Summary of Japanese singers popular in Korea: Notable J-POP and artists

Sakanakushon

Sakanaction / Kaiju -Music Video-

Sakanaction is an alternative rock band born in Hokkaido.

With an innovative approach that fuses electronic music and band sound, they’re bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene.

They made their major debut in 2007 with the album “GO TO THE FUTURE,” steadily expanding their following.

Their self-titled album “sakanaction,” released in 2013, became their first to hit No.

1.

They have also engaged in diverse activities, including creating theme songs for films and TV dramas.

In 2025, boosted by the hit of “Kaiju,” their first anime theme song, they’ve been gaining attention in South Korea as well.

Their meticulously crafted works and music videos are must-sees.

From electronica to pop, their music effortlessly transcends genre boundaries, making them perfect for anyone seeking a fresh musical discovery.

Matsuzaki Shigeru

Shigeru Matsuzaki – Love Memory | Korea-Japan Top Ten Show, Episode 8

Shigeru Matsuzaki, a singer beloved across generations for his dark complexion—his trademark—and his overwhelming vocal prowess, made his solo debut in 1970 with “8,760 Times I Love You.” Since then, he has captivated audiences with numerous hit songs.

His 1977 release “Ai no Memory” was a massive success, selling over 640,000 copies and earning accolades including the Japan Record Awards’ Vocal Performance Award.

That same year, he made his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

He has also received international recognition, such as the Best Vocalist Award at the Mallorca Music Festival.

His powerful voice and distinctive singing style are his hallmarks.

His performances on music programs like the Japan-Korea Top Ten Show have drawn attention, boosting his popularity in South Korea as well.

In 2015, September 6 was designated “Shigeru Matsuzaki Day,” and he launched the “Kuro Fes” music festival, continuing to charm many fans with his unique appeal.

He is an artist highly recommended for music lovers who cherish great singing.

yama

yama – Harbinger of Spring (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter yama, known for their signature mask, has been captivating music fans since their major debut in 2020 with songs rooted in electropop and indie rock.

Their unique sound—fusing programmed beats with live instruments—and literary expressiveness have earned strong support from younger listeners.

In particular, the hit song “Haruwotsugeru” (Proclaiming Spring) continues to be widely listened to.

Among Korean fans, the introspective, self-facing lyricism resonates deeply, leading to a wave of covers by K-pop idols.

Highly recommended for those drawn to a world where musical innovation intertwines with poetic lyrics.

natori

Natori – Overdose

Natori is a new-generation singer-songwriter who started out producing music on a smartphone.

Centered on electropop, their sound is captivating for the diverse essences it incorporates, including jazz and R&B.

They began full-scale musical activities in the 2020s and quickly drew attention with a unique promotion strategy leveraging social media.

Their vocals, which make excellent use of the lower register, blend seamlessly with catchy melodies.

With songs like the signature track “Overdose,” their support has been expanding, especially among younger listeners.

Their popularity is also rising in Korea through digital platforms.

With an innovative sound that suggests new possibilities for pop music, they are bringing a fresh breeze to the existing music scene.

Kitanitatsuya

Where Our Blue Is / Tatsuya Kitani

Singer-songwriter Tatsuya Kitani continues to broaden his expressive range with a diverse musicality, delivering cross-genre appeal from rock and pop to electronica.

He debuted in 2014 as a Vocaloid producer and has since expanded his activities while providing compositions as a songwriter.

In 2020, he fully launched his major-label career as a solo artist and has also created songs tied to anime.

With Ao no Sumika, the opening theme for Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death, he even performed at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, steadily increasing his influence on the music scene.

The song has captivated anime and J-pop fans in South Korea as well.

His sound—emotional yet experimental, drawing on his experience as a bassist—is perfect for listeners seeking fresh musical encounters.

SPYAIR

SPYAIR “Samurai Heart (Some Like It Hot!!)”

SPYAIR is a rock band formed in 2005 in Nagoya.

They enjoy strong popularity overseas, and their appeal lies in loud rock influenced by the American nu-metal band KORN.

They focus on fostering a sense of unity with fans through outdoor concerts.

The band has produced numerous anime theme songs and film tie-in tracks, with albums like KINGDOM and 4 achieving high positions on the Oricon charts.

In Korea, they’ve also impressed music fans through festival appearances.

In 2022, vocalist IKE left the band, and YOSUKE from Fukuoka joined as the new vocalist, marking a fresh start.

With the addition of a singer skilled at incorporating English into their songwriting, an even more global expansion is anticipated.

If you want to enjoy the fusion of heavy sounds and catchy melodies, this is a band we highly recommend.