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)
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.
– 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.
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.
Summertime BluesYamamoto Kyoji (BOWWOW)
A guitarist of the rock band BOWWOW, who boasts an impressive career that includes accompanying major international acts like Aerosmith and KISS on their Japan tours.
The band has also been active overseas, becoming the first Japanese group to join the UK Musicians’ Union, among other achievements.
Beyond the band, he has been active as a solo artist and producer.
Even more than 40 years after his debut, his unfading guitar playing keeps him at the forefront—truly a world-class guitarist.
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.