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)
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.
From Shredding to Acoustic: Famous Japanese Guitarists (51–60)
LAST SCENELeda（Far East Dizain）
A guitarist from Mie Prefecture.
Although he also performed as a bassist in his early days, as a guitarist he specializes in heavy, low-end metal riffs and showcases a wide range of techniques in his solos, including tapping and slapping.
He has also joined BABYMETAL as a touring guitarist, and in recent years he has increasingly been active on the global stage.
He primarily plays ESP guitars.
My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoKuwabara Akira (RADWIMPS)
He is now the guitarist of the nationally beloved band RADWIMPS.
He’s been a member since the band’s formation and has drawn attention alongside their rising fame.
He often plays primarily Les Paul–type guitars, and despite delivering a thick, presence-filled tone, he’s known for his delicate lead work.
On stage, he treats every note with care, crafting phrases that stick in your head as much as the vocal melodies.
It’s no exaggeration to say that virtually every guitarist of the new generation has been influenced by him.
TemptationHISASHI（GLAY）
HISASHI is the lead guitarist of GLAY, a rock band that has set numerous records, including drawing crowds of 200,000.
Within GLAY, he makes his presence felt through single-note backing lines that intertwine with the vocals and catchy guitar solos that stick in your ears.
On his personal YouTube channel, he showcases a wide range of musical activities—copying anime background music using an array of effects pedals and forming bands with members from different genres—demonstrating his versatility as a musician even while belonging to the monster band GLAY.
Memories of the Alhambra PalaceMuraji Kaori
She began learning the guitar at the age of three, has won numerous awards as a classical guitarist, and is highly acclaimed both domestically and internationally.
You should definitely listen to pieces like the classical guitar masterpiece “Recuerdos de la Alhambra” performed by her.
Get Off of My WayJan Ken Joni-(MAN WITH A MISSION)
The vocalist and guitarist of the unique rock band MAN WITH A MISSION, known for their appearance with a wolf’s head and a human body.
He’s fluent in English and is said to be able to speak with overseas artists and media without an interpreter.
True to their mixture-rock style, he plays a diverse range of guitar riffs spanning rock, metal, and danceable grooves.
I want to be kinder.Saitō Kazuyoshi
They have always had many hit songs, but since releasing “Yasashiku Naritai,” which was also used as a TV drama theme song in recent years, their momentum has been unstoppable.
Their husky, wistful singing voice is captivating, and they play a variety of instruments including piano and drums, with considerable skill on the guitar as well.