[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!
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[J-Pop] Summary of Famous Japanese Music Producers (11–20)
Yoko Kanno
Yoko Kanno is a music producer from Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture.
She made her debut in 1986 as the keyboardist for the rock band Tetsu 100%, and also played in the backing band for Onyanko Club, showcasing her considerable skill.
After becoming a composer, she wrote and produced songs for artists such as Miki Imai, Kyoko Koizumi, and SMAP, and in the 1990s composed numerous commercial jingles.
From 1994, she began working on anime soundtracks, composing pieces including Tank!, the opening theme of the anime Cowboy Bebop, and received the Japan Gold Disc Award.
She is a renowned producer who commands a wide range of sounds—from classical and folk music to rock, techno, and jazz.
Keiichi Tomita
Keiichi Tomita is known for his stylish yet uniquely atmospheric sound arrangements and strikingly grand orchestration.
A multi-instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass, and keyboards, he came to prominence when Kirinji, whom he produced in 1997, drew attention in the music industry.
In 2000, MISIA’s “Everything,” for which he handled the arrangement, became a massive hit and cemented his standing.
He has since produced for many artists, including Mika Nakashima and Crystal Kay.
He is also active in his own work, releasing albums under the name “Tomita Lab.”
Yuki Kajiura
Yuki Kajiura is a producer and songwriter active across a wide range of fields, especially anime songs and soundtracks.
In recent years, she’s become well known for producing LiSA’s smash hit Homura, the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train.
She debuted in 1993 as the composer and keyboardist of See-Saw.
After the group went on hiatus, she focused on solo work for a time, but around the time of their return in 2001, she rose to prominence with her soundtrack music for the anime NOIR and .hack//SIGN.
Since then, she has produced the vocal unit Kalafina and gained popularity through works such as the anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED and Puella Magi Madoka Magica, as well as the NHK morning drama Hanako to Anne.
Listeners are captivated by the rich worlds she delivers—each infused with a distinctly different set of artistic priorities depending on whether she’s crafting a theme song or a soundtrack.
Kiyoshi Matsuo
Kiyoshi Matsuo, a music producer known as the creator behind CHEMISTRY.
Since his university days, he has been deeply immersed in Black music, contributing to specialized magazines and crafting a uniquely Japanese style of R&B and sweet pop.
After connecting with Toshinobu Kubota and entering music production, he became a leading figure in easily approachable J-R&B from the 1990s through the 2000s.
Beyond his work as a producer, he is also highly regarded as a lyricist.
His representative works include EXILE’s hit songs “Lovers Again” and “Ti Amo,” JUJU’s “Kono Yoru o Tomete yo,” and Ken Hirai’s album Japanese Singer, for which he served as overall producer.
His style is defined by a mature sense of wistfulness and sweetness.
He also hosts the NHK-FM radio program “Kiyoshi Matsuo’s Mellow Night,” so if you’re curious, be sure to tune in and experience his sensibility there.
Jane Su
Jane Su is active in a wide range of fields beyond music, including as a columnist and radio personality.
She belongs to the music creators’ team agehasprings, and also works as a producer and lyricist, including for the idol group Tomato n’ Pine.
As a lyricist, she often handles songs for idol groups; her writing is notable for expressions that combine cuteness with strength, bringing out each group’s appeal.
Drawing on her background as an artists’ publicist and columnist, she leverages that experience in her production work and excels at conveying an artist’s魅力—unique charm—to audiences.
Daisuke Asakura
Daisuke Asakura is the keyboardist of access, a duo with vocalist Hiroyuki Takami, and is renowned as a master of synthesizers on par with Tetsuya Komuro.
His involvement in system development in Yamaha’s synthesizer division led to his role as a support member for TM NETWORK starting in 1987.
From 1995 onward, he served as the producer for T.M.Revolution, creating hit songs such as “WHITE BREATH” and “HOT LIMIT.” In 1997 and 1998, he ranked in the top 10 of Oricon’s composer sales.