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 (21–30)
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.
Storysakaiyuu
Yu Sakai’s voice—hailed as a “silky voice that invites tears”—resonates deeply with the heart.
A master keyboard-vocalist, he crafts one-of-a-kind pop grounded in R&B and soul, enriched by a wide musical palette.
He even moved to the U.S.
alone at 22 and taught himself piano.
After making his major-label debut in October 2009 with the single “Story,” he drew major attention, including being selected for power play on 43 FM stations nationwide.
You might also know him from the opening theme of the anime Nodame Cantabile Finale and for singing “Happy☆Boogie,” the theme song of the latter half of the 2023 NHK morning drama series.
His ever-expanding activities—such as collaborations with world-renowned musicians and an appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts—are equally compelling.
He’s an artist you should definitely check out if you want to immerse yourself in soulful piano and vocals.
MAGICŌhashi Torio
Ohashi Trio captivates with stylish, jazz-based soundscapes and a gentle singing voice.
Born in Hyogo Prefecture, he has a solid musical background, having been familiar with the piano from a young age and formally studied jazz.
He ramped up his career in 2007 with the release of the album PRETAPORTER.
Despite the name “Trio,” it’s actually Ohashi’s solo project, and he skillfully plays many instruments, starting with the piano.
His songs have been featured in numerous films and commercials, and he has even topped the iTunes album charts.
It’s also memorable that he began singing at the suggestion of actor Jun Murakami.
He’s the perfect artist for anyone seeking sophisticated keyboard-and-vocal-driven music!
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu, who first gained popularity online under the name “Hachi” and debuted as a solo artist in 2012, continues to captivate a wide range of listeners with music that freely traverses genres such as pop, rock, and electronica.
Since his debut with the album “diorama,” he has released a succession of works with a distinctive worldview, including “YANKEE” and “Bremen.” He has also created theme songs for TV dramas and films, and his album “BOOTLEG,” which won the Japan Record Awards’ Best Album, stands as a masterpiece proving his talent.
His songs, woven from abstract lyrics and a unique voice imbued with deep emotion, leave a lingering resonance that sinks into the heart.
Highly recommended for those who want to experience the voice of an artist with delicate sensibility and original expressive power.
UN-APEXTK
TK captivates listeners with an inventive sound rooted in post-hardcore and progressive rock.
He formed Ling tosite sigure in 2002 and is a highly skilled artist who handles everything from songwriting and composition to engineering.
He launched his solo career in 2011, debuting with the album “flowering.” With intricate guitar melodies and a delicate vocal delivery, he has crafted a one-of-a-kind sound world that balances intensity and beauty.
In 2010, Ling tosite sigure’s album “still a Sigure virgin?” reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
He has also produced numerous songs for anime tie-ins, showcasing his undeniable talent.
His music, woven with a distinctive vocal timbre and expressive power, is highly recommended for those who want to be moved by emotional soundscapes.
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.
We againSG
Despite being half Japanese and half Korean, SG is a multilingual artist who continues to break conventions in the music industry.
Centered on pop, he showcases an expressive vocal range across diverse genres including R&B and ballads.
He began posting on TikTok in June 2020 and quickly rose to popularity with cover songs that blend Japanese and Korean.
In the summer of 2023, he made his major debut by launching LDH Records and his independent label, SUPERGENIUS Entertainment.
A proven talent who consistently ranks high on music charts, he has surpassed 28 million views on his YouTube lyric videos.
From beautiful soaring highs to rich, velvety mid and low tones, his versatile vocals captivate listeners across borders.