RAG MusicPerformance
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 who’ll get laughs at parties and performances (51–60)

Gen Hoshino

Anyone can do it! Gen Hoshino impersonation course
Gen Hoshino

To imitate Gen Hoshino, who’s also popular as an actor, you should start with his facial expressions, then use a slightly husky, airy voice, and pronounce words with a somewhat soft, relaxed articulation.

Impressions range from perfectly accurate mimicry to exaggerated interpretations of key traits, which makes them interesting.

Among these, a common method is to identify three distinctive features and practice focusing on those.

Naotaro Moriyama

Naotaro Moriyama – Sakura (Solo)
Naotaro Moriyama

Naotaro Moriyama, known for his moving falsetto, is also famous as the son of Ryoko Moriyama.

The key points for impersonating him are said to be two things: producing a voice that suddenly flips from a raspy tone into falsetto, and using extra breath on plosive sounds.

Still, tutorial videos that teach impersonations are really easy to understand, aren’t they? Watching them over and over while practicing makes you feel like you could pull it off.

Koshi Inaba (B’z)

B’z is a rock act that represents Japan and is highly acclaimed not only domestically but around the world.

Their songs tend to be in high keys, so they can be a bit challenging to imitate.

Since they have many classics, try finding songs that suit your own singing voice.

Ryoko Shinohara

[Look-alike Sings] Love, Sadness, and Strength / Ryoko Shinohara with T. Komuro (cover) [Uchimura’s Tsuboru Video]
Ryoko Shinohara

Ryoko Shinohara, who has appeared in numerous dramas and is active as an actress.

When she debuted, she was also active as a musical artist, and in 1994 she released “Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokorozuyosa to,” produced by Tetsuya Komuro.

It was a massive hit, selling over two million copies, and became one of the signature songs of the 1990s.

The music video—memorable for her cool expression and strong gaze as she sings—is also striking, so if you’re going to do an impression of her, you might want to practice that scene.

Ayaka

[Singing Impression] [Ayaka/Aikotoba] Nanami tried singing it.
Ayaka

Ayaka’s powerful singing voice is full of charm that electrifies any venue! When she sings her signature song “Mikazuki,” it’s sure to resonate with everyone’s hearts.

The key to a good impersonation is to sing with rich facial expression and deep emotion.

Skillfully switching between chest voice and falsetto is another important point.

And speaking of Ayaka, her distinctive whispery tone is a hallmark—incorporating it will make your performance feel authentically impactful.

Aim for a voice that moves listeners’ hearts, and practice thoroughly!

Hibari Misora

Mimicry of Hibari Misora (appearance by the person herself)
Hibari Misora

I want to surprise everyone with a party performance! In times like that, I recommend doing an impression of Hibari Misora.

If you imitate the woman who reigned as the queen of Japanese pop, older guests are sure to love it.

Just mimicking how that overwhelming voice bursts forth from her petite 155 cm frame will definitely get the crowd going! If you sing famous songs everyone knows, like “Ringo Oiwake” or “Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni,” people will probably start humming along.

Go for it and give it a try!

Shiho Ochi (Superfly)

With Love, a Bouquet – Superfly (Male Version) – Wedding Reception Performance, 2009-07-05, Ebisu LIVING ROOM
Shiho Ochi (Superfly)

A great song to perform as entertainment at a wedding is “Ai wo Komete Hanataba wo” by Superfly.

Its lyrics are perfect for weddings, so it’s popular as a wedding song, and it’s also well known as one of Superfly’s hit tracks.

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi

Takuya Nagabuchi “Kanpai” (by-era version)
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi is an artist known for his manly, high-energy performances and a large base of passionate fans.

His signature songs include “Kanpai” and “Tonbo.” If you’re going to impersonate him, start with the look: a leather jacket, sunglasses, and an acoustic guitar to get closer to Nagabuchi’s vibe.

His singing style—pronunciation and vocal delivery—varies by era, so focusing your impression on a specific period can be interesting.

He’s highly recognizable among men in their 50s and older, so give it a try!

Ayumi Hamasaki

When it comes to divas who represent the 2000s, Ayumi Hamasaki comes to mind.

With her first album, “A Song for XX,” released in 1999, she achieved her first million-seller and went on to produce a string of hit songs.

As of 2023, she still holds the top spot in CD sales among female solo artists.

Her charm lies in her clear, translucent voice, so try imitating it.

Her fashion was also a trend at the time, so if you’re doing an impression, why not emulate her look as well?

Saburō Kitajima

Saburō Kitajima of croquettes
Saburō Kitajima

Saburo Kitajima is truly the don of the Japanese enka world, having achieved numerous great feats.

His impersonation is a classic among classics, and many impressionists have imitated him over the years.

Be sure to paint your nose black and mimic his look as well.