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 Speed Picking to Acoustic: Famous Japanese Guitarists (31–40)
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.
DEAR MY BLUEYonekawa Hideyuki (C-C-B)
He debuted as the guitarist for the rock band C-C-B, which was active in the 1980s.
After the band disbanded, he continued his career as a solo artist.
His bold chords and riffs are striking, and when it comes to solo sections, his full-throttle, high-speed licks are incredibly cool.
He’s known for a scooped, distortion-heavy sound.
He has also composed and arranged music for various well-known artists, and he’s still performing live at venues across the country.
Has a tattooTabuchi Hisako (NUMBER GIRL)
A female guitarist who has performed with many bands, including Hatsuiku Status, odani misako・ta-ta, NUMBER GIRL, bloodthirsty butchers, toddle, LAMA, and the Isobe Masafumi BAND.
Her nickname is “Chako.” She’s known for a cool, razor-sharp clean tone.
– WHITE HOLE –DAITA (moto SIAM SHADE)
In SIAM SHADE, formed in the 1990s, he stood on the stage-left side and handled technical guitar work such as tapping and fast picking.
He has also been active backing other artists, including playing solos and serving as a touring guitarist for Kyosuke Himuro.
He has been influenced by hard rock guitarists from around the world, and when they don’t come to Japan, he even travels overseas himself to see them.
In an old magazine interview, he said he used to practice guitar for about 12 hours every day.
Crazy HorseTsuchiya Kohei (THE STREET SLIDERS)
He was active as the guitarist of THE STREET SLIDERS.
His nickname is “Ranmaru.” He is currently active in a unit, a band, and as a solo artist.
He is the guitar mentor of Tsuyoshi Domoto from the idol group KinKi Kids.
He is a guitarist who plays stylish, bluesy rock ’n’ roll.
From Shredding to Acoustic: Famous Japanese Guitarists (41–50)
TRUTHAndō Masakazu (T-SQUARE)
The guitarist of T-SQUARE, the instrumental band famous for the F1 Grand Prix theme song “TRUTH.” He leads a band that demands high-level performance skills and music theory in genres like jazz and its offshoot, fusion.
While virtuoso guitarists often draw attention for flashy playing styles, his guitar work shines through tasteful dynamics and effective phrases within the composition, revealing a different kind of guitar appeal from showy playing.
He also works as a composer and music producer, and with a career spanning over 40 years both as a solo artist and with the band, he is one of the guitarists Japan proudly presents to the world, helping to lead the Japanese music industry.
Good EnoughIchika
Ichika is a Japanese guitarist who has achieved worldwide recognition, gaining attention primarily on social media as a mysterious young guitarist with a transcendent, tapping-centered playing technique.
In addition to his solo work, he has been highly active, forming the instrumental band ichikoro with Enon Kawatani—known for his work with Gesu no Kiwami Otome—and more.
In 2019, he released the EP “I,” featuring different vocalists on each track, showcasing his distinctiveness even in his backing parts.