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【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] A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Young Talent (81–90)

Gacharic Spin

MindSetE choppā KOGA

F Chopper KOGA is a bassist who also serves as the band leader of the all-girl band Gacharic Spin.

Starting with her debut as a gravure idol and then moving into band activities with groups like THE PINK☆PANDA and Hei-an, she has a distinctive background that gradually steered her toward music.

As her stage name suggests, her hallmark is the slap technique—often called “chopper”—whose crisp tone gives her songs a sense of speed.

On stage, she often trades phrases with the guitarist; her playing is notable for the intricate yet powerful tones that color each track.

sleep-talking

endlessFujisaki Tasuku

Negoto – endless [Official Music Video]
endlessFujisaki Tasuku

She is the bassist of a young girls’ band with all members born in the Heisei era.

Her powerful playing, which tightens up their pop sound, is well worth a listen.

The solid tone that comes boldly to the fore creates a highly appealing contrast with her cute appearance.

Aibou Opening ThemeYorihiro Ike

He composed the theme for the nationally popular drama “AIBOU” and is active as a bassist himself.

When the drama’s producer asked him to write the music, he decided to incorporate funk, and in the AIBOU theme he showcases an irresistibly groovy slap bass.

X JAPAN

ART OF LIFEHEATH

ART OF LIFE – X JAPAN (Full ver 30 min)
ART OF LIFEHEATH

HEATH joined the band in 1992 as the successor to bassist TAIJI, who was famous as a member of X JAPAN.

He was born in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, and it’s said that he naturally gravitated toward the bass because there were various instruments in his home.

His playing style is often compared to TAIJI’s; his hallmark is a solid, pick-driven approach that firmly underpins the songs with a powerful yet humble tone.

Precisely because he was part of X JAPAN—a band known for its intense and highly individualistic image—HEATH’s kindness and earnestness seemed to stand out all the more.

He was a bassist whose appeal lay in his dependable, robust sound that conveys warmth and his reliability in steadfastly supporting each song.

JUN SKY WALKER’S

Beautiful night skyTeraoka Yohito

Beautiful Night Sky - JUN SKY WALKER(S)
Beautiful night skyTeraoka Yohito

He is the bassist of JUN SKY WALKER’S, a band that took the band boom by storm.

Although he keeps a low profile within the group, he has demonstrated his talents as a producer, working with artists like Yuzu.

He is highly trusted by veteran musicians, and at events he organizes, he has welcomed illustrious guests such as Yumi Matsutoya and Kazumasa Oda.