【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
- [2026] Easy J-Pop and Japanese Rock Songs Recommended for Beginner Bassists
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[2026] Japanese Bassists Roundup: From Big Names to Rising Stars (51–60)
Enigmatic Feeling345
She is the bassist of the three-piece rock band Ling tosite sigure, whose trademark is vocalist TK’s distinctive high-tone voice.
Before joining Ling tosite sigure, she fronted a band as a singing guitarist, and later made the unusual switch to the then-untried role of bassist.
While underpinning the band’s noisy sound, she delivers fluent, melodic phrases and unveils a beautiful singing voice in the choruses—a highly skilled female bassist who truly serves as the backbone of the band’s sound.
walnutNakagawa Keisuke
Known by the nickname “Misuchiru” and now so popular that virtually every Japanese person has heard of them, Mr.Children is a four-piece rock band, and he is their bassist.
While attention tends to focus on Kazutoshi Sakurai—the band’s frontman and primary songwriter—it’s no exaggeration to say that Keisuke Nakagawa’s bass playing, which closely supports each song, is what elevates Sakurai’s vocals and the band’s beautiful melodies.
A passionate baseball fan, he has connections with many players and former pros, and interviews in the fan club newsletter often end up being mostly about baseball.
In this way, beyond his role as a bassist, he’s also a musician who helps energize the band.
galaxyKatō Shinichi
Shinichi Kato is the bassist of Fujifabric, a domestic rock band with unwavering popularity.
He joined the band in 2003, replacing the previous bassist, and has been active as Fujifabric’s bassist ever since.
Before joining Fujifabric, he was also the bassist for the band Floater, which Takeshi Tsuruno was a member of.
In addition to sometimes writing lyrics and composing songs for Fujifabric, he also provides songs to idols and other artists.
-Step-Murai Kenjirō
The bassist of cali≠gari, who made a comeback in 2009.
From 2004 for about two years, he was also active under the name SAMURAI.W.KENJILAW as a fourth-generation member of SEX MACHINEGUNS.
His skill as a bassist is outstanding and has been highly praised, including on the internet.
[2026] Japanese Bassists Roundup: From Big Names to Rising Stars (61–70)
RunnerEgawa Hōjin
Hojin Egawa, a native of Osaka Prefecture, joined Bakufu-Ju, the predecessor to Bakufu Slump, and together with fellow member Funky Sueyoshi as well as Sunplaza Nakano-kun and Pappara Kawai, who had been in Super Slump, formed Bakufu Slump.
His powerful slap bass playing captivated audiences, but he left the band in 1989 due to musical differences.
Ironically, Runner, a song that depicted that period, became one of Bakufu Slump’s signature tracks.
In December 2018, he was involved in an accident, and he has remained unconscious since then.
We hope to hear his wonderful playing again someday.
Lizard No. 3Akko
She is the bassist of the three-piece band GO!GO!7188, which disbanded to much regret.
Since she debuted shortly after starting the bass, it seems she struggled at first, but her remarkable improvement has led to a powerful, badass performance you wouldn’t expect from a woman.
zean zeanOkano Hajime
He is active as a bassist in a band and works as a producer for rock bands such as L’Arc-en-Ciel.
A serious bass enthusiast, he designs his own ideal basses.
It’s well known among Japanese bassists that Ikuzō Baba of Dragon Ash admired his demeanor.