RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

A popular male singer-songwriter in Japanese music

Singer-songwriters who write lyrics and compose their own music are especially rare and valuable artists among musicians of all kinds.

I imagine there are people who follow music focusing only on songs by singer-songwriters.

So, this time, we’ll introduce popular male singer-songwriters in Japanese music.

Popular male singer-songwriters in Japanese pop (ages 21–30)

BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW / Yuzuru Hanyu Short Program ver.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu, who first gained popularity online under the name “Hachi” and debuted as a solo artist in 2012, continues to captivate a wide range of listeners with music that freely traverses genres such as pop, rock, and electronica.

Since his debut with the album “diorama,” he has released a succession of works with a distinctive worldview, including “YANKEE” and “Bremen.” He has also created theme songs for TV dramas and films, and his album “BOOTLEG,” which won the Japan Record Awards’ Best Album, stands as a masterpiece proving his talent.

His songs, woven from abstract lyrics and a unique voice imbued with deep emotion, leave a lingering resonance that sinks into the heart.

Highly recommended for those who want to experience the voice of an artist with delicate sensibility and original expressive power.

Ling tosite sigure

UN-APEXTK

TK from Ling tosite sigure “UN-APEX” Music Video (Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise from the Shadow- Ending Theme)
UN-APEXTK

TK captivates listeners with an inventive sound rooted in post-hardcore and progressive rock.

He formed Ling tosite sigure in 2002 and is a highly skilled artist who handles everything from songwriting and composition to engineering.

He launched his solo career in 2011, debuting with the album “flowering.” With intricate guitar melodies and a delicate vocal delivery, he has crafted a one-of-a-kind sound world that balances intensity and beauty.

In 2010, Ling tosite sigure’s album “still a Sigure virgin?” reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

He has also produced numerous songs for anime tie-ins, showcasing his undeniable talent.

His music, woven with a distinctive vocal timbre and expressive power, is highly recommended for those who want to be moved by emotional soundscapes.

Popular male singer-songwriters in Japanese music (ages 31–40)

Macaroni Enpitsu

In that caseHattori

Macaroni Empitsu "Saraba" Music Video
In that case Hattori

Centering on pop and rock, as the vocalist and guitarist of Macaroni Enpitsu, Hattori captivates many listeners with his delicately expressive singing.

Formed in 2012 by members who graduated from music college, the band is based in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, and actively performs live.

They made their debut with the 2015 mini-album “Al Dente,” and gained major attention in 2020 with an appearance on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE.

In December 2021, they won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist.

With literary lyrics and a warm vocal tone, they create songs that capture the small moments of everyday life.

They’re a perfect fit for listeners seeking a gentle, comforting voice and emotionally resonant expression.

BLUE ENCOUNT

Bloody LiarTanabe Shunichi

BLUE ENCOUNT “Bloody Liar” Music Video – TV anime “Babanbabamban Vampire” opening theme
Bloody LiarTanabe Shunichi

Shunichi Tanabe, the vocalist of BLUE ENCOUNT, shakes listeners to their core with a scorching rock sound and passionate vocals.

A native of Kumamoto Prefecture, he formed a band with his classmates in high school and has established a unique musical identity rooted in mixture rock.

In September 2014, they made their major debut with Ki/oon Music and have since provided theme songs for numerous anime series and TV dramas.

Renowned for his overwhelming vocal ability and expressive power, Tanabe demonstrated his prowess by drawing 11,000 attendees to a solo concert at Nippon Budokan in October 2016.

He writes and composes nearly all of their songs, and his candid, heartfelt lyrics paired with energetic performances captivate listeners seeking music that truly resonates.

ADVISEARARE

ARARE – ADVISE (unofficial)
ADVISEARARE

First, I want you to listen to this without saying anything.

Doesn’t that vaguely nostalgic sound and twinge of guilt make your chest tighten? An anthem I want to dedicate to every adult.

Despite the gentle voice, the message has real backbone—you won’t be able to help but feel your heart tremble.

Drink, drink, paradiseCHOP STICK

If you master this song, any slip-ups at a drinking party should be forgiven! His tracks—he’s known for the color yellow—are mostly dance tunes that make you want to move and lift your spirits no matter which one you listen to.

One thing I want to emphasize is that you’ll definitely get his appeal more if you go see him live.

Because I’ll be yours aloneGACKT

It was released in 2016 as GACKT’s 47th single.

The song was used as the opening theme for the UHF anime Anime no Me series TRICKSTER: From Edogawa Ranpo’s The Boy Detectives.

It’s a ballad that starts with GACKT’s a cappella vocals, and it was the only single GACKT released in 2016.