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 (21–30)
Thread of DawnMachiya (Wagakki Band)
Machiya, a native of Hokkaido, is active as the guitarist of Wagakki Band.
With experience in a visual-kei band and performance videos on Nico Nico Douga that drew attention, he has been active across a wide range of fields, serving as a support guitarist and even as a lead vocalist.
He has earned high acclaim as a guitarist, including the release of his own model “Shigure” from Sago New Material Guitars.
He is also notable for performing highly challenging guitar parts from Vocaloid songs and video game music using a variety of techniques.
He is an artist who masterfully handles a wide range of music—from fast-paced anime songs to rock with a heavy, resonant sound—with highly technical playing.
RomeoAsai Kenichi (Blankey Jet City)
He is the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Blankey Jet City.
After the band disbanded, he has been active in several groups, mainly SHERBETS.
He also serves as the CEO of the label Sexy Stones Records.
His nickname is “Benji.” His beloved Gretsch guitar has become his trademark.
He is known for his highly distinctive guitar phrases and plays intricate, niche guitar solos.
From Speed Picking to Acoustic: Famous Japanese Guitarists (31–40)
SpainWatanabe Kazumi
Kazumi Watanabe is regarded as one of the foremost guitarists in Japan.
He has collaborated with musicians around the world and has had a profound influence on later generations of guitarists.
Unbound by genre—whether jazz, fusion, or classical—he masterfully employs a wide range of guitars in his performances.
Every phrase he plays is free of excess and beautifully crafted.
His flawless technique is not something that can be easily imitated.
He is a guitarist that anyone interested in Japanese guitarists should definitely know.
chain gangMajima Masatoshi (THE BLUE HEARTS)
The guitarist of the legendary punk band THE BLUE HEARTS.
After the band broke up, he has been active as a member of The Cro-Magnons.
His nickname is “Māshī.” A bandana wrapped around his head is his trademark.
As a songwriter, he has produced hit songs and sometimes takes on lead vocals himself.
He is a captivating guitarist who plays straightforward rock.
In FutureUbugata Shinichi (ELLEGARDEN)
Guitarist of ELLEGARDEN and Nothing’s Carved In Stone.
He has also served as a support guitarist for major artists such as Kazuya Yoshii, Ringo Sheena, and Koji Kikkawa, and is renowned for his precise yet fiery rock playing.
The night before the revolution at ground zero.Katada Satoshi (5-jigen BOY.)
Satoshi Katada, a native of Niigata Prefecture, made his mark as a member of the visual kei band UCHUSENTAI:NOIZ.
Even before joining the band, he earned recognition for his high-level performance skills, including winning prizes in guitar auditions.
In 2020, he launched his solo project 5-Dimensional BOY, taking on songwriting, composition, arrangement, and vocals himself.
He primarily plays custom ESP models and effortlessly commands a wide range of sounds, from rapid-fire picking and cutting to guitar solos.
In his solo work, he delivers grand, expansive soundscapes to listeners, crafting songs themed around space.
Wax MuseumACE(Seikima II)
ACE is the guitarist of the metal band Seikima-II, which has gained fans through its flamboyant visuals and high-level musicianship.
Many assume the name ACE comes from Ace Frehley, the guitarist of the American rock band KISS—whom Seikima-II openly cites as an influence—but in fact it originates from him being the “ace” of his school’s volleyball team.
Although he publicly admits that he isn’t good at shred-style fast picking despite being a metal guitarist, the bursts of speed he weaves into his melodic solos are used to great effect, setting him apart from guitarists who are merely fast and enabling him to craft technically sophisticated phrases.
