[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!
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[Japanese Rock/Pop] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists (21–30)
Funky Monkey BabyKyaroru
I wonder if there are younger people who don’t know that the eternal rock star Eikichi Yazawa once played in a band as a singing bassist.
These days, he’s strongly associated with singing with just a mic in hand, but he looked insanely cool singing with a bass, too! They were a great rock band that went on to have a huge impact on Japan’s rock scene.
Namahageningen ishi
This three-piece rock band has forged a truly one-of-a-kind musical identity, where a heavy hard rock sound steeped in an underground vibe intertwines with vocals that evoke Tsugaru folk songs and enka.
Combined with lyrics that feel decadent and somehow otherworldly, their world-building is unmistakable.
Even as they weathered the ups and downs of the 1970s hard rock scene, their music never wavered—testament to the strength of the band Ningen Isu.
While clearly distinct from the overground scene overflowing with catchy, pop-oriented music, they have continued to command presence as pioneers in the Japanese hard rock landscape.
[J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool bass-and-vocal leads (31–40)
No WayCzecho No Republic
They’re a four-piece rock band whose strength lies in songs that combine a floating, ethereal feel with catchiness, reminiscent of Fujifabric and SUPERCAR.
The warm vocals of bassist/singer Yushin Takei and the striking high tones of keyboardist/singer Mai Takahashi are both brought out to their fullest, showcasing an appealing musicality and a strong sense of arrangement.
Each member’s diverse musical roots also suggest a wealth of ideas to draw from.
30LOST IN TIME
When you think of a three-piece band with the bassist on vocals, punk might be the first image that comes to mind, but not all such bands fit that mold.
LOST IN TIME is a rock band that exudes a distinctive emotional quality.
Their name comes from a song by bloodthirsty butchers, and they’re the kind of band whose gentle vocals and bass tone by Daisuke Umihira become addictive, carried by a sound reminiscent of alternative rock.
Sandy’s SundaySPARKS GO GO
Sparks Go Go is a three-piece band formed in 1990, boasting a career of over 30 years with an unchanging lineup.
Their predecessor was a band called Be Modern, formed in 1985 and making a major-label debut the following year, so they truly have a very long history.
The vocalist of Sparks Go Go, Shinichi “Yakk” Yakuma, also plays bass, making him a singing bassist.
His style—wearing the bass low and hammering away with a pick—is undeniably cool.
Another hallmark is his setup: he runs his clean, core bass tone through an Ampeg bass amp, while his distorted sound comes from a Roland CUBE 60 placed next to the Ampeg.
Yakuma’s approach to sound-making—achieving distortion without using effects pedals—is fascinating and uniquely his.
New OrderMASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS
Known by the abbreviation “Masudore,” MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS is an alternative rock band that highlights the beauty of their songs through a striking contrast between calm and intensity.
The lyrics and composition are handled by bassist-vocalist Natsuko Miyamoto, whose work also evokes a shoegaze sensibility.
Her one-of-a-kind voice—combining fragility with ferocity—becomes addictive once it hooks you.
My beloved, be prepared to die.Shinkai (Onmyo-za)
The leader of Onmyo-za, a band known as a “yokai heavy metal” act.
He’s the command center, handling bass, vocals, and writing and composing nearly all of their songs.
While Onmyo-za often performs anime songs, hearing Matatabi’s voice will surely bring the phrase “anison rock” to mind! His voice is fantastic; his greatest weapon is a powerful, deep low register that contrasts with main vocalist Kuroneko’s high tones.
Despite its depth, his voice is very easy to understand.
Matatabi is also famous for never stopping once he starts talking on stage.
With passionate MCs, a compelling delivery, and staging that makes full use of his height, he draws the audience in and builds the band’s world.
