Japan is a Musician's Paradise — If You Know How to Navigate It
Japan's music infrastructure is unparalleled anywhere in the world. Tokyo alone has over 800 live venues, with bands of every genre taking the stage every night. Rehearsal studios cost around 1,500-3,000 yen per hour and come fully equipped with professional amps, drum sets, and PA systems. Even if you don't own a drum kit or Marshall amp, you can start playing immediately with just your sticks or guitar.
The problem is that almost everything operates in Japanese. Most platform band member recruitment posts are Japanese-only. Live venue bookings require phone calls in Japanese. Studio booking systems also have limited English support.
That's why we wrote this guide. Whether you're a guitarist who just moved to Tokyo, a drummer stationed at a US military base in Japan, or a vocalist visiting Osaka looking to jam — this guide will serve as your roadmap.
Online Platforms for Finding Band Members
1. Membo (membo.info) — The Only Multilingual Platform
Membo is Japan's only member recruitment platform supporting 8 languages (Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Nepali). It aggregates recruitment posts from across Japan and automatically translates them, so you can browse Tokyo drummer wanted ads in English or search for Osaka bassist opportunities in Korean, even without knowing Japanese.
What makes it attractive for foreigners:
- No Japanese required — view recruitment posts in your language
- Filter by area, genre, instrument, and time period
- PWA (Progressive Web App) support — add to your home screen for instant access
- Push notifications for new posts matching your interests
Recommended for: Anyone who wants to see what recruitment opportunities exist across Japan without speaking Japanese.
2. OURSOUNDS (oursounds.net)
OURSOUNDS has been operating since 2005 and is Japan's largest and oldest band member recruitment site. It boasts a massive community and the highest number of posts. However, the site is entirely in Japanese with no translation features.
Recommended for: Those with intermediate to advanced Japanese reading and writing skills. While the number of options is overwhelming, Japanese comprehension and response skills are essential.
3. bandcrew (band-crew.com)
A new platform launched in 2025 that combines member recruitment with helpful column articles for band activities. The interface features modern, user-friendly design. Like OURSOUNDS, it's Japanese-only.
Recommended for: Japanese readers who prefer cleaner, more user-friendly sites over traditional bulletin boards.
4. Jmty (jmty.jp)
Japan's largest classified site with a "Music" category in their community section. While not music-specific, leading to variable post quality, you can sometimes find gems for casual jam sessions or hobby bands.
Recommended for: Casual players looking for relaxed jam sessions.
5. Social Media
Twitter/X remains a powerful tool for music networking in Japan. Try searching hashtags like #バンドメンバー募集 or #メンボ募集. Facebook groups like "Musicians in Tokyo" and "Tokyo Band Finder" are specifically run for the foreign community.
Recommended for: Those wanting to connect with English-speaking musician communities in Japan.
Effective Offline Strategies
Rehearsal Studios — Your Strongest Ally
Rehearsal studios are everywhere in Japan. In central Tokyo, you'll find a studio within a 10-minute walk anywhere. Many studios have bulletin boards near the entrance where bands post "Member Wanted" flyers.
Best tip: Visit studios in your desired area on weekday evenings (around 7-10 PM). This is when amateur bands practice. Studio staff are usually helpful and may introduce you to bands looking for members if you ask politely.
Major studio chains to check:
- Studio Noah — Major chain with locations throughout Tokyo including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro
- Sound Studio M — Popular in the Kanto region
- Studio 246 — Known for high-quality equipment
- Gateway Studio — Reasonable prices with multiple locations
Live Venues — Watch First, Then Talk
Attending live shows is one of the best natural ways to meet musicians. Japanese live venue culture is unique, with most venues featuring 3-5 bands per night, and musicians and audience members often mingling in the venue or nearby izakaya after shows.
Strategy:
- Find live venues featuring bands in your preferred genre
- Attend shows regularly and become a familiar face
- Approach band members after their set (even just saying "That was amazing!" is highly effective)
- Mention that you also play instruments and are looking for band members
Famous Tokyo venues: Shimokitazawa SHELTER, Shibuya Cyclone, Shinjuku LOFT, Koenji HIGH. Osaka: Shinsaibashi JANUS, Namba Hatch, Ame-mura FANJ.
Music Bars and Jam Sessions
Many bars in major cities host regular jam sessions open to anyone. These provide excellent relaxed environments to meet musicians.
Look for bars advertising "session" nights. Blues, jazz, and funk jams are most common, with some rock bars hosting open jams on specific weekdays.
Language Exchange Events
Surprising tip: Language exchange meetups attract many internationally-minded Japanese people. Mentioning you're a musician can create surprisingly strong connections. Try HelloTalk or Tandem apps, or in-person events through Meetup.com.
Writing Recruitment Posts That Get Responses
Whether posting on Membo, social media, or studio bulletin boards, here are key points for effective recruitment posts:
Be Specific
- Genre: Instead of just "rock," be specific like "90s alternative rock influenced by Radiohead and NUMBER GIRL"
- Instrument: Clearly state which parts you're looking for
- Level: Be honest. "Intermediate, 3 years experience" is much better than vague descriptions
- Goals: Hobby? Live performances? Recording? This is very important in Japanese music culture
Be Honest About Your Japanese Level
Japanese musicians are often interested in playing with foreigners but may have concerns about communication. Address this honestly: "My Japanese is beginner level, but I can handle basic musical directions and am currently studying." This honesty builds trust.
Include Audio or Video
Nothing speaks louder than your playing. Include YouTube videos, SoundCloud tracks, or even simple smartphone recordings. Japanese musicians value demonstration of ability.
Specify Activity Area and Schedule
Japanese cities are vast. It's unrealistic for a bassist in Chiba to commute to Machida for weekly practice. Clearly state your base location and available practice days/times.
Cultural Advice for Playing in Japanese Bands
Punctuality is Absolute
If rehearsal starts at 7 PM, arrive at 6:45 PM to begin setup. Being even 5 minutes late is considered rude. Studio time is booked by the hour and not a minute can be wasted.
Studio System
Unlike countries with garage or basement practice culture, Japanese bands almost exclusively use rental studios. Costs are typically split evenly among all members. Expect 500-1,500 yen per person for 2-3 hour sessions.
Practice is Serious Business
Japanese bands take rehearsals very seriously. Learn your parts, prepare your gear, and be ready to play from minute one. "Winging it" is generally not appreciated.
Communication Style
Japanese communication tends to be indirect. When someone says "That's a bit difficult," it often means "No." Learn to read between the lines. Don't take it personally — it's cultural expression, not personal rejection.
Drinking Culture
Post-practice drinking sessions (uchiage) are important band bonding time. You don't need to drink alcohol — soft drinks are perfectly fine — but participating in this social time greatly deepens band relationships.
Practical Information
Typical Cost Guide
| Item | Cost (Yen) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rental (per hour) | 1,500-3,000 yen | Split among all members |
| Live venue performance (norma) | 15,000-30,000 yen | Per band. Offset by ticket sales |
| Guitar strings | 500-1,500 yen | Available at Shimamura or Ishibashi music stores |
| Post-practice drinks | 1,000-3,000 yen | Izakaya or chain restaurants |
Japanese-English Phrases for Musicians
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| バンドメンバーを探しています | I'm looking for band members |
| ギターを弾きます | I play guitar |
| 一緒にセッションしませんか | Let's jam together |
| どんなジャンルをやっていますか | What genre do you play? |
| 最初から | From the top |
| もう一回 | One more time |
Take the Next Step
Finding band members in Japan as a foreigner isn't easy, but it's absolutely possible. The key to success is using multiple channels — online platforms, studio visits, live venue networking — and being proactive, patient, and sincere in your approach.
Ready to start looking for members? Browse band member recruitment posts in your language on Membo. Recruitment information from across Japan is translated into 8 languages, making it easy to search even without knowing Japanese.
We also recommend checking the recruitment listings page to see what bands are currently looking for members.
Good luck. See you on stage! 🎸
