Even at 60, I'm still searching for a bassist. I check related Facebook groups every day and verify member recruitment sites other than Membo. Information is scattered all over the place, and frankly, it's a hassle. That's why I decided to write this article. I'm consolidating all that scattered information into one comprehensive guide.
There are three main routes to finding band members: recruitment sites, SNS, and real-world venues. Each has its pros and cons, and using them in combination is most efficient. Furthermore, this single article covers everything—methods for foreigners and Japanese to band together, how to write effective recruitment posts, and safety precautions for secure activities.
If you're worried that "you can't find band members," the problem is likely that you simply don't have enough search options. By the time you finish reading this article, you should discover 10 or more methods you can try today.
Japan's Music Scene Is Thriving Right Now
If anyone thinks "bands are outdated," they should look at the numbers. Japan's music scene is at peak vitality.
| Indicator | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument-playing population | 11.4 million | Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Social Life Basic Survey" 2021 |
| Live market size | 612.2 billion yen (record high) | ACPC Concert Promoters Association 2024 |
| Live attendance | 59.39 million people (record high) | ACPC 2024 |
| JASRAC collection amount | 144.6 billion yen (record high) | JASRAC 2024 Business Report |
| Foreigners in Japan | 3.76 million | Immigration Services Agency December 2024 |
Among the 11.4 million instrument players, there are countless people who want to form a band but can't find members. Of the 3.76 million foreign residents in Japan, an estimated 380,000 (approximately 10%) are said to play instruments. Particularly in urban areas, an increasing number of people—regardless of nationality—are seeking connections through music.
There are far more people searching for members than you imagine. The problem is simply that they don't know how to meet each other.
Comprehensive Comparison of Member Recruitment Sites — Latest as of April 2026
Let's start with the most standard method: member recruitment sites. As of April 2026, I've picked out and thoroughly compared 8 major recruitment sites available in Japan.
Note that with9 (With Nine), formerly Japan's largest service with 410,000 members, ended service on May 31, 2023. It's still recommended as "best" in outdated online articles, but it's no longer available. Band Crew, discussed below, is rapidly growing as with9's successor.
| Service | Status | Cost | Features | Post Volume | Multilingual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OURSOUNDS | Operating | Free | Established veteran since 2005. Search by all 47 prefectures × instruments × genres | Large (daily posts) | Japanese only |
| Jmty | Operating | Free | Largest number of posts. Community-focused bulletin board | Largest (49,000+ posts) | Japanese-focused |
| Band Crew | Rapidly growing | Basically free | Born April 2025. Psychology-based compatibility diagnosis, 56 skills registration | Medium (growing) | Japanese only |
| Band Channel | Operating | Free | Community-type. Favorite artist ranking | Medium (13,000 posts) | Japanese only |
| BandMix Japan | Operating | Basically free | Japan version of overseas service. Supports 40+ instrument parts | Unknown | Japanese + English |
| Membo Net | Operating | Free | iOS/Android apps available. SNS integration compatible | Medium | Japanese only |
| ROCKJOINT | Operating | ¥400/month | Also hosts real events (live shows and networking) | Small (1,000+ members) | Japanese only |
| Membo | Operating | Free | Japan's only 8-language service. Translation chat and map search | Growing | 8 languages |
OURSOUNDS — Peace of Mind from Experience
Japan's oldest recruitment site, operating since 2005. It excels in search functionality across all 47 prefectures, instruments, and genres, and puts effort into eliminating fraudulent posts. With its long operational history, user quality is relatively stable—that's its strength. On the other hand, the site design is somewhat dated, and new young users are declining.
Jmty — Overwhelming Post Volume
Not a music-specific site, but a community-focused classifieds service. Because of this, the music category alone has over 49,000 posts. The ability to filter by region is its greatest strength. However, since it's not music-specialized, quality varies widely. Fraudulent and spam posts are mixed in, so communicate carefully.
Band Crew — Rising Star After with9
A new service launched in April 2025. It features modern functions including psychology-based compatibility diagnosis, 56 types of skill registration, and an AI chatbot. Growing rapidly as it fills the void left by with9's 2023 closure, attracting younger users.
Band Channel — Community Warmth
Rich in posts from urban areas: 4,976 in Tokyo, 3,055 in Osaka. It also has community features like favorite artist rankings. Suited for those seeking music friend connections beyond just recruitment.
BandMix Japan — International Approach with English
Japan version of an overseas service. Supports 40+ instrument parts and offers English UI, so it has foreign resident users. The ability to register profiles in both Japanese and English is characteristic.
Membo Net — Convenient Smartphone Apps
iOS/Android apps are available for easy recruiting and applying from smartphones. Features SNS integration with X (Twitter), Facebook, Threads, and Bluesky make sharing posts easy.
ROCKJOINT — Real Events Included
A paid service (¥400/month) backed by a music event organization that also hosts real live events and networking gatherings. Suited for those wanting to find members through actual face-to-face meetings, not just online.
Membo — Connect with Foreigners in 8 Languages
Membo is Japan's only member recruitment service supporting 8 languages. With real-time translation chat, you can exchange messages across language barriers. It supports map search and station-specific search, and as a PWA (Progressive Web App), you can add it to your smartphone home screen for app-like use. It was created to enable foreigners and Japanese to band together without language barriers.
No single site is "strongest." What matters is choosing sites that fit your purpose and using multiple sites in parallel. I check multiple sites every day. For deeper information on each service, see the article on comprehensive recruitment site comparison.
Finding Members on SNS — 6 Platform-Specific Guides
While recruitment sites are about "you searching," SNS lets you "be found." Leveraging viral potential to reach people you haven't met yet is SNS's greatest strength.
X (Twitter) — King of Virality and Immediacy
"#BandMemberSearch" and "#MembersWanted" are standard hashtags. Combine them with location names (#Tokyo #Osaka #Nagoya, etc.) or genre names (#Rock #Jazz #Metal, etc.) for better reach.
Adding performance videos or audio files to text is highly effective. A single 30-second performance video conveys 100 times more information than a profile description. Retweets often reach unexpected people.
Pros: High virality, immediate, free
Cons: Fast-moving timeline, religious recruitment risks
Facebook — Strongest Platform for Foreigners
While Facebook usage has declined among Japanese users, it's the main battlefield for foreign band member searches in Japan. Groups like "TOKYO Gaijin Bands" attract foreigners wanting to form bands in Japan.
I personally check Facebook groups daily. Japanese groups are shrinking, but region and genre-specific small groups still function. If you're seeking connections with working-age bandmates in their 30s and beyond, Facebook is essential.
Pros: Active foreign communities, group features facilitate networking
Cons: Low usage among young Japanese
Instagram — Performance Videos Become Your Portfolio
Post performance videos in Reels (15-60 second short videos) and they become your portfolio. "#BandMemberSearch" hashtags are used, but with the hashtag limit changing to 5 as of December 2025, you need to choose more selectively.
As a visually-focused platform, it suits posts with performance footage or instrument photos alongside text, not text-only recruitment.
Pros: Easy to showcase performance videos, strong with 20-40 age group
Cons: 5-hashtag limit, unsuitable for text recruitment
TikTok — Reach Power for Younger Generations
Used primarily by ages 10-20, with overwhelming algorithm-driven virality. Even with few followers, good content reaches many unknown viewers. Notable for strong regional use.
However, connection with working-age bandmates (30+) is weak. Effective for student bands or younger groups, but understand the age limitation.
Pros: Algorithm virality reaches unknowns, strong with youth
Cons: Low usage among 30+, tends toward temporary trends
Discord — Connection with Core Communities
Some music communities exist (like "Music Café Discord"), but band member recruitment-specific servers are still few. Valuable for building relationships with core fans and players of specific genres/instruments. Text chat and voice chat capabilities are strengths.
Pros: Deep connection with core music friends, voice chat available
Cons: Few band recruitment-focused servers, low immediacy
LINE Open Chat — Participate Anonymously with Ease
Search "Band Member Recruitment" and you'll find open chats. Regional chats also exist. You can participate with an anonymous profile separate from your LINE account, so starting without sharing personal information is possible. However, scale is small and many chats are inactive.
Pros: Anonymous participation possible, convenient
Cons: Small scale, many inactive groups
SNS Usage Summary
| SNS | For Japanese | For Foreigners | Age Group | Immediacy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| X | ◎ | △ | All ages | High |
| △ | ◎ | 30+ | Medium | |
| ○ | ○ | 20-40 | Medium | |
| TikTok | ○ | △ | 10-20 | High |
| Discord | △ | ○ | 20-30 | Low |
| LINE OC | ○ | × | All ages | Low |
Which SNS is optimal depends on your age, the attributes of members you seek, and how much you can share your performances. If uncertain, start with X and Instagram.
Finding Members in Real-World Venues — Connections You Won't Find on a Screen
While it's easy to focus on online recruitment sites and SNS, members you meet in real-world venues have dramatically higher trust levels. Since they're people actually using that location, the probability they're "seriously active" is high.
Practice Studio Bulletin Boards
Most studios still have analog bulletin boards. Posts on them come from people actually using that studio. This means "same activity area," "can afford studio rental," and "serious about music" naturally filter in.
Particularly notable is PENTA's "COPY BAND CLUB"—a registered cover band matching service where you can form bands around favorite artists and songs. It's a major chain studio innovation discussed in our studio selection guide.
Musical Instrument Stores
Shimamura Music has bulletin boards in stores and operates Oto-Nakama, a nationwide circle search portal. Store staff sometimes help confirm musical taste and personality fit. You might even find members while buying instruments.
Jam Sessions / Session Bars
I've met countless friends through sessions. Actually making music together conveys infinitely more than written profiles. The "groove feel," "timing," and "attitude toward music"—invisible in text—become instantly clear.
Here are some recommended session venues near Tokyo:
| Venue | Area | Features | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| BECK Akiba | Akihabara | Open session, no reservation needed | ¥1,500+ |
| J-flow | Kinshicho | Jazz sessions almost daily | ~¥2,000 |
| Music Island O | Shimokitazawa | Open mic every Monday | ¥1,500+ |
Our article on how to start jam sessions details session venues nationwide, so find one in your area.
Music Circles
Another valuable route is social music circles. Regular activity means you naturally understand each other's character.
| Circle Name | Area | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Touban (Tokyo Social Music Circle) | Tokyo | 430+ members. Large working-adult circle |
| Keion R40 (OURSOUNDS-operated) | Tokyo / Osaka / Fukuoka | Monthly session. Ages 20-50 |
| Shimamura Music "Oto-Nakama" | Nationwide | Nationwide circle search portal. Many beginner-friendly options |
Note that the previously active "Oto-Kazoku" ended activities in 2024-2025 and now only sells materials. Be careful of outdated online information.
The greatest real-world advantage is skipping the "make music together" step. Online recruitment takes weeks (message → wait → schedule → meet → studio), but sessions let you assess ability and character the same day.
For Foreigners Seeking Members
For foreigners wanting to pursue music in Japan, the biggest barrier is language. Japanese recruitment sites are difficult to use, and English information for band member recruitment is surprisingly sparse. GaijinPot guides still top search results because English content here is depleted.
Main Routes for Foreigners
| Method | Language | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook "TOKYO Gaijin Bands" | English | Main networking hub for foreign bandmates in Japan. Very active posts |
| BandMix Japan | Japanese/English | Accessible in English UI. Overseas-based confidence |
| Reddit r/japanlife | English | 479,000-member community. Music posts appear regularly |
| Membo | 8 languages | Japan's only multilingual service. Translation chat crosses language barriers |
One reason Membo was created was to enable foreigners and Japanese to band without language barriers. A Japanese speaker and English-only American can send messages using real-time translation chat. It supports Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, and Hindi too.
Foreigners should use Facebook groups and Membo together as your primary approaches. See how foreigners find band members in Japan for more details.
Writing Effective Recruitment Posts — The Difference Between Getting Replies and Not
Regardless of platform, recruitment post quality dramatically affects response rates. From seeing hundreds of recruitment posts, successful ones share common elements.
Five Essential Items
| # | Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Activity area | Too far doesn't work long-term. Write station names |
| 2 | Sought position | "Anything goes" backfires. Be specific |
| 3 | Genre / favorite bands | Musical mismatch is the biggest source of band direction conflict |
| 4 | Activity frequency | Be specific: "Twice monthly, weekends, Tokyo studio" |
| 5 | Age range target | "20s-40s" or "any age." Big age gaps can create communication problems |
Bad Example vs. Good Example
Bad Example:
Looking for band members! If you like rock, please contact me.
→ Too little information—no one can respond. Area and frequency unknown.
Good Example:
【BASS WANTED】 Kichijoji-Mitaka area / Twice monthly weekends / Ages 30-50
We want melodic rock like The Beatles, Oasis, and Spitz. Cover-focused rather than originals. We're working adults aiming for long-term, fun music. Three songs to check out first: ①Let It Be ②Wonderwall ③Cherry
→ Area, position, genre, frequency, age, and direction all included. Listing "three songs to hear first" is most effective—specific song titles convey musical taste better than band names.
Safety Precautions — For Enjoyable Activities
Connecting with strangers online requires safety measures. Religious recruitment pitches and romantic advances unfortunately occur across the industry.
Important Precautions
- First meetings in public: Studio lobbies, cafes, live houses. Anyone inviting you to their home or isolated spots is a red flag
- Don't rush personal info: No need to share full name, address, workplace early. Nicknames and email initially suffice
- Beware non-music focus: "Come to our seminar" or "I have good news" are warning signs
- Decide after playing: Don't commit based only on text. Go to a studio, play once, then decide whether to continue
- Be brave about saying no: If musical style or personality doesn't fit, honestly tell them early—it's better for everyone
Safety measures may feel cumbersome, but they're fundamental to long-term success. Carefully choosing is ultimately faster than rushing and compromising, as discussed in why some people can't find members.
Summary: Routes by Method — Pros and Cons
Let's review the three routes:
| Route | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recruitment Sites | Efficient searching and filtering via criteria. Available 24/7 | Text alone doesn't reveal ability or character | Those wanting to narrow down efficiently |
| SNS | Viral reach creates unexpected connections. Showcase playing via video | Information flows quickly. Lots of noise | Those who can share performances, younger people |
| Real-World Venues | Can play together. High trust | Time and location constraints. Challenging for shy people | Those seeking proven players, communication-focused |
Most important is not limiting yourself to one route. Register on recruitment sites, post on SNS, attend sessions monthly. This three-pronged approach dramatically increases meeting probability. Even more so if you're facing drummer shortages or bassist shortages.
Use City-Specific Guides Too
Detailed information about your city is in these city guides, covering live houses, studios, session venues, and local info:
| Area | Article |
|---|---|
| Nationwide Overview | Finding Band Members by Region |
| Osaka | Finding Band Members in Osaka |
| Nagoya | Finding Band Members in Nagoya |
| Yokohama | Finding Band Members in Yokohama |
| Kobe | Finding Band Members in Kobe |
| Kyoto | Finding Band Members in Kyoto |
| Chiba | Finding Band Members in Chiba |
| Hiroshima | Finding Band Members in Hiroshima |
| Saitama | Finding Band Members in Saitama |
| Fukuoka | Finding Band Members in Fukuoka |
| Sapporo | Finding Band Members in Sapporo |
| Sendai | Finding Band Members in Sendai |
Closing — Keep Searching, That's Music
The bassist still hasn't been found. But searching is what music is about. Use every method in this article. Sign up for recruitment sites, post on SNS, show up to sessions. If destiny brings one meeting from any of these, that's enough.
In my 20s, playing around Mandala in Kichijoji, the only member search methods were studio boards and word-of-mouth. Now there are 8+ recruitment sites and SNS reaches worldwide. Combining online and offline multiplies connection possibilities dozens of times over.
Nationality, age, gender—none of it matters. Please find as many friends as possible whose music speaks to yours.
Search for Members Now on Membo
Membo is a free, 8-language member recruitment service. Find nearby musicians via map search and message across language barriers with translation chat.
Use it as one of the multiple routes described in this article. Keep searching—connection is guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Are band member recruitment sites dangerous?
Most recruitment sites are safe. However, every site has some risk of religious recruitment or romance-focused contact. By meeting publicly (studio lobbies, cafes) and not sharing personal information immediately, you greatly reduce risk. Watch out for non-music talk focus or "come to our seminar" invitations.
Q. Can I still use with9 (With Nine)?
No, with9 ended service on May 31, 2023. Once Japan's largest service with 410,000 members, it's no longer accessible. Many old online articles still recommend it, but be aware it's unavailable. Band Crew, launched in 2025, has emerged as its successor and is rapidly growing.
Q. Which works better—SNS or recruitment sites?
Using both in parallel is most effective. Recruitment sites efficiently narrow by criteria but reveal little about ability or personality through text alone. SNS offers viral reach and direct performance showcasing. Adding real-world venues like jam sessions to these two approaches dramatically increases meeting odds.
Q. How can I band with foreigners? What's the approach?
The Facebook group "TOKYO Gaijin Bands" is where foreign bandmates gather in Japan. Membo is the only Japan service supporting 8 languages with real-time translation chat, eliminating language barriers. BandMix Japan offers English UI. Even without English skills, translation tools enable good communication.
Q. Is it okay for beginners to apply for member recruitment?
Absolutely. Many posts say "beginners welcome." What matters is honestly stating your level. Saying "Playing guitar 6 months, know basic chords" helps you find fitting bands. See complete beginner's guide to joining bands for more.
