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Wonderful entertainment/performances

I want to do impressions! A selection of recommended artists that will be a hit for entertainment and performances

Songs and dances are popular choices for party entertainment and performances.

If you’re going to do it, why not mimic the artist in a look-alike costume and liven up the atmosphere? In this article, we introduce popular artists who are often impersonated at events like banquets.

They’re all well-known artists, but if you choose based on the audience’s age range, you can expect an even bigger reaction! Once you’ve decided whom to imitate, take your time practicing while referring to the artist’s original tracks and videos that explain key points for impersonation.

I want to do impressions! Recommended artists that’ll be a hit for entertainment or performances (21–30)

tuki.

[Singing Impression] I tried doing a singing impression of tuki.'s “Bansanka (Banquet Song).”
tuki.

Tuki., who also performed at the 2024 year-end Kouhaku Uta Gassen, is also famous for being a singer who doesn’t show her face.

In places where many people know she doesn’t show her face, it might go over even better.

Face away from the audience and sing like she does; it’s a complete bit until someone jokes, “Show us your face!” Of course, it’s also fun to skip the comedy and just sing well.

Her vocal tone has a slightly chesty, enclosed quality, so keep watching her performances and practice to match her style.

Sunplaza Nakano

[MV] Sunplaza Nakano-kun “Runner (Heisei 30 Ver.)” [Full ver.]
Sunplaza Nakano

Mr.

Sunplaza Nakano-kun, who debuted as the vocalist of Bakufu Slump, has long been loved for his distinctive way of speaking and energetic performances.

Just imitating his staging from the Bakufu Slump days and his playful yet powerful manner of speaking will instantly liven up the room.

The key points are the accents in how you project your voice, his unique mic work, and performing small gestures in an exaggerated way.

Since he himself is a bright and strong character, amplifying that vibe tends to generate laughs.

It’s also recommended to mix in his signature shouted calls and choruses from his hit songs.

Lean into the atmosphere to the fullest and let the audience enjoy it together with you!

Kumi Koda

[Song Imitation] Marié Yonekawa tries singing Kumi Koda’s “you” while doing an impression
Kumi Koda

Kumi Koda took the world by storm with the curious phrase “ero-kakkoii” (sexy-cool).

Even after becoming a mom, her energetic activities keep us excited.

If it’s a party mainly attended by people right in that generation—the majority being 50 and over—it’s sure to be a hit.

First of all, go all-in on classic Kansai dialect; if you can just master that, you’re already halfway there.

One of Koda’s charms is the gap between how she talks and how she sings, so keep that in mind.

Exaggerating a small glottal stop—like adding a little ‘ts’ at the end of words—will make it sound more like a singing impression.

Namie Amuro

Namie Amuro Perfect Copy TRY ME Akina Nakamori “Namie Amuro look-alike”
Namie Amuro

Namie Amuro, who decisively left the stage, is now truly a legendary diva.

If you do an impression of her—belt out those so-called Komuro Sound tracks with energy—the audience will take it from there and get fired up.

Amuro was also renowned for her razor-sharp dancing, so this is a great pick for people with dance experience.

It’s even better if you have someone to back you up as dancers like Super Monkey’s! Her slightly nasal vocal tone is another hallmark, so be mindful of adding that nasal quality.

You might also find it helpful to study impressionists like the tribute act “Akinai Nakamori” for reference!

Kohmi Hirose

[Sang “Promise” as a Double-Kohmi] We asked Kohmi Hirose how she really feels about being impersonated [with Miracle Hikaru]
Kohmi Hirose

An impersonation of Kohmi Hirose, who’s known for her winter songs, is perfect for year-end parties.

The key is keeping the energy sky-high and using more vibrato than necessary.

It’s also a signature routine of the impressionist Miracle Hikaru, so you might want to study her singing! I’d love to see confident singers give it a try.

The highlight is basically the high notes, but if you can’t hit them, you can go for laughs from the start with a bit like “Kohmi Hirose who can’t hit high notes.”

Yumi Matsutoya

[Look-alike Sings] A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Yumi Matsutoya (cover) [Uchimura’s Tsuboru Video]
Yumi Matsutoya

Yumi Matsutoya’s songs are full of hits everyone knows, making them perfect for livening up parties and gatherings.

There’s even a makeup style—a sort of “template for doing a Matsutoya impression”—that uses bold blush to sharpen the face, so beginners can get into character just by nailing the look.

It’s also an impression that Michiko Shimizu and Ryuji Aoki are known for, so be sure to check out their videos for reference.

Her distinctive high-pitched yet slightly nasal voice is surprisingly easy to imitate, so give it a try!

Shinji Tanimura

Shinji Tanimura “Santo Monogatari” Impersonation ★ Let’s Go Yoshimasa
Shinji Tanimura

If you’re in a place with many older folks, impressions that are classics for that crowd are a sure bet.

Invite some like-minded friends and do an Alice impression—you’ll probably get a great reaction.

When it comes to Tanimura impressions, the go-tos are Korokke and Akira Shimizu.

The “tape gag,” elevated to an art form, is a must! If you want big laughs, go for the exaggerated upturned-nose face.

If you can play the guitar, singing the songs straight can make the contrast unexpectedly cool.

And if everyone sings “Sarai” together at the end, it might turn into a moving finale!