[J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists
When you think of someone playing an instrument and singing in a rock band, most people picture a guitarist-vocalist.
In reality, it’s most common for the guitarist to stand at the front, and it’s relatively rare for members of the rhythm section—like the bassist or drummer—to handle lead vocals.
That’s precisely why bands with a bassist as the lead vocalist tend to be distinctive and unique.
In this article, we highlight Japanese bands that feature a bass-vocalist, introducing them across different eras and genres.
You might even discover that the singer in a band you love has actually been singing while playing the bass!
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- 【2026】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars
- [Low End] A Collection of Japanese Songs Featuring Standout Bass Solos [2026]
- [Low End] A collection of Japanese songs with high-difficulty bass parts [Cool]
- Love at first sight with a bass girl! The female bassist of a popular band
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- [2026] Easy J-Pop and Japanese Rock Songs Recommended for Beginner Bassists
- [2026] Cool Japanese Rock Bands: From Rising Talents to Veteran Acts
- Recommended for beginner bassists! A roundup of popular songs that are fun to play!
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- [2026] Charm Explosion! A Roundup of Japanese Three-Piece Bands [Plenty of Young Acts Included]
- [Vocaloid] Not too high, easy to sing at karaoke. Attractive low vocal range
- [For Beginners] Recommended Japanese songs for female vocal bands. Use this as a reference for choosing songs! [2026]
[J-Pop] A Roundup of Bands with Cool Bass-Playing Vocalists (61–70)
At the end of the 20th centuryHikashū
Hikashu is a band that has established a unique musical identity centered around Koichi Makigami.
Since their 1979 debut, they have traversed a wide range of genres—from technopop to world music—while consistently creating songs that feel fresh.
Makigami’s commanding presence as both bassist and vocalist radiates a truly distinctive color.
Their eccentric visuals can be distracting, but it’s their musical depth and experimental approach that continue to captivate audiences in Japan and abroad—something noteworthy even for those who aren’t fans.
Hikashu extends its vision beyond the boundaries of music into the realm of art, offering listeners new experiences and discoveries.
NIGHT NIGHTPEDRO
A solo project by Ayuni D from BiSH.
Ayuni handles vocals and bass, joined by support members.
Hisako Tabuchi of NUMBER GIRL has even played at some live shows.
Ayuni’s free-spirited straightforwardness is irresistible.
The range spans from mischievous rock tunes to lyrical ballads.
She also writes and composes many of the songs herself.
This is an artist we hope not only BiSH fans but all music lovers will listen to.
Sagittarius1000say
API, the vocalist of 1000say, is a multi-instrumentalist who also handles bass in the group, which champions a unique concept called “Next-Generation Fantasy” that fuses male–female twin vocals with electro sounds.
Launching their band activities with the first mini-album STARGAZER ORCHESTRA in 2008, they have continued to produce music energetically, releasing in 2011 their first full-length album APOLLON—an ambitious concept album themed on Greek mythology.
API’s soft, airy vocals form a striking contrast with MAN’s edgy singing, adding depth to their tracks.
In July 2011, they also performed at JAPAN EXPO 2011 in Paris, France, delivering a confident set before an audience of 8,000.
They are highly recommended for those who want to experience a distinctive world where digital and analog coexist.
I’m a good girl.COMezik
Despite its brief runtime, COMezik’s song “Atashi wa Ii Ko” leaves a deep imprint on the listener’s memory.
In just 3 minutes and 6 seconds, warmth and simplicity are distilled, with the charm of the bass-driven vocals taking center stage.
The comfortable bass rhythm and delicate singing intertwine beautifully, stirring emotions on multiple levels.
COMezik has a talent for drawing listeners into a unique sonic world, and this track offers a fresh musical experience.
LET IT DIE (OAO)VELTPUNCH
VELTPUNCH is a four-piece alternative rock band formed in 1997 that features female bassist Aiko Nakajima.
With her powerful bass playing and expressive vocals, she gives the band a distinctive presence that sets them apart.
They released their first single and album in 2000, and in the same year gained international attention by performing at the American music festival SXSW.
In 2008, one of their songs was chosen as a TV anime opening theme and reached No.
36 on the Oricon chart.
Their intense guitar sound and melodic songwriting continue to captivate alternative rock fans.
Nakajima also showcases her multifaceted talent in her own band, mpjbd.
VELTPUNCH is a perfect fit for listeners seeking strong bass lines and distinctive vocals.
Yang 2avengers in sci-fi
Avengers in Sci-Fi, a three-piece rock band formed in Kanagawa Prefecture, began their activities in 2002 and launched their full-fledged music career in 2004 with an independently produced release.
In 2009, they signed with Victor Entertainment and made their major-label debut, showcasing their high level of musicality by producing tracks for artists such as Kaela Kimura.
Fusing a wide range of genres—rock, techno, and electro—their futuristic sound, driven by synthesizers and effects, has been dubbed a “rock spaceship,” winning the hearts of fans.
Selected for iTunes Japan’s “Sound of 2010,” their live shows create a truly cosmic musical experience, where bassist-vocalist Yoshihiko Inami’s inventive bass lines and vocals intertwine with Taro Kohata’s guitar.
Milky Way Railroadever youth
Ever Youth, a guitar rock band from Kobe, showcases standout cool bass-and-vocal work from the rhythm section on their track “Ginga Tetsudo.” While playing bass, the vocalist delicately delivers a melody that stirs the heart, vividly reflecting Ever Youth’s distinctive musicality.
The band’s straightforward emotions evoke strong empathy in listeners and resonate deeply within.
Through “Ginga Tetsudo,” their presence—breathing new life into Japan’s rock scene—could become an important discovery for many more music fans.