More than you might expect!? A roundup of second-generation singers and musicians who inherited shining talent
When you watch TV, you often see second-generation celebrities—people with famous parents—getting a lot of attention, right?
Having grown up with celebrity parents from a young age, many of them are thriving by making the most of the talent they’ve inherited.
There are actually quite a lot of these second-generation stars in the music industry, too!
Some have singers or musicians as parents, of course, but there are also second-generation musicians whose parents are actors or actresses.
In this article, we’ll be introducing a range of second-generation singers and musicians who have celebrity parents.
Enjoy their talent-filled performances, honed since childhood.
- Male singers with great voices: a collection of cool, seductive vocals
- Cool Japanese female vocal
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- A roundup of enka singers who have been active since childhood
- Funny songs recommended for kids: Japanese music that will make you laugh without even trying when you listen.
- [Enka] Songs that are easy to sing even for those who are tone-deaf [Female singers edition]
- “All About Youth” Popular Cover Song
- Perfect for karaoke song choices too! Hype tracks recommended for Gen Z.
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Classic and popular songs sung by actors
- [Emotional Song] A classic wishing for a child’s growth — a love song dedicated to my child
- Gen Z listeners, take note! Great songs that color the J-pop scene
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for teenage boys with low voices | Songs you can sing even during voice change!
Surprisingly many!? A roundup of second-generation singers and musicians who inherited shining talent (21–30)
Let It Go ~Ari no mama de~Matsu Takako
Takako Matsu is an actor whose father is kabuki performer Hakuo Matsumoto and whose brother is Koshiro Matsumoto.
For those who find this confusing, here’s a clarification: Hakuo Matsumoto was formerly Koshiro Matsumoto, and the current Koshiro Matsumoto was formerly Somegoro Ichikawa.
It’s complicated, isn’t it? Many of you may know that Takako Matsu is also active as a singer.
For younger generations, her rendition of Frozen’s theme song, “Let It Go ~ Ari no Mama de ~,” is likely still fresh in your memory.
As an artist who can do it all—both singer and actor—we look forward to her future success.
Going To The MoonWada Sho (Triceratops)
With the theme of dancing to rock, TRICERATOPS has incorporated danceable rhythms into the straightforward guitar rock unique to a trio formation, continuing their laid-back activities from their 1997 debut to the 2020s.
The band’s frontman, Sho Wada—known for his sweet vocals, solid guitar chops, and primary role in writing lyrics and composing—happens to be the eldest son of the multitalented Remi Hirano, a cooking enthusiast, TV personality, and chanson singer, and the illustrator Makoto Wada.
What’s more, in 2016 Wada married actress Juri Ueno, making it quite an astonishing, artistically gifted family.
Surprisingly many!? A roundup of second-generation singers and musicians who inherited shining talent (31–40)
BROTHERHama Okamoto (OKAMOTO’S)
He is the bassist of OKAMOTO’S, a four-piece rock band formed by classmates from their junior high school days.
Although he was born the eldest son of Masatoshi Hamada of the comedy duo Downtown and actress Natsumi Ogawa, he chose not to reveal his parents even after the band’s major-label debut, determined to build his career on his own—truly a self-made musician.
In 2013, he drew attention for his undeniable talent by becoming the first Japanese artist to sign an endorsement deal with Fender, the world-renowned American guitar manufacturer, cementing his reputation as a highly skilled bassist.
Be my bride.Kayama Yūzō
Yuzo Kayama is known as one of Japan’s leading entertainers.
Since the 1960s, he has been active across a wide range of fields as a singer, actor, and TV personality.
His appeal lies in a musical style that transcends genres, from kayōkyoku and pop to rock.
He is also famous as a master guitarist and is sometimes called Japan’s first guitar hero.
He has received numerous awards, including the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
If you love music, you’re sure to know this grand figure—so take this opportunity to rediscover the charm of Yuzo Kayama.
Unconditional LoveMatt Rose
Matt, a TV personality and son of Masumi Kuwata—the top-tier pitcher who shone for the Yomiuri Giants—has gained popularity with his striking, unconventional look and is in high demand on variety shows.
While many see him primarily as a celebrity, he has recently been pursuing music under the name Matt Rose.
His sound is impressively polished, featuring melodies with a distinctly Western vibe.
It’s easy to focus on his appearance, but be sure to pay attention to his musicality as well!
FaKeKikuchi Fuma
Fuma Kikuchi, who debuted in 2011 as a member of the Johnny’s group Sexy Zone, is a multi-talented performer who has starred in TV dramas and stage productions and broadened his activities through variety shows and radio.
Known for his strong conversational skills, he’s expected to achieve even more in the future.
It turns out he is the son of singer-songwriter Tsuneyoshi Kikuchi.
Tsuneyoshi Kikuchi is known for writing the lyrics to Arashi’s debut single “A・RA・SHI,” and it’s well known that Fuma himself joined Johnny’s because he admired Arashi.
It feels like a heartwarming, almost fateful connection.
Into the DreamIbu Sarasa
Singer-songwriter Sara Sara Ibu is a second-generation artist born to parents Yosui Inoue and Seri Ishikawa.
She made her debut as a singer in December 2007 with the single “Curriculum.” In 2013, she released a song provided by her father that conveys a deep love for her hometown, themed around Fukuoka Prefecture.
She is also active as a lyricist, contributing songs to artists such as Salyu and the popular Korean group SS501.
Beyond music, she is energetically engaged in community-based activities.