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.
- Japanese Pop: A Roundup of Popular Male Singer-Songwriters
- Best Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Singer-Songwriters: 2026 Rankings
- Ranking of Male J-Pop Singers’ Best-Lyric and Most Popular Songs [2026]
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Songs by male artists known for their captivating deep voices. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks.
- Recommended love songs sung by male artists for the yutori generation
- Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Great covers of classic and popular songs sung by male artists
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
- Male Singer-Songwriter CM Songs, Commercials, and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- 1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Male Singer-Songwriters’ Anime Songs: Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
Popular male singer-songwriters in Japanese music (1–10)
spring rainMurashita Kōzō
Kozo Murashita is a folk singer whose quiet voice moves the heart.
His song “Hatsukoi” (First Love) is very famous.
It’s said that because his family ran a movie theater and he was exposed to film scores and popular songs from an early age, his melodic sense and emotional expression were honed.
Of course, his singing is wonderful, but above all I’m drawn to the beauty of the Japanese in his lyrics.
Without flashy staging, he was the type to captivate an audience with just a guitar—an authentic singer-songwriter who can rely solely on his voice and melodies.
If you like folk music, be sure to explore his work.
Goodbye ElegyIshizaki Hyuui
Singer-songwriter Huwie Ishizaki.
He’s well known for writing songs for Masaki Suda.
He’s not the type who relies on explosive vocal power, yet he captivates with vocal nuance, breath control, and the way he places words.
That’s why he has an unusually strong persuasiveness in ballads and mid-tempo numbers.
Have you watched Huwie Ishizaki on THE FIRST TAKE? I got goosebumps.
What amazed me was the trembling delicacy, the rasp that borders on a shout—it felt so soulful and hit me right in the heart.
He sings while playing guitar, yet neither his voice nor his guitar wavers at all.
I think he’s the kind of artist who changes the air the moment he steps on stage!
From hunting to rice cultivationrekishi
Even though there’s no point in putting that much echo on Jomon and Yayoi pottery, I can’t help but laugh and listen.
I’m on Team Yayoi pottery.
If I’d heard this back in elementary school, I feel like I really could have grown to love history.
Winter BeatBikkeburanka
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.
MAGICŌhashi Torio
Ohashi Trio captivates with stylish, jazz-based soundscapes and a gentle singing voice.
Born in Hyogo Prefecture, he has a solid musical background, having been familiar with the piano from a young age and formally studied jazz.
He ramped up his career in 2007 with the release of the album PRETAPORTER.
Despite the name “Trio,” it’s actually Ohashi’s solo project, and he skillfully plays many instruments, starting with the piano.
His songs have been featured in numerous films and commercials, and he has even topped the iTunes album charts.
It’s also memorable that he began singing at the suggestion of actor Jun Murakami.
He’s the perfect artist for anyone seeking sophisticated keyboard-and-vocal-driven music!
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
It was released in 1997 as the 15th single by Elephant Kashimashi (Hiroji Miyamoto).
The song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night.” At the request of the drama’s producer, Hiroji Miyamoto wrote and composed the song to align with the drama’s content.
It became the band’s first single to enter the Oricon Top 10 and their biggest hit to date.
Life is wonderfulRickie-G
Singer-songwriter Rickie-G captivates with a sun-like warmth and an organic groove that naturally makes your body sway.
While rooted in reggae, his sound blends elements of soul and R&B from Black music.
He made his major debut in July 2007 with the single “Tobihikō,” followed by his first full album “am 08:59” in 2008.
The groove woven from performance skills honed on the streets since age 15 and his warm, soaring vocals is truly one of a kind.
His positive messages—singing about the beauty of life and the joys of everyday living—continue to draw many fans.
He’s an artist we recommend for anyone who wants to surrender to a comfortable rhythm and soak in a peaceful vibe!