankings? Follow us on X, Facebook, or Instagram, and share your thoughts on your favorite artists—we’d love to hear from you!
More top lists:
- Top 10 visual kei and Japanese rock artists 2023
- Top 10 visual kei and Japanese rock artists 2022
- Top 15 visual kei and Japanese rock artists 2021
- Top 15 visual kei and Japanese rock artists 2020
- Top 15 visual kei and Japanese rock artists 2019
- Top 15 visual kei and Japanese acts of 2018
- Top 15 visual kei and Japanese acts of 2017
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