Japan is a paradise for musicians — if you know about it, that is.
Japan's music infrastructure is unparalleled in the world. In Tokyo alone, there are over 800 live music venues, with bands of all genres performing every night. Rehearsal studios cost around 1,500 to 3,000 yen per hour and are equipped with professional-grade amplifiers, drum sets, and PA systems. Even if you don't own a drum set or Marshall amp, you can start playing right away with just your sticks and guitar.
The problem is that almost everything is run in Japanese. Many platforms only advertise for band members in Japanese. Booking live music venues requires a phone call in Japanese. Studio booking systems still have very few English options. (For a more detailed explanation of the overall structure of the Japanese music scene, please refer to our introductory guide to the Japanese music scene .)
That's why I wrote this guide. Whether you're a guitarist who's just moved to Tokyo, a drummer assigned to a U.S. military base in Japan, or a vocalist looking to visit Osaka and jam, this guide should be your guide. Also, reading about the advantages and precautions of forming a band with foreigners will give you practical tips for cross-cultural bands.
Online platform for finding band members
1. Membo (membo.info) — The only multilingual platform
Membo is Japan's only member recruitment platform that supports multiple languages (Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, etc.). It aggregates recruitment posts from all over Japan and automatically translates them, so even if you don't understand Japanese, you can view drummer recruitment in Tokyo in English or search for bassist recruitment in Osaka in Korean. With Membo's multilingual real-time translation chat , you can also exchange messages in your native language.
Attractive to foreigners:
- No Japanese required — You can view job postings in your language.
- Filter by area, genre, instrument, and time period.
- PWA (Progressive Web App) compatible — Add to home screen for instant access.
- Push notifications for new posts that match your interests.
Recommended for: Anyone who wants to see what kinds of job openings are available throughout Japan, even if they don't speak Japanese.
2. OURSOUNDS (oursounds.net)
OURSOUNDS is Japan's largest and oldest band member recruitment site, operating since 2005. It boasts a vast community and the highest number of posts. However, the site is entirely in Japanese and does not have a translation function.
Recommended for: Those with intermediate to advanced levels of Japanese reading and writing skills. While the sheer number of posts offers the most options, reading comprehension and replies in Japanese are essential.
3. bandcrew (band-crew.com)
This new platform, released in 2025, combines band member recruitment with helpful column articles for band activities. The interface is modern and user-friendly. Like OURSOUNDS, it is only available in Japanese .
Recommended for: People who can read Japanese and prefer a cleaner, more user-friendly website than traditional message boards.
4. Jimoty / JMTY (jmty.jp)
This is Japan's largest classifieds site, and it has a "Music" category in its community section. While it's not a dedicated music site, and the quality of posts varies, you can sometimes find hidden gems like casual jam sessions and hobby bands.
Recommended for: Casual players looking for a fun, informal jam session.
5. SNS (Social Media)
Twitter/X remains a powerful tool for Japanese music networking. Try searching with hashtags like #bandmemberwanted or #bandmemberrecruitment . Facebook groups such as "Musicians in Tokyo" and "Tokyo Band Finder" are run specifically for the international community.
Recommended for: Those who want to connect with the English-speaking musician community in Japan.
Effective Offline Strategies
Rehearsal studio — Your strongest ally
Rehearsal studios are everywhere in Japan. In central Tokyo, you can find one within a 10-minute walk. Many studios have bulletin boards near the entrance where bands post flyers looking for new members. For details on studio pricing and booking methods, please refer to our guide on renting rehearsal studios in Japan .
The best tip: Try visiting a studio in your desired area on a weekday evening (around 7-10 pm). This is when amateur bands practice. Studio staff are usually friendly, and if you ask politely, they may even introduce you to bands looking for members.
Major studio chains to check out:
- Studio Noah is a major chain with locations throughout Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro.
- Sound Studio M — Popular in the Kanto region
- Studio 246 — Known for its high-quality equipment
- Gateway Studios - Numerous locations at reasonable prices
Live music venues — First, go see a show, then strike up a conversation.
Going to a live show is one of the best ways to naturally meet musicians. Japan's live music venue culture is unique, with most venues featuring 3 to 5 bands per night, and it's common for musicians and audience members to socialize at the venue or in nearby izakayas (Japanese pubs) after the show.
strategy:
- Find a live music venue that features bands of your preferred genre.
- I regularly attend live shows and become a familiar face to the audience.
- Talk to the band members after the performance (even just saying "That was amazing!" can be very effective).
- I'll tell them that I also play an instrument and that I'm looking for band members.
Famous live music venues in Tokyo: Shimokitazawa SHELTER, Shibuya Cyclone, Shinjuku LOFT, Koenji HIGH. Osaka: Shinsaibashi JANUS, Namba Hatch, Amemura FANJ. For detailed information on each venue, please see our Top 10 Recommended Live Music Venues in Tokyo . Our guide on finding band members by area also includes regional information for Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
Music bar and jam session
Many bars in major cities host regular jam sessions that anyone can join. It's a great opportunity to meet musicians in a relaxed atmosphere.
Look for bars that advertise "session" nights. Blues, jazz, and funk jams are the most common, and some rock bars also host open jams on specific days of the week.
Language exchange event
Unexpected tip: Language exchange meetups attract many Japanese people with an international mindset. Mentioning that you're a musician can lead to a surprising number of connections. Apps like HelloTalk and Tandem, or in-person events through Meetup.com, are great starting points.
How to write a recruitment post that will get responses
Whether you're posting on Membo, social media, or a studio bulletin board, here are some tips for an effective recruitment post (see our comprehensive comparison of 6 band member recruitment sites and apps for a comparison of each platform):
Write specifically
- Genre: Not simply "rock," but more specifically, like "90s alternative rock influenced by Radiohead and NUMBER GIRL."
- Instrument: Clearly specify the part you are looking for.
- Level: Be honest. "Intermediate, 3 years of experience" is much better than a vague description.
- Goal: Hobby? Live performances? Recording? This is very important in Japanese music culture.
Honestly state your Japanese level.
Japanese musicians are often interested in playing with foreign musicians, but they may feel anxious about communication. It's important to be frank about this. Say something like, "My Japanese is at a beginner level, but I can communicate basic musical instructions. I'm currently studying." This honesty will build trust.
Upload audio or video files.
Nothing speaks louder than your performance. Include a link to a YouTube video, a SoundCloud track, or even a simple recording made on your smartphone. Japanese musicians value demonstrating their abilities.
Specify the activity area and schedule.
Japanese cities are vast. It's not realistic for a bassist in Chiba to commute to Machida every week for practice. Clearly define your base of operations and the days and times you are available to practice.
Cultural advice for performing in a Japanese band
Punctuality is absolutely essential.
If the rehearsal starts at 7 PM, you should arrive by 6:45 PM to begin setting up. Even being five minutes late is considered rude. Studio time is booked in one-hour increments, so not a single minute can be wasted.
Studio system
Unlike countries where practicing in garages or basements is common, Japanese bands almost without exception use rental studios. The cost is typically split equally among all members. A rough estimate is around 500 to 1,500 yen per person for a 2-3 hour session.
Practice is a serious competition.
Japanese bands take rehearsals very seriously. You should memorize your part, set up your equipment, and be ready to play from the very first minute. "Spontaneous performances" are generally frowned upon.
Communication style
Japanese communication tends to be indirect. If someone says "That's a little difficult," it often means "No." Learn to read between the lines. Don't take it personally—it's a cultural expression, not a personal rejection.
Drinking culture
After-practice get-togethers (celebrations) are an important opportunity for band members to bond. You don't have to drink alcohol—soft drinks are perfectly fine—but participating in these social times greatly deepens the relationships within the band.
Practical Basic Information
General cost estimates
| item | Cost (yen) | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rental (per hour) | 1,500 to 3,000 yen | The bill will be split equally among all members. |
| Live house performance (quota) | 15,000 to 30,000 yen | Per band. Offset by ticket sales. |
| Guitar strings | 500-1,500 yen | Available for purchase at Shimamura Music, Ishibashi Music, and other stores. |
| Drinking party after practice | 1,000 to 3,000 yen | Izakaya (Japanese pubs) and chain restaurants |
A collection of English-Japanese phrases useful for musicians.
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| Looking for band members | I'm looking for band members |
| I play the guitar. | I play guitar |
| Would you like to have a session together? | Let's jam together |
| What genres do you work in? | What genre do you play? |
| From the beginning | From the top |
| One more time | One more time |
Now, let's move on to the next step.
Finding band members in Japan as a foreigner isn't easy, but it's certainly not impossible. The key to success is to be proactive, patient, and sincere, utilizing multiple channels such as online platforms, studio visits, and networking at live music venues. For beginners who want to start a band, we also recommend our complete guide to joining a band as a beginner .
Looking to find band members? Membo lets you browse band member recruitment posts in your language . Recruitment information from all over Japan is translated into multiple languages, making it easy to search even if you don't understand Japanese.
It's also a good idea to check the recruitment page to see which bands are currently looking for members.
Good luck! See you on stage! 🎸
