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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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)

Carl Smoky Ishii (Kome Kome Club)

1990s hit songs impersonation series: Kome Kome Club 'Roman Hikō'

Karl Smoky Ishii, the lead vocalist of the popular rock band Kome Kome Club, is highly popular.

His singing voice is known for its smooth, beautiful quality.

Surprisingly, however, his range seems to be relatively easy for men to produce, so it might be easy to imitate.

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Yutaka Ozaki

Yutaka Ozaki “Sotsugyo” (Graduation) – LIVE CORE Complete Edition: Yutaka Ozaki in Tokyo Dome, 1988-09-12

The word “charisma” fits Yutaka Ozaki perfectly.

His untimely death moved many to tears, and no matter how much time passes after his passing, his songs and achievements never fade.

This impression is guaranteed to get everyone fired up.

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I want to do impressions! Recommended artists who’ll kill at parties and performances (31–40)

Morning Musume

[CityU Autumn Festival 2014 Phantom Festival] LOVE Machine – Tried Dancing by HELLO!GIRLS♥

How about livening up the party with a big hit song by Morning Musume? Lots of people probably know it, so everyone can belt out the chorus together.

It’ll look cute if a women’s group dances to it, and absolutely hilarious if a men’s group does.

Give it a try!

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Keisuke Kuwata

Keisuke Kuwata – A Letter to You (Full ver.)

Impersonating Keisuke Kuwata—often called the pioneer of rendering Japanese music with English-like pronunciation—is one of the most popular impressions many people have tried, and it’s one you’ll want to master.

The key points are a rolled-tongue voice, a “sea lion” falsetto, and altering the pronunciation of the ta and da consonant sounds.

It’s said that mixing in a bit of rasp with these three elements works well.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)