About ONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK is a highly acclaimed Japanese rock band known for their dynamic sound, blending elements of alternative rock, post-hardcore, and pop rock.
Their music combines a variety of genres, including alternative rock, emo, post-hardcore, and pop punk, with increasing influence from Western rock and pop in their later albums. A signature feature of their style is the powerful, emotionally driven vocals of main vocalist - Taka, who often sings in both Japanese and English, helping bridge the gap between Eastern and Western audiences.
The band initially gained popularity in Japan with albums like BEAM OF LIGHT and Kanjō Effect, but it was their 2010 release Niche Syndrome and the 2011 follow-up Zankyō Reference that began to establish them as a major force. Their 2013 album JINSEI x BOKU = propelled them even further, and 35xxxv (2015) marked their first album recorded mostly in English, signaling a strong push toward international markets.
ONE OK ROCK's latest release, DETOX (2025), celebrates their 20th anniversary and marks a new chapter in their evolution.
The band's agency, 10969 Inc., is led by their chief manager and became independent from Amuse Inc. on April 1, 2021. The management staff who were previously with Amuse transitioned to the new company. Amuse continues to support the band in areas such as fan club operations, overseas tour arrangements, merchandise sales, and other related services.
They are signed under Warner Music Japan for domestic releases and Fueled by Ramen for international distribution.
ONE OK ROCK was formed in 2005 by guitarist Toru Yamashita, who initially recruited bassist Ryota Kohama and drummer Tomoya Kanki, along with vocalist Takahiro Moriuchi (Taka). Former members include drummer Yu Koyanagi and guitarist Alexander "Alex" Reimon Onizawa.
- Lead vocals
- Lead guitar
- Bass
- Drums, percussion
- Additional guitars
- Rhythm guitar, additional vocals
- Backing vocals
They independently released their first mini-album, ONE OK ROCK (2006), followed by their debut studio album, Zeitakubyō (2007), under A-Sketch. Their early sound was heavily influenced by J-rock and punk, but as they evolved, they incorporated more post-hardcore and Western rock elements.
The name ONE OK ROCK originated from the band's early practice routine. When they first formed, they would rehearse at a music studio every weekend at 1:00 a.m., taking advantage of the studio's discounted late-night package. The phrase "one o'clock" — pronounced WAN OKUROKKU (ワンオクロック) in Japanese — inspired the band name.
According to early band accounts, it was Yu Koyanagi, the band's original drummer, who suggested adapting the phrase into something more distinctive. By replacing "o'clock" with "OK" and adding "ROCK", the band arrived at the name ONE OK ROCK — a stylized version that can also be interpreted as a subtle play on the phrase "one good rock".
While it is pronounced ワンオクロック (WAN OKU ROKKU) in Japanese, the band pronounces it as "ONE OKEY ROCK" when speaking in English interviews.
If you're wondering how to pronounce it yourself, either "WAN OKU ROKKU" or "ONE OKEY ROCK" is correct—just pick the one that feels right for you.
The name is written in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.
The number 10969 (いち・まる・きゅう・ろく・きゅう) is often associated with ONE OK ROCK and visually represents the phonetic components of the band's name in Japanese. Here's how the breakdown works:
- 1 (イチ / Ichi) → "One"
- 0 (ゼロ / Zero or マル / Maru) → "O"
- 9 (キュウ / Kyuu) → "Ku"
- 6 (ロク / Roku) → "Ro"
- 9 (キュウ / Kyuu) → "Kku"
Together:
It's a numeric pun that reflects the Japanese pronunciation of ワンオクロック (WAN OKU ROKKU).
＊ In Japanese pronunciation, the "U" in "KU" (く) and "ROKKU" (ロック) is often softened or dropped in fast speech, so the band name is more naturally said as "WAN OK ROKKU".
＊ The band also has a track titled 69 (pronounced rokku), a goroawase pun meaning "rock", reflecting their commitment to rock music.
ONE OK ROCK has built a strong international fanbase, touring extensively across Asia, North America, and Europe. They have performed alongside and collaborated with renowned Western artists, including Ed Sheeran, Avril Lavigne, 5 Seconds of Summer, LINKIN PARK's Mike Shinoda, and Simple Plan. Their ability to seamlessly switch between Japanese and English lyrics has allowed them to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Known for their electrifying live performances, ONE OK ROCK has headlined major arenas and festivals, including Nippon Budokan, Yokohama Arena, and Tokyo Dome, as well as international festivals such as Download Festival UK, Vans Warped Tour, and Rock am Ring. Their concerts are praised for their energy, emotional intensity, and Taka's exceptional vocal range and stage presence.
ONE OK ROCK is regarded as one of the most successful and influential Japanese rock bands of their generation. Their music has inspired countless fans globally, and their ability to blend Japanese and Western rock influences has set them apart in the international rock scene.
With their ever-evolving sound and commitment to delivering impactful music, ONE OK ROCK continues to push boundaries, bringing Japanese rock to a global audience while staying true to their artistic vision.
Fans of ONE OK ROCK are most commonly referred to as OORers (or ONE OK ROCKers), read as "ONE OK ROCKers" in English (jp: "ワンオクロッカー", WAN OKU ROKKA). This nickname has become the widely embraced way for fans to express their shared passion for the band.
As a term to refer to ONE OK ROCK fans, there is "OORers" ("ONE OK ROCKers", jp: "ワンオクロッカー"), a coined word that combines "OOR", the abbreviation of ONE OK ROCK, and the English suffix "-er", which carries the meaning of "a person who does something". While it is unclear exactly when this name first came into use, references from around 2012 suggest that it was already being used among fans at least by that time.
While there is no officially designated fan club name, OORers is now widely accepted as the informal name for the global fanbase, with occasional use of variations like "ONE OK ROCKers."
PRIMAL FOOTMARK is ONE OK ROCK's official fan club, offering exclusive content and special benefits for dedicated fans. Members gain access to behind-the-scenes footage, early ticket reservations for concerts, limited-edition merchandise, and exclusive updates directly from the band. They also receive an annual subscription-based digital booklet called PRIMAL FOOTMARK.
Japan-based members have the option to purchase the PRIMAL FOOTMARK BOOK, the physical version of the digital booklet.
More than just a membership, PRIMAL FOOTMARK serves as a direct connection between ONE OK ROCK and their fans, keeping supporters informed and bringing them closer to the band's journey. It's also a way for fans to show their support and appreciation for ONE OK ROCK.
Hi! My name is Izabela, and I'm from Poland. I have been learning Japanese for almost 10 years now, and, for nearly the same amount of time, I have been ONE OK ROCK's fan. Their music has been a constant source of inspiration, strength, and emotion in my life—something I know so many fans around the world can relate to.
I created this site because I love ONE OK ROCK, and I have the ability to bring this project to life. Keeping it updated and filled with accurate information is my way of giving back to the band that has given so much to me—and to all of us.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of this journey with me!
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