[J-Pop] A roundup of famous Japanese music producers
Singers, idols, bands, and more—there are so many ways to express music.
Each artist carries their own convictions and works tirelessly day and night.
And the people indispensable to making these musicians shine are music producers.
Sometimes they point artists in the right direction; other times they pour their heart and soul into crafting songs.
You might even find that when you look closely at the staff behind the music you love, the same producer is involved in this project and that one!
This time, we’re showcasing a roundup of Japan’s famous music producers.
Every one of them is a renowned figure!
- [2026] A roundup of famous and popular songs produced by Yasutaka Nakata
- 30 famous Japanese pop music composers
- [2026] A collection of famous songs produced and composed by Tetsuro Oda
- A masterful producer too! SKY-HI’s most popular songs ranked
- [February 2026] Trending Songs: A roundup of the hottest viral tracks right now
- [J-Pop] A fresh sensation! A roundup of mashup works
- Masterpieces Produced by Yasushi Akimoto: A Comprehensive Showcase from Idol Anthems to Heartfelt Hits!
- Pick-up of famous lyricists who left their mark on the history from Showa-era kayokyoku to J-POP!
- [Vocaloid Songs] Summary of Popular and Well-Known Utaite (Singers)
- VOCAROCK-style Producer! Ranking of 164’s Popular Songs
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
- A roundup of songs produced by Tetsuya Komuro: introducing classic and new masterpieces all at once.
- [Viral Online] A roundup of must-listen tracks by night-pop artists
Japanese Music: Summary of Famous Japanese Music Producers (1–10)
Ryuichi Sakamoto
Ryuichi Sakamoto is a world-renowned Japanese pianist and music producer.
In the film Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence, he not only appeared as an actor but also composed the music, becoming the first Japanese recipient of the BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.
For the 1987 film The Last Emperor, he became the first Japanese winner of the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
He is also known as a member of the globally successful techno group Yellow Magic Orchestra.
Additionally, he performed as a keyboardist on some of Tatsuro Yamashita’s early songs and on Eiichi Ohtaki’s albums.
Kenichi Maeyamada
Kenichi Maeyamada, better known as Hyadain, is known for providing songs to idol groups such as Momoiro Clover Z and Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku.
In 2009, TVXQ’s “Share The World” and the duet “It’s all Love!” by Kumi Koda and misono both reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart, firmly establishing his status as a composer.
Hyadain has publicly stated that he is influenced by Shibuya-kei music, and in 2012 he participated as a producer on the 30th anniversary album of Maki Nomiya, the vocalist of Pizzicato Five.
Koichi Tsutaya
Koichi Tsutaya is a music producer who made his debut as the keyboardist of the band CANNABIS.
He is highly regarded for his arranging skills, covering a wide range of genres from richly colored orchestration to jazz, rock, and house.
The computer music-centered electro sound of YUKI’s 2005 single “JOY” became a major hit and a hot topic nationwide.
He has also arranged numerous other hit songs, including Superfly’s “Ai o Komete Hanataba o” and Official HIGE DANDism’s “Shukumei.” He makes occasional appearances on the TV Asahi music program “Kanjam Kanzen Nen SHOW.”
[J-Pop] Summary of Famous Japanese Music Producers (11–20)
Yasushi Akimoto
Yasushi Akimoto is the one who launched idol groups such as AKB48 and Nogizaka46 and has demonstrated his prowess as their general producer.
He originally entered the industry as a television scriptwriter and made a name for himself as a popular writer, working on programs like the music show The Best Ten, which began airing in 1976.
In parallel, he was also active as a lyricist, writing all the songs for the idol group Onyanko Club.
He also wrote the lyrics for Hibari Misora’s famous 1989 song Like the Flow of the River (Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni).
Masahide Sakuma
Masahide Sakuma is the renowned producer who, after playing bass in the progressive rock band Yonin Bayashi, helped bring numerous rock bands into the spotlight.
His policy was to support artists while respecting their individuality as much as possible, and over his lifetime he produced around 144 acts, including BOØWY, THE BLUE HEARTS, JUDY AND MARY, and The Elephant Kashimashi.
He was also active in a wide range of fields, such as launching musical instrument brands and contributing to the development of Roland’s legendary TR-808 rhythm machine.
Shigeru Saito
Shigeru Saito is known as the music producer behind anime such as The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Lucky Star.
He previously worked in management at the arcade game distributor Banpresto, and after changing careers, he began producing mainly game music.
In 2005, he joined Lantis, a company engaged in music for anime and games, and served as a music producer on many anime titles.
He also produced the ending theme Hare Hare Yukai for the 2006 anime The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, which reached No.
5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Masao Akashi
Masao Akashi is the arranger and bassist from the music agency Being who supported artists like ZARD and B’z.
He made his debut as an arranger with B’z’s 1988 single “Dakara Sono Te o Hanashite,” and also worked as a producer for acts such as T-BOLAN.
Since 1998, he has left Being and been active as a freelance sound producer, producing bands like SIAM SHADE and Janne Da Arc.
He also serves as a lecturer at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation.