【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 Big Names to Rising Talent (21–30)
Guernicahito toki
A rock band bassist from Gifu Prefecture, known as a member of Kuroyume, who are said to have created the Nagoya-kei movement during their indie days.
When he first started forming bands, he played drums, later switching to guitar, making him a musician well-versed in instruments beyond the bass.
With a commanding pick-driven sound and bass lines that create a compelling groove while mainly sticking to root notes, he doesn’t rely on flashy bass solos.
Instead, he supports the band with the most essential approach required of a bassist.
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.
[2026] Japanese Bassists Roundup: From Big Names to Rising Stars (31–40)
KAMIKenKen
A highly skilled bassist with a track record of playing with and supporting numerous bands, including Dragon Ash.
Raised in a musical family, he forms the rhythm section of RIZE alongside his drummer brother, Nobuaki Kaneko, solidifying the band’s foundation.
Primarily a fingerstyle player, he also incorporates slapping and a technique that produces a pick-like tone with his fingers, making him an exceptionally charismatic bassist.
Beyond rock, he also shines in funk—one of his musical roots—delivering performances full of groove.
Bassist BOH Bass Play DemonstrationBOH
BOH is a bassist who masterfully handles the 6-string bass, captivating audiences with lightning-fast playing that blends slap and tapping techniques.
He showcases his extraordinary skills as a member of BABYMETAL’s backing band, the Kami Band, and is highly acclaimed worldwide.
By the way, the name “BOH” doesn’t come from his hairstyle; it’s derived from his real surname, Bōte (written 棒手).
ScoopJIRO
The bassist of GLAY, a rock band from Hakodate that has created numerous legends, including pulling off one of the world’s largest concerts with an audience of 200,000.
Since their debut, he has enjoyed exceptional popularity among female fans, and his keen fashion sense is likely one reason the band appeals to such a broad audience.
Though he plays with sweeping arm movements reminiscent of a guitarist, he delivers elegant phrases that never disrupt the flow of the music—a bassist whose dynamic style is balanced with delicate precision.
trapOkamine Koushu
The bassist of THE BACK HORN.
Their range is incredible, spanning from emotional, extremely intense tracks to delicate, beautiful ballads.
The vivid, chord-based phrases and singing bass lines are really cool.
ButterflyNaoi Yoshifumi
The bassist of BUMP OF CHICKEN, a band loved by a wide range of fans from adults to children.
He’s strongly associated with pick playing, but he nails it with fingerstyle too.
His bass lines, which gently support the vocals, are truly beautiful and wonderful.