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 (41–50)
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.
Telecastic fake showTK (Rin toshite shigure)
The vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Ling tosite sigure.
He also writes lyrics and composes.
He is active as a solo artist as well.
His guitar work is characterized by using delay to create a blurred sound.
He makes extensive use of effects and unleashes powerful distortion tones, delivering an aggressive guitar style that showcases his razor-sharp sensibilities.
A guitarist whose unique worldview is his greatest appeal.
Sugar Song and Bitter StepSaitō Kōsuke (UNISON SQUARE GARDEN)
The guitarist of the three-piece rock band UNISON SQUARE GARDEN.
He lived in New York until the age of four, then seems to have moved around between places like Singapore and the UK.
His guitar playing is characterized by a clear, cutting-through tone and crisp, percussive strumming.
His go-to guitar is a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster.
His lively singing voice is also part of the appeal!
Time goes byItō Ichirō
He’s the guitarist of Every Little Thing, affectionately known by the nickname Ik-kun, who’s also very active on variety shows.
He’s popular for his laid-back personality, but his guitar skills are truly impressive, and the contrast with his TV persona feels refreshingly striking.
You May DreamAyukawa Makoto (Shīna & Rokettsu)
Guitarist of the rock band Sheena & The Rokkets, who also serves as the band’s leader.
His trademark is black sunglasses or black-rimmed glasses.
He is half American and half Japanese, yet speaks thick Kyushu dialect.
He has been playing a traditional rock sound for many years.
I Won’t Turn Off My RadioYokoyama Ken (Hi-STANDARD)
Guitarist of Hi-STANDARD, the band that led Japan’s punk rock scene in the 1990s.
In addition to Hi-STANDARD, he is currently active as Ken Yokoyama and with BBQ CHICKENS.
He also serves as the CEO of the label PIZZA OF DEATH RECORDS.
During the Hi-STANDARD era, his trademark was a guitar with the pickup fixed to the rear using duct tape.
His hunched, semi-crouched stance while strumming the guitar is particularly memorable.
JAGUAR 13haruhata michiya (TUBE)
In Japan, when people think of “summer,” many immediately picture the four-piece rock band TUBE—and this is their guitarist.
While the band’s vocalist tends to leave the strongest impression, many may not realize that Michiya Haruhata’s guitar playing is what truly defines the TUBE sound.
He is also active outside the band; for example, his solo track “Jaguar” has been used as the theme for baseball broadcasts since 1998, making his guitar work something you hear in many places.
From supportive, behind-the-scenes parts that bolster the vocals to high-speed shredding with a heavy sound, he switches seamlessly across a wide range of styles—an exceptionally skilled, craftsman-like guitarist.