【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] Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Famous Names to Up-and-Comers (41–50)
The End of the WorldUeno Kouji
Koji Ueno is the bassist of THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT, a band that energized Japan’s rock scene in the late ’90s.
Many bassists likely admired the sight of the tall, slender Ueno slinging his bass low and thrashing away.
His forward-leaning, aggressive playing style is undeniably cool.
Since 2009, he has also been active as the bassist for the HIATUS, a new band launched by Takeshi Hosomi of ELLEGARDEN.
[2026] Japanese Bassists Roundup: From Big Names to Rising Stars (51–60)
Please stay a woman with color (vibrance).Kishibe Kazutaka
He is now an actor who’s one of Japan’s leading supporting players, but back in the day he was the bassist for The Tigers, led by Julie (Kenji Sawada).
He still performs as a bassist today, and, notably, he’s the one who played the main themes for “Taiyo ni Hoero!” and “Kizudarake no Tenshi.”
Japanese rice is the best in the world.junko
She is the female bassist of Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai, a three-piece rock band that champions the genre of “daily-life loud rock,” featuring a loud, bass-heavy sound paired with laid-back lyrics at odds with their musical intensity.
Known for using a chain as a strap and delivering wild, high-energy performances on stage, she surprised fans at the band’s 2018 headlining show at Nippon Budokan by revealing that she is actually 20 years older than the other members, causing quite a stir.
Her youthful appearance and dynamic playing defy her age and inspire many with the message that you can do anything at any age.
She’s a bassist whose future success is highly anticipated.
The magic of loveTakamizu Kenji
One of the living treasures among studio bassists, affectionately known as “Daibutsu-sama” (the Great Buddha).
He has delivered outstanding performances on bass in pop, idol music, and anime songs.
Even now, he continues to support top-tier musicians live, including Masaharu Fukuyama.
Maximum the Hormone II ~Let’s Talk About Firm, Rich Noodles from Here On~Uehara Futo
The bassist of Maximum the Hormone, a four-piece rock band that propelled the mixture sound to mainstream prominence in Japan’s rock scene.
A self-professed die-hard fan of Red Hot Chili Peppers—the American rock band boasting over 80 million records sold worldwide—he underpins the group’s sound with tight, RHCP-influenced bass lines and commanding slap technique.
His bold yet nuanced playing shines through their loud sonics, setting them apart from other mixture bands and serving as a cornerstone of Maximum the Hormone’s one-of-a-kind sound.
Shitada Ken
He underpins the low end for renowned musicians such as MISIA, Hikaru Utada, and Sukima Switch.
Not only that—he’s a currently popular bassist who also performed the bass parts for songs from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and works as a manga original author.
Peace and highlightSekiguchi Kazuyuki
He is the bassist of Southern All Stars, a band that has enjoyed overwhelming popularity for many years.
He underpins the foundation of the band’s highly original songs.
Although he once took a hiatus due to health issues, he is now also active as a ukulele player.