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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[Japanese Music] Popular Male Singer-Songwriters Roundup (11–20)
ciderHata Motohiro
The artist Hata Motohiro is known for his expansive vocals and refreshing sound.
He made his major debut in 2006 with the single “Synchro,” breaking the record for the most nationwide FM power plays.
He handled the theme song “Himawari no Yakusoku” for the 2014 film STAND BY ME Doraemon, which reached No.
10 on the Oricon singles chart and went on to become a long-running hit, staying on the charts for 64 weeks.
Released in 2022, the single “Cider” stands out from his previous acoustic guitar–driven style, featuring a sound built primarily around electric piano.
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!
One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
Masayoshi Yamazaki is a singer-songwriter who is also active as an actor in films and TV dramas.
He won support from listeners with his unique sound that incorporates 1960s blues rock.
He’s also known for playing a wide range of instruments, including guitar and piano.
His warm voice, which seems to gently stay by your side, is another of his charms.
His signature song, “One more time, One more chance,” is loved by people of all ages and has been covered by many artists.
He is an artist who gained popularity with songs that offer a moment of peace to the heart.
Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke
Keisuke Kuwata is best known as the lead vocalist of Southern All Stars and also works as a solo artist.
With the band, he wrote and composed many classic songs such as “TSUNAMI” and “Manatsu no Kajitsu” (A Midsummer Fruit).
Since his solo debut in 1987, he has also produced numerous hits under his own name, including the summer-themed “Naminori Johnny,” the winter classic “Shiroi Koibito-tachi,” and “Ashita Hareru Kana,” the theme song for the TV drama Operation Love.
In 2014, he received the Medal with Purple Ribbon, and he is regarded as one of Japan’s leading artists.
The End of SummerMoriyama Naotaro
The artist who is the son of Ryoko Moriyama and is active as a singer-songwriter himself is Naotaro Moriyama.
His second single after his major debut, “Sakura,” became a big hit and brought him widespread attention.
He has since released songs such as “Natsu no Owari” and “Ikitoshi Ikieru Mono e.” He has written songs for many artists, and “Aldebaran,” the theme song for the 2021 NHK morning drama Come Come Everybody, is one of them.
He is also active as an actor, appearing in the second season of the drama HERO starring Takuya Kimura and in the 2020 morning drama Yell.
Pixels of EmotionOkazaki Taiiku
Okazaki Taiiku is a singer-songwriter who single-handedly handles lyrics, composition, and arrangement.
His work spans a wide range, from humorous songs that make you chuckle to sweeping ballads.
We recommend listening to his moving, message-driven tracks like “Eclair.” He programs his music using production software, and in live shows delivers performances centered on vocals.
He’s an artist active across all kinds of media, including films, TV dramas, and variety shows.
You won’t want to take your eyes off his ever-expanding career as he continues to release genre-defying music.
[J-Pop] Popular Male Singer-Songwriters (21–30)
POP STARHirai Ken
Ken Hirai rose to fame after his 2000 single “Rakuen” became a major hit.
He’s known for his distinctive singing style with pronounced breaths and his unique vocal tone.
He has produced many hit songs, including “Hitomi wo Tojite,” written as the theme for the film Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World, which became a social phenomenon, and “POP STAR,” used as the theme song for the drama Kiken na Aneki.
In 2005, he released a best-of album to mark his 10th anniversary, achieving his fourth million-selling album and setting a record for the most million-selling albums by a male solo artist.