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 have inherited shining talent (41–50)
I WILLTakekawa Ai
Ai Takekawa, known as the daughter of Yukihide Takakawa, made her debut in November 2009 with the single “I WILL” and has since produced numerous works.
Her music is characterized by moving lyrics layered with sweeping, grand melodies.
In 2010, she performed at Japan Expo in Paris, captivating an audience of over 1,000.
Fluent in English, she pursues international collaborations that fuse trance and rock music with J-pop.
Nurtured from a young age and guided by her unique artistic vision, her work is perfect for music fans seeking fresh inspiration.
Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki
Masakazu Sakai, well known as an MC on variety shows, used to be a member of the Group Sounds band The Spiders.
His father is Shunji Sakai, a comic actor.
After The Spiders disbanded, his solo release “Saraba Koibito” (Farewell, My Lover) became a huge hit.
This is my love… my love.Kawasaki Mayo
Masayo Kawasaki, the son of actor Jo Azumi, debuted as an idol and was active as a member of the Sundays on “Let’s Go Young.” He later thrived as a stage actor, and after marrying Kaya, the two frequently appeared together on variety shows.
Nancy of Summer ColorsHayami Yū
Yu Hayami is the daughter of jazz singer Ryo Inoue.
She has been active as a singer and TV personality.
In the 1980s, she became hugely popular as a healthy, sun-kissed idol.
Her song “Natsuiro no Nancy” is a classic that has since been covered by many artists.
Happy☆BoogieShuri
Born into an entertainment family, Shuri’s father is actor Yutaka Mizutani and her mother is actress Ran Ito.
She made her acting debut in 2011, and her performance in the film “Just Only Love” earned her the Best Leading Actress Award at the 33rd Takasaki Film Festival and the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 42nd Japan Academy Film Prize.
In 2023, she drew attention by showcasing her singing voice in the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Boogie Woogie.” Shuri’s natural yet powerful vocals are sure to resonate with music lovers.
Song of LoveHenmi Emiri
The daughter of Teruhiko Saigō and Mari Henmi—this is Emiri Henmi’s “Ai no Uta” (Song of Love).
I wonder if it’s not widely known that Emiri Henmi was active as a musical artist.
It’s a ballad with a very lovely and memorable singing voice, and I can deeply relate to the lyrics.
Romantic RoadAota Hiroko
Noboru Aota’s daughter, Hiroko Aota, made her debut as the heroine when the 1980s hit shōjo manga “Tsuki no Yoru Hoshi no Asa” was adapted into a film.
She also performed the theme song and launched her career as a singer.
The film’s cute image made her popular.