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A male singer with exceptional vocal skills: a powerhouse performer who captivates with volume, technique, and expressiveness.

Have you ever found yourself thinking, “Why does this person’s singing move me so much?” Male vocalists who sing well possess a charm that can’t be explained by technique alone.

Overwhelming vocal power, delicate expressiveness, and the ability to steer the listener’s emotions at will.

In this article, we’ll introduce male singers whose voices are so compelling they give you goosebumps.

You’re sure to discover a new favorite artist who resonates deeply with your heart.

Male singers who are great vocalists: powerful, technically skilled, and expressive performers (71–80)

Laura Covered in ScarsSaijō Hideki

This was Hideki Saijo’s 10th single, released in August 1974.

Although he has since passed away, his vocal ability was highly acclaimed from the time of his debut.

In particular, many of his hits from the 1970s stand out as a period worthy of special mention in his long singing career, marked by youthful vocals and passionate singing.

Not limited to Saijo, I am often deeply impressed by the vocal prowess of artists who built remarkable careers in the era before pitch-correction technology existed.

I love youShimizu Iyori (back number)

Shimizu Iyori, the vocalist and guitarist of back number, is hugely popular among younger generations.

He’s known for his unique sensibilities—such as naming the band after an experience of having his girlfriend taken by a bandman—and his lyrics, which vividly paint scenes that many listeners deeply relate to.

His masterful use of falsetto enhances the sentimental melodies and amplifies the poignancy of his message.

He is an artist leading today’s J-POP scene, with even greater success expected in the future.

SorryShimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu “Sorry” Music Video
SorryShimizu Shota

As for the characteristics of modern Japanese male R&B singers, while they may not boast the superhuman power and range of their American counterparts, they tend to focus on softer vocal expression and deliver songs that feel approachable to the general listener—and I think Shota Matsuda is one of them.

His slightly androgynous, gentle voice will surely capture the hearts of many.

Of course, his masterful use of mixed voice—a must-have skill for singers in this genre today—and his clean vocal production are impeccable.

On top of that, depending on the song, he actively incorporates pitch-correction techniques, mixing in that intentionally ‘cherpy’ autotune-like effect, which is a very on-trend touch.

Three O’clok BluesKondō Fusanosuke

Three O’Clock Blues – Fusanosuke Kondo (Harmonica – Kotez)
Three O'clok BluesKondō Fusanosuke

Fusanosuke Kondo is a blues singer who enjoys great popularity in Japan.

While he may not surpass Toru Oki, he boasts top-tier vocal ability among Japanese blues singers.

In households, he’s best known as a member of B.B.

Queens for singing the theme song of the anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

As you can hear in this rendition of “Three O’Clock Blues,” when he sings genuine blues, his exceptional vocal prowess becomes evident.

His gravelly voice, distinct from that of Atsuki Kimura, is stunning, and he’s a versatile singer who can do it all—from warm, soulful vocals to hard-edged performances that mix sharp shouts.

Sweet Home TownŌki Tōru

He may not be very well known in Japan, but there is a Japanese singer who has achieved worldwide success in the blues scene.

That is Toru Oki, who sings “Sweet Home Town.” He is nicknamed “Mr.

Yellow Blues” and is one of the most famous Asian blues singers.

He had a close relationship with Ben E.

King, the singer of the global classic “Stand By Me,” and they collaborated on numerous occasions.

Toru Oki’s vocal ability is unquestionably among the best in Japan.

He has an overwhelming advantage in vocal tone, showing none of the thinness often considered a weakness among native Japanese singers.

As a blues vocalist, he also excels in finer techniques such as vocal improvisation and shouts, so if you like Black music, he’s a must-check!

FOR YOUR LOVEMatsuzaki Shigeru

Shigeru Matsuzaki is a singer known for his impressively rich, full-bodied voice.

It’s not widely known, but he has also achieved significant success on the international stage.

There’s a competition in Spain called the Mallorca Music Festival.

Unlike the Grammys, which honor hit songs, this festival is known for bringing together technically skilled singers from around the world to compete in vocal ability and expressive power.

Even singers active on the global stage don’t necessarily have the chops to match, so earning results at the Mallorca Music Festival is considered extremely difficult.

Remarkably, Matsuzaki took second place at this festival.

As that accomplishment suggests, his singing ability is of a very high caliber, and in terms of vocal power, he’s among the top in Japan.

Moreover, as heard in “FOR YOUR LOVE,” he can deliver soulful ad-libs, making him a singer whose true ability exceeds his public reputation.

Prayer of LightKuroda Shunsuke (Kobukuro)

This is Kobukuro’s 32nd single, released in October 2020.

It was chosen as the theme song for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “DIVER: Special Infiltration Unit.” The song features a highly dramatic arrangement, and it’s no exaggeration to say that the first requirement for making such an arrangement work is a singer with solid vocal ability.

Otherwise, the vocals would be overpowered by the backing performance.

The powerful, resonant singing in the chorus is downright goosebump-inducing!