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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
L’oNŌishi Masayoshi
A highly skilled singer-songwriter active across a wide range of genres including J-POP, rock, and anime songs.
After making his solo debut in 2008, he began to distinguish himself in the anime music field from 2014, performing theme songs for numerous popular anime series.
With a clear, transparent voice and strong guitar technique, he captivates many listeners through catchy melodies and emotionally resonant lyrics.
His talent is widely recognized—at the 2019 Heisei Anisong Grand Prize, he won both the Lyricist Award and the Composer Award.
Though slender at 170 cm, he commands an overwhelming presence on stage, and his performances are renowned for enthralling audiences.
Energetic yet delicate in vocal expression and possessing refined good looks, Masayoshi Oishi’s appeal is perfect not only for anime fans but also for listeners seeking high-quality music.