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)
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.
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.
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.
From Shredding to Acoustic: Famous Japanese Guitarists (41–50)
Like a Flourishing Flower -Neo Visualizm-MIYAVI
The “Samurai Guitarist,” who’s gaining worldwide attention for his unique slap technique played with fingers instead of a pick.
In fact, his vocal expressiveness is equally outstanding—whatever he sings carries a sensual allure.
Influenced by his slap style, his singing has a powerful sense of rhythm, creating a seamless fusion that almost feels odd without a guitar in hand.
His English pronunciation is natural and world-class, and he’s the passionate type who captivates with groove.
While he has many songs in English, during his long-hair era most of his tracks were in Japanese, so if you’re thinking “I want to try singing one,” you’re sure to find a favorite.
In any case, he’s incredibly cool and stylish!
DropletKENTARO（DAIDA LAIDA）
Guitarist KENTARO made his major-label debut when he joined Gargoyle, and has since gained popularity for his exceptional guitar playing and refined looks.
From aggressively metal-infused tones to delicate acoustic guitar work, his hallmark is a high level of skill and expressive range.
He plays in multiple bands—including DAIDA LAIDA, HARUKA, LIV MOON, and UNCHAINED—underscoring the esteem in which his abilities are held.
He also sometimes performs as a member of the backing band when Ayumi Hamasaki appears on television, so be sure to keep an eye out for him.