From Fast Picking to Acoustic: Famous Japanese Guitarists
When people talk about famous guitarists, overseas names often come up, but there are plenty of incredible guitarists right here in Japan too!
Some of them are active on the global stage as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of Japanese guitarists we can proudly present to the world.
From blazing fast shredders to soulful, emotive players, from crisp cutting to slap techniques—each guitarist has their own unique charm.
Be sure to find your new favorite!
Get ready to meet a lot of super cool guitarists!
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[From shredding to acoustic] Famous Japanese guitarists (11–20)
The End of the WorldAbe Futoshi (THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT)
You can say with certainty that we’ll never encounter another rock guitarist like him.
Abe Futoshi, who etched his name into the music scene as the guitarist for the legendary rock band Thee Michelle Gun Elephant—a band that stormed through from their major-label debut in 1996 to their breakup in 2003—was born in Hiroshima in 1966.
After playing in several bands on the indie scene, he joined Thee Michelle Gun Elephant in 1994.
With his trademark straight-to-amp curly cable and Telecaster, his godlike, razor-sharp cutting riffs unleashed from his 187 cm frame were nothing short of breathtaking.
Beyond his aggressive playing, he also crafted many catchy riffs, greatly fueling Thee Michelle Gun Elephant’s rise.
Sadly, Abe passed away suddenly in 2009, becoming, in every sense, an eternal, legendary guitarist.
Melody of a Small LoveKitsutaka Fumihiko (Kinniku Shoujo-tai)
Guitarist Fumihiko Kitsutaka, who has attracted attention for his fast playing since his amateur days.
Known as the guitarist of Musenkin Shōjo-tai (Kinniku Shōjo-tai), he is also active in a wide range of projects such as X.Y.Z.→A and Kenji Ohtsuki & Fumihiko Kitsutaka.
While his core is a style steeped in classical metal aesthetics, his ability to adapt fluidly to each song demonstrates a refined musical sensibility and a deep, layered background.
With his glamorous looks adding to his presence, he is one of the legendary guitarists in the rock world.
SmokyChar
He can be considered one of Japan’s leading guitarists.
He picked up the guitar at eight, and by his junior high school years he was already participating in recording sessions as a studio musician.
He has played in bands such as SMOKY MEDICINE, PINKCLOUD, and PSYCHEDELIX.
Beyond his formidable technique, his appeal lies in a style that naturally rides the rhythm with phrases born from an imagination that feels anything but typical for a Japanese musician.
brideSakazaki Kōnosuke (THE ALFEE)
Konosuke Sakazaki is the guitarist of THE ALFEE, a three-member rock band that made its major debut in 1974.
Within THE ALFEE, he is known not only for playing acoustic guitar but also for being a versatile musician who performs on instruments other than guitar, such as the mandolin, ukulele, banjo, and sitar.
In live performances, he also serves as the master of ceremonies, and although he is not the current leader, he stands out as a central figure of THE ALFEE.
READY TO FLYKōsaka Masayoshi
A guitarist who represents Japan’s rock and fusion scenes.
With flashy fashion and distinctive guitars, he never forgets to entertain the audience.
While he sometimes features vocalists in his solo work, his fundamental style is to carry the melody on the guitar.
His repertoire is diverse, and his technique is highly regarded worldwide.
Prince of HellRūku Takamura (Seikima II)
Luke Takamura is the guitarist of Seikima-II, a metal band that has gained popularity for its high musicality and unwavering concept.
Although Seikima-II is often seen as a novelty act because of their appearance, he enriches their songs with high-level guitar work and melodic phrasing on par with the other members.
Since 2002, he has formed the rock band CANTA with former Seikima-II drummer Raiden Yuzawa and former Animetal bassist MASAKI, serving as the band’s vocalist and guitarist.
In 1991, he also worked as the producer for So What?, a metal band under Yoshimoto Kogyo, demonstrating his wide-ranging musical activities.
From Shredding to Acoustic: Famous Japanese Guitarists (21–30)
LAST STARDUSTRYU（BLOOD STAIN CHILD）
Guitarist RYU of BLOOD STAIN CHILD, a band that champions the genre of “trans metal.” In addition to his guitar prowess, he’s noted for his exceptional songwriting ability, which allows him to adapt the color of their music each time the band’s vocalist changes.
He’s also known for performing onstage with long hair and feminine attire, a striking contrast to the aggressive sound that has become part of the band’s identity.
As the driving force behind a group that has earned high acclaim both in Japan and abroad, he’s a guitarist whose future achievements are eagerly anticipated.