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 who’ll kill at parties and performances (31–40)

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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GACKT

[A sound-alike sings] I Want to See You / GACKT (cover) [Uchimura's Viral Videos]

GACKT is active across a wide range of platforms, including films, dramas, and variety shows.

Popular as both an actor and a singer, he’s supported by people of all ages, so learning to imitate him can be useful in many different situations.

The key is to sing with awareness of one of the charms of his voice: a rich, lustrous low register.

If you master techniques like a falling intonation that pronounces the vowel as the pitch drops (a “fall”) and a clear, transparent falsetto, you’ll get even closer to his actual singing style.

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mutō

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JUJU

Miracle Hikaru JUJU impersonation - If Tomorrow Comes

Imitating JUJU is a bit challenging and hinges largely on vocal ability.

The trick is not to mimic JUJU herself, but rather to imitate Miracle Hikaru doing her JUJU impression.

The way she handles dynamics and adds accents with vibrato makes Miracle Hikaru’s impression a perfect model to follow.

If you’re not fully confident in your singing, lean into the comedy angle to liven up the performance!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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YUI

[Shocking] Outdoing adults! Just how skilled are these impersonation kids?

An impression of YUI, whose charmingly cute singing voice is captivating.

Many of YUI’s songs are well-known, and for people in their 20s and 30s in particular, they’re classics that link to memories of their youth.

Wouldn’t this be perfect to perform at parties with many in the same age group or at gatherings with more women?

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CHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY / Pieces of a Dream [Tried Singing] by Ryuji Aoki

Anyway, when it comes to popular male units with amazing vocal harmonies, it’s CHEMISTRY.

To do an impression of them, the first thing that matters is whether you can produce beautiful vocals like theirs.

If that’s difficult, compensate with accessories or small props.

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I Want to Do Impressions! Recommended Artists Who’ll Get Big Laughs at Parties and Performances (41–50)

EXILE

Complete choreography for a wedding reception dance: EXILE - Choo Choo TRAIN (after-party)

EXILE is an artist that people often imitate, right? They’re a very well-known group with lots of songs that people of all ages can enjoy, so it’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped! With their signature song “Choo Choo TRAIN,” just lining up in a row and rotating your arms while turning your body creates a great sense of unity.

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