A popular male singer-songwriter in Japanese music

Something CertainOda Kazumasa

A Certain Thing – Kazumasa Oda

Kazumasa Oda has been a driving force in Japan’s music scene since the 1970s.

As the leader and vocalist of Off Course and as a solo artist, he has continued to thrive.

He spans a wide range of genres—from J-POP to AOR and New Music—and is not only a distinguished vocalist but also a talented multi-instrumentalist on keyboards, guitar, and more.

In 1982, he demonstrated his overwhelming popularity by successfully holding ten consecutive days of concerts at the Nippon Budokan.

In his solo career, many of his songs have been featured as themes for TV dramas and films, making him beloved across generations.

Oda’s warm voice and heartfelt lyrics feel like a dear friend who stays by your side at life’s important moments.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking comfort and courage through music.

Winter BeatBikkeburanka

Vickeblanka / Winter Beat (from “RAINBOW ROAD -Track-” LIVE DVD & Blu-ray, released Jan 25, 2023)

Vickeblanka is a singer-songwriter known for his exceptional piano technique and soaring high-tone vocals.

Centered on pop while weaving in rock and classical elements, his unique musicality—paired with lyrics spun like a film screenplay—draws listeners into a world of stories.

He made his major debut in 2016, and his theme song for the anime Black Clover, “Black Rover,” enjoys immense popularity overseas as well.

Even earlier, in 2012, he took first place in FM802’s live event song voting project, signaling that his talent had been attracting attention from the start.

His songs brim with a sensibility that blends the best of Japanese and Western music, making it easy to see why listeners get hooked after just one play.

If you’re searching for piano-led music, his sound is sure to resonate with you.

two twenty-eightH!de

Birthday Song for Mother - H!dE “2.28 (Ni-Ni-Hachi)”

With his handsome, sweet looks and an adorable smile, H!dE packs a punch that rivals his cute music videos (you should definitely see it live to confirm).

His gentle voice that slips right into your heart and lyrics that reveal a caring personality are truly captivating.

I came here by bike.SLOTH

SLOTH / “Came Here by Bike” OFFICIAL VIDEO

A rare, pure youth anthem by the famed “man of legend” known to those in the know.

Do you remember them? The boys who, eight years ago, posted purikura photos on social media with the caption “Came by bike.” A phrase that often became a punchline has been reimagined with those boys now grown up, resulting in a refreshing coming-of-age song.

Kinta’s Great AdventureTsuboi Norio

I sang 'Kinta no Daibōken'.

A well-known classic, to say the least.

If I recall, it first gained attention on the radio as a dirty joke song.

Later it went viral on the internet and became a huge hit in real life, especially among elementary school kids.

I bet a lot of people know it for some reason.

It’s even in karaoke, so give it a try.

Over JeansKyarameru Pakkingu

Caramel Packing “Over Jeans” music video

First, I want to tell everyone about them.

This unlikely duo might seem like they wouldn’t mix, yet they match perfectly.

If I had to describe their appeal, it’s the gap.

Beyond songs that evoke the J-pop golden era of the 2000s, there’s a gap in their voices, a gap in their MC styles, a gap in their personas.

Open the lid and you’ll find a pair defined entirely by contrast.

You can see it in the music video too—it just makes you want to keep listening to their sound.

Pelliculefukashigi/wonderboy

Fukashigi/wonderboy – Pellicule (Official Music Video)

Not knowing it is practically a survival tactic.

This is the signature song of a genius who never saw the spotlight.

Many famous artists have been moved by it and influenced by it.

Though he was only 24, he died in an unexpected accident before achieving his dreams, and this song can be said to embody, through his own life, the fragility of existence.