【2026】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars
When you hear “Japanese bassists,” which players come to mind? The bass is sometimes described as the unsung hero, but it’s the core of a band’s sound, and a great bassist’s groove has the power to move listeners.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected bassists ranging from legendary figures to promising newcomers from the next generation.
Be sure to check them out—you might just discover a talent you didn’t know about!
[2026] Japanese Bassists Roundup: From Big Names to Up-and-Comers (1–10)
Silent JealousyTAIJI
A former bassist of X JAPAN and a top-tier guitarist as well.
With a history of playing in numerous HR/HM bands, he left behind many remarkable bass solos, showcasing not only bass-centric techniques like slapping but also advanced methods such as tapping and high-speed runs.
Beyond bass solos, his standout strength lies in adding color to songs with memorable lines—an elegant, charismatic style of playing.
Yellow ToyHikaru Yamamoto
One of the most talked-about young bassists today, Hikaru Yamamoto (born in 1999) first drew attention with bass performance videos on YouTube.
She began her career in earnest in 2018 and released a digital single under her solo name in 2019.
That same year, she joined the backing band for Momoiro Clover Z, and in 2020 appeared on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show Kouhaku Uta Gassen as the support bassist for YOASOBI, gaining widespread recognition.
In 2021, her YouTube channel surpassed 100,000 subscribers, earning her the Silver Creator Award.
In her solo work, she remains committed to singing while playing bass, and in 2023 formed the band Aooo with Vocaloid producers Surii and Tsumiki, releasing the major-label debut album “Aooo” in 2024.
Her playing—ranging from fingerstyle and pick playing to synth bass—lays a versatile foundation for band sound, making her a great choice for those seeking a player who moves effortlessly between pop and rock.
Active Three MinutesKameda Seiji
The bassist of Tokyo Jihen, the rock band led by Ringo Sheena.
He’s a musician who works not only as a bassist but also as a composer and arranger for numerous artists.
From flashy bass lines that anyone can recognize to sparse yet impactful phrases, he’s a master bassist who brings out the full flavor of the instrument according to each song.
In Tokyo Jihen, your attention may naturally go to Ringo Sheena’s overwhelming presence, but he is a fantastic player whose bass you should definitely watch and listen to as well.
HEADHANTHama Okamoto
The bassist of the four-piece rock band OKAMOTO’S.
Despite being the son of Masatoshi Hamada of the comedy duo Downtown, he kept that under wraps and rose to the major scene on their own merits.
His playing style is technical and fluid, yet he is actually self-taught with no formal knowledge of music theory or scales—truly a bassist who became recognized by top artists purely through his own ability.
BURN OUTJ
J, the well-known bassist of LUNA SEA, launched a solo career during the band’s hiatus, in which he not only plays bass but also handles guitar and vocals himself.
He has been responsible for many of their classic songs—including “ROSIER”—and his songwriting talent is highly acclaimed.
Although he had long used ESP basses, in 2019 he announced a contract with Fender in the United States, surprising the public.