[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 (91–100)
GREENAPPLE4na
4na is a singer-songwriter who broke through thanks to her online presence on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
She began by posting “tried singing” cover videos and later started releasing her own original tracks.
Her work spans a wide range of styles—from rock songs with sharp, punchy guitar sounds to tracks featuring mellow, synth-driven atmospheres.
Her vocal work is diverse as well, with some songs showcasing rap, so be sure to check out a variety of her tracks.
LIGHTNINGMAZZEL
MAZZEL is a group formed by the eight finalists from the audition program MISSION×2, which scouted a new boy group.
They belong to BMSG, led by SKY-HI, and are expanding their global reach with high-quality performances as their strength.
Their overall excellence—visuals, dance, and consistently strong vocals—has drawn attention, and further growth is highly anticipated.
Another appealing point is that, through the audition program, fans could get to know what kind of people the members are, making them feel more approachable.
whale calfTele
Tele is a singer-songwriter drawing attention for a one-of-a-kind style.
Word of mouth spread mainly through social media, and in 2022 he successfully held his first solo concert.
With the 2023 release of “Kujira no Ko” (Child of the Whale), he gained even more fans.
It’s a message song aimed at people who are troubled or in harsh circumstances, with lyrics that don’t push from behind but gently envelop.
Many of his works carry gentle messages, so be sure to check them out.
grand opening performanceKobayashi watashi
Mr.
Watashi Kobayashi is a singer-songwriter active across a wide range of fields, including solo work on YouTube and singing on collaborative tracks with various artists.
Many of his songs are created around themes drawn from everyday life, and he releases works with a certain poetic allure.
He writes and composes his own music, characterized by a genre-defying appeal and vocals that make the most of his deep voice.
His guitar-and-vocal videos of original songs and covers, as well as casual talk videos, helped attract attention from listeners.
With lyrics that evoke a sense of real life and a voice that feels like he’s speaking directly to you, he is an artist who crafts a unique world of his own.
Duckykankan
The mysterious singer Kankan is also an artist to watch.
Their gender hasn’t been officially disclosed, but photos they once posted have led people to believe they are male.
In 2018, their first cover song video went viral, instantly boosting their popularity.
They then took on an ambitious “30 days of consecutive uploads” challenge, gaining many subscribers.
The momentum didn’t stop—just three months after their first post, they reached 10,000 subscribers.
Since then, they’ve been consistently releasing hit songs.
doppelgängerR shitei
R-Shitei started Japanese rap in junior high school and joined the Umeda Cypher in his hometown of Osaka in his second year of high school.
Gifted in freestyle rap, he made history by winning the MC battle tournament “ULTIMATE MC BATTLE” three years in a row from 2012 to 2014.
In 2015, he formed Creepy Nuts with DJ Matsunaga, and they made their major-label debut with Sony Music Entertainment in 2017.
His rap style, rich in clever wordplay and improvisation, captivates listeners and won’t let go.
His vocals, which he controls freely from low to mid range, have a sensual allure, and his ability to sing gently at times and powerfully at others is a must-hear.
As a compelling vocalist who suggests new possibilities for rap, he is supported by a wide range of music fans.
kaiju (giant monster)Yamaguchi Ichiro
Ichiro Yamaguchi, a multi-talented artist from Otaru, Hokkaido, serves as the leader of Sakanaction.
With a diverse musical range spanning alternative rock, dance, and electro-pop, he has built a unique artistic world.
Since his major debut in 2007, he has continued to captivate listeners with innovative sounds that transcend genre boundaries.
He made his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2013, and in 2015 he composed the music for the film “Bakuman.”, winning the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music.
His original songs—shaped by influences from folk to electronic music—and his literary lyrics, delivered in a tender, bittersweet voice, leave a lingering resonance.
Yamaguchi’s vocals, which combine delicate sensibility with solid musicality, are highly recommended for anyone seeking a moving musical experience.