【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!
- [Selected by the pros!] 10 great bassists from the jazz fusion world
- [J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists
- [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]
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- Love at first sight with a bass girl! The female bassist of a popular band
- 【2026】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars
- [2026] Easy J-Pop and Japanese Rock Songs Recommended for Beginner Bassists
- A compilation of bassists who use StingRays
- Popular Band Rankings [2026]
- Western songs with cool bass lines: classic and popular tracks recommended for bassists
- Recent songs sung by male vocalists in Japanese music [2026]
- [2026] Recommended Japanese Fusion Bands Summary
[2026] Japanese Bassists Roundup: From the Famous to the Up-and-Coming (71–80)
zean zeanOkano Hajime
He is active as a bassist in a band and works as a producer for rock bands such as L’Arc-en-Ciel.
A serious bass enthusiast, he designs his own ideal basses.
It’s well known among Japanese bassists that Ikuzō Baba of Dragon Ash admired his demeanor.
Cell QuaiImasawa Kagerou
Known by the nickname BASSNINJA and beloved by many, he is one of Japan’s leading bassists active around the world.
Masterfully wielding a 6-string bass and unleashing a sound full of speed and precision, he truly lives up to the name “Ninja.”
Gradated GreyIga Wataru
He’s the one who plays bass on recordings for the now wildly popular Gen Hoshino and serves as the bassist in the backing band of Haruomi Hosono, a treasured figure in Japan’s bassist community.
He also happens to be a licensed architect.
His hallmark is playing excellent bass lines that hit all the right points.
Akashi Masao
You can’t talk about early B’z without him.
He participated as the arranger for B’z’s early works and played bass at live shows and in recordings.
The image of him whipping his trademark blond hair around while playing bass back then left a strong impression.
[Bass Solo] Kameda Cup: Final!Meguro Yuya
![[Bass Solo] Kameda Cup: Final!Meguro Yuya](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xMpDUUSx3OU/sddefault.jpg)
A highly skilled bassist who won the first Kameda Cup.
A founding member of Project.B, a unit exploring the possibilities of bassists, he is also active as a studio musician.
His hallmark is precise and steady playing.
Odoru Pompoko RinKuribayashi Seiichiro
When it comes to moody pop songs that became a buzzworthy comedy-song staple, this track produced by Seiichirō Kuribayashi is the one.
In fact, it’s loved by a wide range of people, from kids to adults! Released in 1990 as the ending theme for Chibi Maruko-chan, it brought a fresh breeze to the music scene of the time.
With its catchy melody and fun lyrics, it leaves an unforgettable impression after just one listen.
The original version by B.B.
Queens won the Pop/Rock category at the 32nd Japan Record Awards.
It’s since been covered by many artists and continues to be cherished today.
It’s a song the whole family can enjoy, so it’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session!
DongaraganOSHOW
I handled upright bass and vocals for Asakusa Jinta.
Slap technique exists on the upright bass, but his level is among the best in Japan.
The slap sounds delivered alongside the upbeat music make your body spring up—you can’t help but dance.