【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】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars
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- [2026] Recommended Japanese Fusion Bands Summary
[2026] Japanese Bassists Roundup: From Big Names to Rising Stars (31–40)
Why I’m meTOKIE
TOKIE, who was active as an original member of the rap-rock band RIZE, can rightly be called one of Japan’s leading female bassists.
After leaving RIZE, she has worked across a wide range of projects, including Tatsuya Nakamura’s LOSALIOS, the instrumental band unkie, and ACE OF SPADES led by GLAY’s HISASHI.
She originally started playing bass after taking up the contrabass in a brass band, and her activities span an impressive range: from playing electric bass in rock bands to joining jazz sessions on upright bass.
Her uniquely captivating presence—almost like a graceful dance—and her bass lines are truly one-of-a-kind.
On the edge (chop)Terasawa Kōichi
Koichi Terasawa is a bassist famous for playing the bass on B’z’s classic hit “Giri Giri Chop.” He’s active as a music school instructor and a studio musician, and he even appeared as a voice actor in Kamen Rider Agito.
On “Giri Giri Chop,” he delivers an ultra-technical performance, so if you’re a confident bassist, be sure to give it a try!
AMBITIOUSIKUZONE
The bassist of Dragon Ash.
In 2012, he passed away from acute heart failure at the young age of 46.
Many fans must have shed tears at the sudden news.
His bass lines, which incorporated a wide range of genres—from rock to punk and reggae—were truly outstanding.
The sight of him playing bass while wielding a lightsaber was one of a kind.
Over DriveOnda Yoshito
The legendary four-piece rock band JUDY AND MARY—affectionately known as Judy Mari—was led by its bassist.
Despite having the most flamboyant look in the group, reflecting his roots in a metal band, he supported the band with playing that formed the backbone of their sound.
Even after the band’s breakup, his precise, commanding playing and skillful solos remain intact, and you can still enjoy his performance with MAZIORA THE BAND, an ’80s Western rock cover band he’s part of.
I’ve fallen in love with Mr. Tears.ikariya chōsuke
Although “Chō-san” is incredibly famous as a comedian, did you know he was actually a musician as well? His classic technique of plucking the strings with the thumb—rarely seen today—is known as the “Ikariya style” or “Chō-san picking.”
[2026] Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Famous Names to Up-and-Comers (41–50)
Distance of the Starry SkySakurai Ken
Mr.
Masaru Sakurai, often called a founder of THE ALFEE, is memorable for his slicked-back hair and sunglasses.
As you know, his presence is significant not only as a bassist but also as a bass vocalist.
In 1990, he even made his voice-acting debut in the anime “Hageshii na! Sakurai-kun” simply because they shared the same surname, showcasing his diverse talents.
For instruments, he mainly uses a classic 1960s Fender Jazz Bass.
It’s also said that he can play guitar and ukulele.
J.BoyMikuzuki Chiharu
He debuted in 1981 as a member of the Duncan Brothers Band and is now active not only with Bank Band but also as a session and studio bassist.
His participation in the live performances and recordings of many popular artists—including Shogo Hamada, Yosui Inoue, and Keisuke Kuwata—speaks to his abilities.
With precise, spot-on bass playing that enhances each song, he is a bassist trusted by numerous musicians.