[2026] Japan’s Leading Famous Drummers — From Veterans to Rising Stars

Drummers who underpin Japan’s music scene from the ground up.

They tend to be overshadowed by flashy frontmen, but in truth, they’re the indispensable heartbeat of any band.

From veterans who have stayed at the forefront for years to rising talents making their mark with unique styles, Japan is home to many world-class drummers.

In this article, we dive into the appeal of these Japanese drummers.

You’ll not only find the drummers you already know, but you may also discover new talents you haven’t encountered yet.

Be sure to read to the end!

Playlist

[2026] Japan’s Leading Famous Drummers — From Veterans to Rising Stars
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	ROSIERMaya		Powerful drum performance by Shinya of LUNA SEA
2	broad daylightSeki Yu		Yu Seiki: A hybrid-style drummer
3	JägerbombTatsuya Amano		A drummer from Osaka performing on the world stage
4	Perfect-Sense DreamerTomoya		Tomoya from ONE OK ROCK, a world-class drummer
5	Jinbo Akira		Akira Jimbo, a Japanese drummer active on the global stage
6	Bling-Bang-Bang-Born (Cover)Maiki		Maiki's versatile musical activities are captivating.
7	KiLLKiSSyonezawa akane		Akane Yonezawa brings a fresh breeze as a drummer and voice actor
8	A third of pure-hearted feelingsjunji		Orange-haired drummer, diverse musical activities
9	RockTheNationSuganuma Kozo		The talent of Kozo Suganuma, a master of the drumming world
10	Good Times Bad Times (LED ZEPPELIN Cover)YOYOKA		Drummer YOYOKA’s breathtaking performance skills
11	Rusty NailYOSHIKI		YOSHIKI from X JAPAN is a multi-talented drummer.
12	Glory To The WorldHARUNA		Drummer of the heavy metal band LOVEBITES
13	Fragile KnightTsumiki		Tsumiki is active as a Vocaloid producer and band drummer!
14	VENGEANCEKatsuma		Katsuma from coldrain is a world-class drummer.
15	SamudamaSasaki Hiro		Taiko Sasaki, who debuted with KEY TO LIT
16	A Ha HaZAX		ZAX: The Allure and Diversity of Drummers
17	BAD CITYYamaki Hideo		Legendary drummer of the Japanese music scene, Hideo Yamaki
18	Fly with meIshiwaka Shun		Shun Ishiwaka: A skilled drummer leading the jazz scene
19	I dance aloneKashikura Takashi		Takashi Kashikura, the drummer of the post-rock band toe
20	Ready to RockAKANE		BAND-MAID’s drummer AKANE, powerful playing
21	Wax MuseumRaiden Yuzawa		The drummer of Seikima-II, currently a member of CANTA
22	speedYagami Tooru		Mr. Toll of BUCK-TICK, an unchanging presence
23	RYDEENTakahashi Yukihiro		Multi-talented musician, METAFIVE is the best!
24	Sugar Song and Bitter StepSuzuki Takao		Takao Suzuki, the drummer of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN
25	ALRIGHTKikuchi Eiji		Eiji Kikuchi, the drummer of THE YELLOW MONKEY
26	Red tambourineNakamura Tatsuya		Mr. Nakamura, who supported a band full of individuality
27	Eternal GirlMatsushita Atsushi		Zazen Boys’ drummer Matsushita and their musical style
28	VictoryBandō Satoshi		T-SQUARE by the talented young drummer Satoshi Bandoh
29	loveKawamura Tomoyasu		Tomoyasu Kawamura, the most important drummer in J-pop
30	The way you decideSATOKO		The skill and presence of SATOKO, the left-handed drummer
31	ROCKET DIVEMiyawaki “JOE” Tomofumi		The musical activities of drummer Tomofumi Miyawaki
32	Ultramarine DaysHatake Toshiki		Hata Toshiki of Tokyo Jihen, an innovative drummer
33	DANCE MACABREMinato Masashi		Drummer Masafumi Minato, a diverse musicality
34	WantedMurakami Shuichi		The captivating drumming of Shuichi Murakami, known as Ponta
35	A Beautiful Burning ForestMogi Kin’ichi		Drummer Kin-ichi Motegi, who is active with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra
36	The Rose-Colored WorldKikuchi Satoshi		Tetsu Kikuchi, a drummer and an outstandingly skilled musician.
37	Drum Mastery 2019 Shure Drum Contest feat. Senri KawaguchiKawaguchi Senri		The captivating performance of professional drummer Senri Kawaguchi
38	In The MirrorHiguchi Munetaka		Munetaka Higuchi, the LOUDNESS drummer who influenced the world
39	Just AwakeTomonori		Drummer Tomonori’s powerful playing technique
40	MARIONETTETakahashi Makoto		Makoto Takahashi, the drummer of BOØWY
41	DISSENSIONmuratatamu		The accomplishments of rock drummer Murata Tamu
42	promenadeIgarashi Kota		A song composed by Mr. Igarashi of JUDY AND MARY is being released as a single.
43	BuddhaYamaguchi Satoshi		RADWIMPS drummer Satoshi Yamaguchi’s skill and charm
44	THE OVERShintaro		UVERworld’s drummer performs captivatingly
45	Premeditated revengeNao		Nao is a drummer and vocalist with a gentle singing voice.
46	KiLLiNG MEGODRi		The captivating drummer of the reggae-punk band SiM
47	Tally-hoKirita Katsuji		Katsuji Kirita excels with Gargoyle and The Cro-Magnons.
48	nakano kill youPiēru Nakano		Pierre Nakano’s sharp drumming technique
49	desperate situation; a predicament with no way out; a crisis pointShishido Kafuka		Saki Ohira's drumming is impressive.
50	LOVE ROCKETSKuhara Kazuyuki		The appeal of Kazuyuki Kuhara’s drumming
51	ThunderNobuaki Kaneko		The appeal of RIZE drummer Nobuaki Kaneko
52	fragileMatsuoka Masahiro		TOKIO is active as a full-fledged music band.
53	DominatorMARINA		From a musical family: the achievements of Aldious’s drummer
54	Image Strategyhona ikoka		The activities of the cute drummer, Honai-ko
55	HEADHUNTOkamoto Reiji		The drummer of the pro rock band OKAMOTO’S
56	99.974℃komaki		Komaki: a drummer with diverse technique and musicality
57	town/cityAkamatsu Yoshitomo		In a drum showdown on a Kanjani program, Akamatsu defeated Okura.
58	Irreversible replaceMasack		The Appeal of Masack, the Loud Rock Drummer
59	swimKouhei		KOUHEI from the band 04 Limited Sazabys
60	I don’t believe my maternal instinctkaho kissu		Kaho the drummer from Otoboke Beaver is active now
61	Heartless ScatNakajima Nobu		The drummer of Ningen Isu, with a distinctive musical style
62	Wish Upon a StarMukoyama Tetsu		Tetsu Mukaiyama, the trusted drummer of Cocco’s tour
63	FanfareRINA		Talking about the appeal of SCANDAL's RINA as a drummer
64	The Goofy Man’s WayŌkura Tadayoshi		Tadayoshi Okura transitions from drummer to actor
65	VENOM STRIKEŌuchi “MAD” Takamasa		Drummer Mr. Ouchi is engaged in a variety of musical activities.
66	Waiting for dawnBUNTA		Elite punk rock drummer Bunta
67	Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Tarumi Kenji		A distinctive drummer who doesn't play the drums
68	HELLOMatsuura Masaki		Masaki Matsuura, the drummer of Official HIGE DANDism
69	Spring and AsuraAkiyama Takahiko		Post-rock leading drummer Takahiko Akiyama
70	ROCK ME BABYMARCY		MARCY from the garage rock band THE BAWDIES
71	THE FINALShinya		Shinya from DIR EN GREY is starting solo activities.
72	OMOIDE IN MY HEADAhito Inazawa		The appeal of the innovative drummer, Inazawa
73	ZION TOWNKogure Eiichi		The appeal of Eiichi Kogure, a legendary drummer in the rock world
74	Shangri-LaTakahashi Kumiko		The charismatic drummer of Chatmonchy