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 Roundup (31–40)
Recipe for HappinessHirai Dai
Singer-songwriter Dai Hirai captivates many listeners with his gentle, warm vocals and the soothing sound of the ukulele.
Known for a music style centered on surf music and acoustic sounds, he charms audiences with a refreshing vibe that evokes the sea and nature.
He debuted in 2014 with the mini-album “The Light,” and his 2016 album “Life is Beautiful” reached No.
1 overall on iTunes.
His Disney cover albums, including “Disney Island Music,” have also been well received.
His interest in music began with a ukulele gifted by his grandmother.
On national tours and at acoustic live shows, he delivers warm performances together with his band members.
He’s a recommended artist for those who want to enjoy music in a relaxed atmosphere.
Bloody LiarTanabe Shunichi
Shunichi Tanabe, the vocalist of BLUE ENCOUNT, shakes listeners to their core with a scorching rock sound and passionate vocals.
A native of Kumamoto Prefecture, he formed a band with his classmates in high school and has established a unique musical identity rooted in mixture rock.
In September 2014, they made their major debut with Ki/oon Music and have since provided theme songs for numerous anime series and TV dramas.
Renowned for his overwhelming vocal ability and expressive power, Tanabe demonstrated his prowess by drawing 11,000 attendees to a solo concert at Nippon Budokan in October 2016.
He writes and composes nearly all of their songs, and his candid, heartfelt lyrics paired with energetic performances captivate listeners seeking music that truly resonates.
Don’t die!kocchi no kento
Kento Sugo, who performs under the name Kocchi no Kento, has been attracting a lot of attention since his 2023 release “Shinuna!” went viral on social media.
He possesses outstanding vocal ability—he even won the national a cappella competition two years in a row while in college.
Leveraging that skill, he delivers performances featuring wide melodic leaps and emotionally charged singing.
By the way, his older brother is actor Masaki Suda, and he’s even created a birthday song for him.
Who is he?zaki no suke.
Haretadoki, which was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Rationally Impossible: Detective Ryoko Kamizuru’s Investigation,” became a big hit.
The artist who made a name for himself with this track is Zakinousuke.
His frequent appearances on music shows and in magazines speak to the strong public response.
He started playing in a band in middle school and was already writing lyrics and composing songs early on.
He was also a finalist in an audition hosted by THE FIRST TAKE.
Listening to the song, you can see why he has such an impressive background.
Parting Flowersurii
Surii is active across a wide range of fields.
His name became widely known in 2018, when the first song he released as a Vocaloid producer became a big hit.
Since then, he has led the Vocaloid scene and created many tracks.
In 2021, he debuted as a singer-songwriter by self-covering his own Vocaloid songs.
The way he performs his own music—surpassing even the Vocaloid versions—is truly breathtaking.
He has also expanded his activities, such as by providing songs to Ado.
[J-Pop] Popular Male Singer-Songwriters Roundup (41–50)
Youth Fantasy PoemHakanasono
The song Youth Phantasy Poem sings of the fleeting nature of youth.
Thanks to its hit success, Hakanen has drawn the attention of many music fans.
He excels at infusing his tracks with complex emotions that are hard to put into words.
Although much of his profile remains shrouded in mystery, his Twitter and Instagram offer small glimpses into who he is.
Checking those alongside his music will likely make you appreciate him even more.
The images he posts also suggest he has a talent for photography.
A world without youto shiki
Toshiki is a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture who is active on social media and through street performances.
While rooted in J-pop, he stands out with a distinctive voice and vocal style, making him an artist to watch.
A song he posted on social media in 2022 resonated especially with teens, reaching No.
1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart and No.
2 on LINE MUSIC’s real-time ranking.
It also sparked a huge response on social platforms, with over 4,000 related videos created.
On June 22, 2024, he held his solo concert “YOAKE,” captivating many fans.
With lyrics that vividly portray everyday emotions and experiences and melodies that strike a chord, he’s a recommended artist for anyone who wants to feel the subtleties of love and youth.
In conclusion
It turned out to be quite a substantial lineup, ranging from veterans to up-and-comers.
I highly recommend checking out singer-songwriters whose music you haven’t heard yet—doing so might open the door to new musical discoveries.
We plan to update this article regularly, so please drop by again when you have the time!