[2026] Popular male artists. Recommended Japanese (J-pop) singers
In Japan’s music scene, countless hit songs are released every day! Among them are long-established stars who have been on the front lines for decades, as well as many internet-born musicians who have been gaining attention in recent years.
In this article, we’ll narrow the focus to male artists and introduce a comprehensive list of recommended acts.
By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of the most popular male artists in the Japanese music scene.
Now, let’s jump right in and check out the recommended artists.
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[2026] Popular Male Artists: Recommended Japanese Singers (71–80)
Who What Who WhatRin to shite Shigure
Exceptionally high-level musicianship, razor-sharp, knife-like guitars, and an intensely high-energy, high-pitched twin-vocal attack.
No matter where you cut it, it’s distinctive, and the expression “cutting/razor-like” fits perfectly.
I’ve heard that TK from the band doesn’t leave it to an engineer—he does the mixing himself!
Liberty&Gravitykururi
Never content with where they are, Quruli keep evolving by constantly embracing new music.
With twists worthy of prog, ethnic-tinged scales, and sudden bursts of rap, this track is jam-packed with ideas—like a roller coaster from start to finish.
I like you.Shimizu Shota
Shota Shimizu is one of the most accomplished vocalists in Japan’s music scene.
With his sweet, heartrending voice, he delivers songs like “Aishiteru” and “Kimi ga Suki,” and he’s a singer-songwriter with numerous hits, including “Love Forever,” his collaboration with singer-songwriter Miliyah Kato.
Just how remarkable is Shota Shimizu’s singing? He has performed at the Apollo Theater in New York—the mecca of music and a gateway for entertainers—and was highly praised by local newspapers for his voice.
Shota Shimizu continues to be highly active today.
You won’t want to take your eyes off him!
NIGHT DANCERimase
Imase is an up-and-coming R&B singer-songwriter who began producing music self-taught.
His sound is defined by a vocal style that skillfully switches between a rich low chest voice and a soaring falsetto.
He made his major debut in December 2021 and achieved a massive hit on TikTok with over 500 million total views.
His total plays on social media have surpassed 1.1 billion, and he has even charted in the TOP 100 on Korea’s platform MelOn, earning popularity that crosses borders.
In December 2023, he won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards—an achievement reached in just three years since starting his music career.
In 2024, he embarked on an Asia tour, with tickets selling out instantly.
With catchy melodies and solid chops as a track maker, he’s a highly recommended artist for those looking to discover new music through social media.
SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Kuwata Keisuke
A singer-songwriter who serves as vocalist, guitarist, and bandmaster of Southern All Stars—a band synonymous with summer in any era of the J-pop scene.
His instantly recognizable voice and a musical style featuring breezy tracks like “TSUNAMI” and “Manatsu no Kajitsu,” which evoke the seas of Shonan and Enoshima, have cemented a truly unique position.
He is also highly active as a solo artist, showcasing a wide musical range with hits such as the winter classic “Shiroi Koibitotachi.” A venerable figure in Japan’s music scene, he continues to evolve as an artist to this day.
Bunny GirlAKASAKI
AKASAKI, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Aichi Prefecture, is gaining attention as a high school artist.
Known for lyrics that resonate with listeners of his generation and addictive melodies, he has been winning popularity.
Debuting in April 2024, he focuses his activities on TikTok and is known for producing music using digital audio workstations.
His videos posted on social media have racked up explosive view counts, further establishing his presence as a talented young artist.
He was selected as the Monthly Artist for October 2024 in Buzz Tracker, a joint artist support program by TikTok and Spotify, and was also the only artist chosen for Shibuya Trend Research’s “High School Trend Top 10.” With his clear-toned voice and delicate vocal expression, expectations are high for him to bring a fresh breeze to the contemporary J-pop scene.
Run, SAKAMOTOVaundy
Born in 2000, the multi-talented artist Vaundy has been attracting attention with a unique sound that fuses rock, hip-hop, R&B, synth-pop, and more.
Since 2019, he has been releasing songs on YouTube and working across genres as a creator who handles everything from songwriting to video production.
He has continued to release buzzworthy works, starting with the album “strobo.” In 2021, his video work received high acclaim at the MTV VMAJ, and he has continued to lead the music scene since.
With a lineup of highly skilled support musicians, he has also elevated the quality of his live performances.
He has produced many anime themes and TV drama songs, making him a perfect artist for listeners seeking innovative musicality and solid craftsmanship.