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!
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[J-Pop] Popular Male Singer-Songwriters Compilation (1–10)
HIGH FIVETakahashi Yuu
Making his major debut in 2010 with the single “Subarashiki Nichijō” (“A Wonderful Everyday”), Takahashi Yu is a singer-songwriter from Akita.
In 2011, he performed a street live in the heart of New York, and two years later, in 2013, he successfully held his first concert at the Nippon Budokan.
His 2017 single “Niji” (“Rainbow”) was selected as the ABC Summer High School Baseball support song and the opening theme for Asahi Broadcasting Television’s “Netto Koshien.” Serving as an “Akita Music Ambassador,” he also leads the Akita CARAVAN MUSIC FES, working to energize his hometown of Akita.
Goodbye ElegyIshizaki Hyuui
Singer-songwriter Huwie Ishizaki.
He’s well known for writing songs for Masaki Suda.
He’s not the type who relies on explosive vocal power, yet he captivates with vocal nuance, breath control, and the way he places words.
That’s why he has an unusually strong persuasiveness in ballads and mid-tempo numbers.
Have you watched Huwie Ishizaki on THE FIRST TAKE? I got goosebumps.
What amazed me was the trembling delicacy, the rasp that borders on a shout—it felt so soulful and hit me right in the heart.
He sings while playing guitar, yet neither his voice nor his guitar wavers at all.
I think he’s the kind of artist who changes the air the moment he steps on stage!
Tonight is Boogie BackOzawa Kenji
One of the artists who best represents the Shibuya-kei scene is Kenji Ozawa.
Together with Keigo Oyamada, he formed Flipper’s Guitar, and their stylish sound went on to influence many musicians.
After his solo debut, in 1994 he released the single “Konya wa Boogie Back” with the hip-hop group Scha Dara Parr, a classic that is still covered by many artists today.
Another single released that same year, “Lovely,” is also one of Ozawa’s signature songs, featuring a light, catchy, and charming sound.
[Japanese Music] Popular Male Singer-Songwriters Roundup (11–20)
evergreenŌhashi Chippoke
Chippoke Ohashi is a singer-songwriter who gained attention after advancing to the semifinals of the teen-only audition “Mikakunin Festival” in 2016 and winning the audition segment on TV Tokyo’s variety show “Wednesday Night Entertainment Battle: Enter X” in 2018.
That same year, he made his major debut with the release of the album “Poplar no Arika” (The Whereabouts of Popular).
In 2019, he wrote the theme song “Shujinko” (Protagonist) for the YouTube drama series “Shujinko,” starring Fuju Kamio.
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
Vaundy is a singer-songwriter who not only writes and composes his songs but also self-arranges them.
Overflowing with artistic talent, he also handles artwork creation and video production—truly a multi-artist.
He began posting original songs on YouTube in 2019, and his digitally released single “Tokyo Flash” from the same year drew significant attention.
With signature tracks like “Odoriko” and “Hadaka no Yūsha,” his wide-ranging musicality—shifting from rock to hip-hop depending on the song—is a key part of Vaundy’s appeal.
Ca Va?Bikkeburanka
Vicke Blanka is a singer-songwriter who began composing music in the upper grades of elementary school.
His work is characterized by a unique world-building expressed through piano-centered arrangements.
He made his major-label debut in 2018 with the single “Urara.” The following year’s release, “Lucky Ending,” was used as the ending theme for the anime Fruits Basket, and the French-accented “Ca Va?” was featured in a Spotify commercial.
He is also active as an actor, and reportedly appeared in the 2022 drama Don’t Call It Mystery, starring Masaki Suda.
Let’s become a familyFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama, who is active as an actor and singer-songwriter, is an artist loved by a wide range of generations.
He scored consecutive million-sellers with songs like “IT’S ONLY LOVE” and “HELLO,” and his 2000 single “Sakurazaka” became a massive hit, selling over 2.2 million copies.
As an actor, he has appeared in numerous acclaimed works, including the blockbuster drama “Under One Roof,” as well as “Ryomaden” and the “Galileo” series.
With his sweet looks and singing voice, he captivates many fans—truly a one-of-a-kind artist.