【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!
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[2026] Japanese Bassists Roundup: From Famous Names to Rising Stars (11–20)
When I fall in love, babymori natsuhiko
Natsuhiko Mori is an all-rounder straddling pop and punk: in addition to his work with Shiggy Jr.
and Tele, he has supported numerous artists including Mrs.
GREEN APPLE.
Born in 1990, he was a punk kid deeply into Green Day in high school, yet he studied so intently that he calls Shuichi Manabe of Soutaiseiriron his mentor—a background that shaped his flexible playing style.
After Shiggy Jr.’s major-label debut in 2015, he anchored the band with funky yet melodic bass lines within a city pop-inflected sound.
Their 2024 reunion has drawn attention, and his playing—praised as the presence of an individual who shines even as a support musician—is a must-hear for those who love danceable pop and value a strong sense of groove.
TremoloMaika
Maika is the bassist of the three-piece girls’ band Chilli Beans.
The members of Chilli Beans.
originally came from the music school “Ongaku Juku Voice,” and Maika says she took the path of becoming a bassist after a teacher suggested she give the bass a try.
She is influenced by Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and her appeal lies in her catchy yet funky playing.
She weaves groovy bass lines with a distinct Western music essence.
I hope I can be your lover.ishihara mei
Mei Ishihara is the bassist and backing vocalist of Kaneyori Masaru, a three-piece band from Osaka.
She majored in bass at Cat Music College and founded Kaneyori Masaru in 2014 as the band’s initiator.
The band made their major debut with the full-length album “Watashi no Nocturne” in January 2023, and in September 2024 they sold out a solo show at Osaka-jo Ongakudo, steadily expanding their reach.
Her hallmark is melodious bass lines that seem to sing while supporting the vocals, serving as a key to creating a rich, full sound despite the three-piece setup.
She’s a recommended bassist for fans of youth-driven rock and emotional music, and for those who want to feel how the bass can ‘sing’ within a band ensemble.
UnboundKozaki
Born in 2002 and hailing from Tokyo, he’s a multitalented member of chilldspot—a band representing Gen Z—who not only commands the low end but also handles sound production and lyric writing.
After forming the band in 2019, they released their first EP, “the youth night,” in 2020 while still in high school.
Having grown up listening to a wide range of genres—rock, Vocaloid, EDM, and dubstep—his musical background directly informs the band’s genre-defying sound.
On the 2024 EP “echowaves,” he took charge of sound production on tracks featuring extensive use of synth bass, showcasing a playing style that fluidly traverses track-making and live performance.
Keep an eye on this new-wave approach that fuses programmed textures with bass lines.
Spicy QueenHettsu
Hetts, the bassist and backing vocalist for Hanabie., a metalcore band currently attracting global attention.
Despite having no prior experience, she chose the bass in her high school light music club, which led to her current career.
The band formed in 2015 and made their major-label debut in July 2023.
They then completed a large-scale world tour from August to December, covering the EU, USA, Oceania, and Asia.
In 2025, they were also selected to perform the opening theme for a TV anime.
Within the band—who champion their “HARAJUKU CORE,” a fusion of metalcore heaviness and J-pop sensibilities—her playing is a must-hear: with the chops to secure an endorsement deal with Ibanez, she ties together everything from crushing breakdowns to melodic skate-punk-style passages with a consistent, irresistible groove.
Friday’s highOohara Takuma
Takuma Ohara is the bassist and multi-creator at the core of Penthouse, a Tokyo-based city-soul band.
He formed the group around 2018 with friends he met in the University of Tokyo’s band circle “UT POMP,” and they made their major debut with Victor Entertainment in 2020.
Their first album, “Balcony,” reached No.
7 on the Oricon Daily Album Chart, steadily building their career.
Centered on solid root work while weaving in melodic lines and syncopation, his playing bridges the groove of soul and R&B with the uplifting sensibility of J-pop.
He also contributes to the band’s world-building on multiple fronts, including video editing and songwriting.
He’s a recommended bassist for those seeking a balance of sophisticated city-soul sound and approachable pop sensibility.
[2026] Japanese Bassists Roundup: From Big Names to Rising Talent (21–30)
harborTamura Akihiro
The bassist of Spitz, a band that continues to produce many hit songs.
He’s known for using basses from various manufacturers to deliver a wide range of sounds.
It’s said that he sometimes handles percussion other than drums during recording sessions.