Japanese Pop: A Roundup of Popular Male Singer-Songwriters
They can write songs, they sing well, and some can even draw, excel at sports, or take on acting roles… when you think about it, singer-songwriters are amazing, aren’t they?
They feel like the ultimate multi-players.
In this article, I’d like to introduce some popular male singer-songwriters from the Japanese music scene.
From veterans who’ve been active for years to artists who’ve made headlines recently, we’re covering a wide range of generations.
Please read to the end!
[J-Pop] Popular Male Singer-Songwriters Compilation (1–10)
sparkleFuji Kaze
When it comes to singer-songwriters drawing attention for their exceptional musical talent, Fujii Kaze comes to mind.
His impeccable rhythmic piano playing, sophisticated songwriting, and soaring, soulful vocals are truly one of a kind.
The cover videos he has been posting on YouTube since childhood garnered attention, leading to his major debut in 2019 with the single “Nan-Nan w.” The lyrics, which feature the Okayama dialect, became a hot topic.
His 2021 single “Kirari” was written for Honda’s VEZEL commercial and reached No.
1 on Billboard’s download chart.
W/X/YTani Yuuki
Tani Yuuki is an artist who has been drawing attention on social media, especially TikTok, with “W/X/Y.” He began his music career with an acoustic guitar inherited from his grandfather, and when he posted “Myra” on TikTok in 2020, it reached No.
1 on the LINE MUSIC and Spotify rapid-rising charts.
He has also appeared multiple times on the popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, performing songs like “W/X/Y.” His 2021 single “Over The Time” was selected as the theme song for the drama Night Doctor.
shutterYuuri
When it comes to the singer-songwriter whose 2020 single “Dry Flower” became a massive hit, that would be Yuuri.
He had been active as the vocalist of the four-piece rock band THE BUGZY, but after the band disbanded he went solo and began performing street shows.
His signature song “Dry Flower” topped the Billboard and Oricon streaming charts, and surpassed 100 million total streams 13 weeks after entering the charts.
His eighth digital single, “Betelgeuse,” released in 2021, also reached No.
1 on the streaming charts.
M87Yonezu Kenshi
When it comes to nationally beloved singer-songwriters, Kenshi Yonezu is the first name that comes to mind.
His single “Lemon” was used as the theme song for the 2018 drama Unnatural, starring Satomi Ishihara, and became a massive hit, cementing his status.
It’s also well known that he was active as a Vocaloid producer under the name Hachi.
The song “Paprika,” which he provided for the elementary and middle school unit Foorin, was broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta and became a huge hit, making him an artist loved by a wide range of generations.
Otherworldly Mixed Grand Ball (feat. Ghost)Hoshino Gen
When it comes to singer-songwriters who became national sensations in the blink of an eye, Gen Hoshino immediately comes to mind.
In 2000, he formed the instrumental band SAKEROCK as its leader, and in 2003 he joined the theater troupe Otona Keikaku, beginning his acting career as well.
In the 2016 drama “We Married as a Job!” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu), in which he starred, he performed the theme song “Koi,” which became a massive hit.
He went on to successfully complete a five-dome tour, and at the 45th Hochi Film Awards he won Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film “The Voice of Sin.” His momentum has been unstoppable.
His sound—an impressive fusion of Black music and pop, reminiscent of his idol Michael Jackson—is particularly captivating.
I’ve always liked you.Saitō Kazuyoshi
Kazuyoshi Saito is known for his cool, classic American rock-style sound.
He has signature songs like Aruite Kaerou, used in the children’s TV show Ponkikki, and Zutto Suki Datta, featured in a Shiseido commercial.
In particular, his 1997 single Utautai no Ballad is a masterpiece that has been covered by many artists.
In 2018, he released a best-of album, Utautai 25 SINGLES BEST 2008–2017, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of his debut.
spring rainMurashita Kōzō
Kozo Murashita is a folk singer whose quiet voice moves the heart.
His song “Hatsukoi” (First Love) is very famous.
It’s said that because his family ran a movie theater and he was exposed to film scores and popular songs from an early age, his melodic sense and emotional expression were honed.
Of course, his singing is wonderful, but above all I’m drawn to the beauty of the Japanese in his lyrics.
Without flashy staging, he was the type to captivate an audience with just a guitar—an authentic singer-songwriter who can rely solely on his voice and melodies.
If you like folk music, be sure to explore his work.
