【2026】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars

A Whole New WorldKIYOSHI

Kiyoshi – A Whole New World [Live]

Known for his heavy, groove-driven playing that spans rock, metal, and funk, Kiyoshi is a bassist and singer-songwriter who moved to Tokyo in 2009 to launch her full-scale career.

Around 2015, she joined former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman’s world tour as the regular bassist, showcasing her technical bass work across the globe.

In 2022, she was selected as the support bassist for B’z’s nationwide tour, and in December 2024 she performed on B’z’s debut stage at the 75th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, rapidly boosting her profile.

She is also notable as the first Japanese rock bassist to sign with Warwick and for her prolific output, releasing solo albums annually.

Highly recommended for those seeking an aggressive bass player with a heavy sound and advanced technique.

Goodbye, America. Goodbye, Japan.Hosono Haruomi

Goodbye, America. Goodbye, Japan.

It’s no exaggeration to say Haruomi Hosono is one of the figures who shaped Japanese rock.

He made his mark in the 1970s as the bassist for the rock band Happy End, and later formed YMO with Ryuichi Sakamoto and others, becoming a hugely influential presence in the Japanese music scene.

Born in Tokyo, he started playing guitar in middle school and began playing in bands around the same time.

In 1969, he made his major-label debut as a member of the band April Fool, and later joined Happy End.

From then to the present day, he has continued to work at the forefront of the music world.

As an aside, his grandson Yuta Hosono is also a bassist.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

NamuTAKUYA

SABLE HILLS – Namu (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Takuya Ueda is the bassist of Sable Hills, one of the most rapidly rising metalcore bands from Japan.

Formed in 2015, Sable Hills debuted with the album “Embers” in 2019 and has since continued to deliver world-class metalcore from Japan with “Duality” and “Odyssey.” In 2022, they became the first Japanese act to win the newcomer contest at the world-renowned metal festival Wacken Open Air, and they also signed with the prestigious German label Arising Empire.

Ueda’s bass style is characterized by a rock-solid low end that drives the groove through syncopation and intricate fills.

If you’re into metalcore or loud rock, or if you want to support a Japanese band taking on the world, be sure to check them out.

In the city where cobalt fallsSeki Takuya

Asunojokei – In the City Where Cobalt Falls [Official Music Video]

Takuya Seki, who has supported the Tokyo Taito–based post–black metal/blackgaze band Asunojokei since their formation in 2014, has drawn attention for his unique bass playing that combines intensity with lyricism.

Since the 2018 album “Watashto Watashi Datta Mono,” the band has earned international recognition through a five-city tour in China and activities in Europe, and has received critical acclaim, including being selected as Japan’s representative in Rolling Stone Japan’s “Future 25.” With roots influenced by BUMP OF CHICKEN, he also encouraged the band’s direction by saying they could “write more pop songs.” His technical five-string bass fills and singing, melodic lines stand out even within the heavy sound, making him a bassist you should hear if you’re seeking music that transcends genre boundaries.

North Windiwaoriku

SIX LOUNGE “Kitakaze” Music Video

A young bassist who provides the low end for SIX LOUNGE, a three-piece band from Oita Prefecture.

Born in 1997, he met Yuumori Yamaguchi and Shintaro Nagamatsu in high school, joined the band in 2015, and completed its current lineup.

The band made its major debut in 2018 with the mini-album “Yume Utsutsu,” and has continued to release music energetically since.

His signature is an active, “moving bass” that takes full advantage of the three-piece format—shifting freely to suit each song, from soaring, melodic lines to powerful playing that anchors the root.

His harmony vocals and fiery stage presence are also highlights, making him the perfect player for anyone wanting to experience hard-hitting rock ’n’ roll.

Dance DecadenceOonotatsuya

Dance Decadence / Chevon [Lyric Video]

I’m the bassist of Chevon, a three-piece rock band based in Sapporo, Hokkaido, responsible for building the band’s rhythms and signature hits.

Since launching full-scale live performances in 2022, we’ve steadily expanded our activities, including tie-ins with TV dramas and news programs and participation in a collaboration project with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.

I originally took an interest in drums, but a high school cultural festival prompted me to start practicing bass in earnest—there’s a memorable story about honing my skills by relentlessly covering Shiina Ringo’s songs.

My bass work is funky and aggressive while still elevating the vocals and lyrics, making it an essential element of Chevon’s literary-tinged sound.

I’m a recommended bassist for those who love groove-rich, hard-hitting rock.

NTMOkura Rintaro

New Tokyo “NTM” MV

As the bassist of the urban J-pop band Shintokyo, he anchors the low end in their guitar-less lineup.

Formed in 2021, the band quickly drew attention, being chosen as the opening act for the Sonic Stage at SUMMER SONIC 2022 the following year.

Influenced by Jamiroquai and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Okura’s five-string bass delivers a unique playing style that blends jazzy, funky phrases with J-pop-style melodicism.

A dedicated musician, he picked up a five-string bass in middle school and honed his skills through ear training.

A next-generation player born in 2001, he’s a must-listen for anyone drawn to a sophisticated, urban sound.