Age doesn’t matter in music!
That said, you can’t help but wonder a little: “How old is that musician?” “When did they debut?”
It’s just a small selection, but we’ve put together some major events and the ages the musicians were at the time.
- Debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 2000s
- Debut song of a 1970s idol
- A roundup of enka singers who have been active since childhood
- Debut songs by Japanese female artists [Shocking hits & must-know classics]
- The debut song of a Japanese rock band
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]
- [J-Pop] Debut songs by male solo artists from the 1990s
- Famous Clarinetists of the World — From Classical to Jazz
- Band Rankings Popular Among People in Their 60s [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Pop (J-Pop) Artists Among People in Their 50s [2026]
- Debut songs by female artists from the 1980s
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 60s [2026]
- A roundup of debut songs by Japanese female artists from the 1970s
At what age was that musician, and what were they doing at the time?
Ringo Sheena | Debuted with “Koufukuron (The Theory of Happiness)” at age 19
I also bought it back then in real time at a CD shop.
So you debuted in your teens.
I didn’t realize you were that young (lol).
It’s a masterpiece that is still passed down today.
Of course, the lyrics and composition are by the artist themselves.
Eriko Hashimoto | 17 years old at the time Chatmonchy was formed
A leading example of a girls' band.
She is currently a mother of one.
ChatmonchyThey were still in high school when they formed!
By the way, it seems I started playing electric guitar around my first year of high school.Chatmonchy Official Website
Paul McCartney | The oldest artist ever to perform at the Tokyo Dome, age 71
Former Beatle Paul McCartney.
This is their age at the Japan tour that drew attention in 2013, their first visit in 11 years.
Countless musicians have admired that relentless drive to keep rewriting the legend.Universal Music Japan Official Website for Paul McCartney
Kazutoshi Sakurai (Mr.Children) | At the time of his major debut, age 22
national bandMr.ChildrenTheir vocalist, Mr. Sakurai, also made his major-label debut at a young age.
It seems that the band that would become Mr. Children was formed in their high school’s light music club.
How many people back then could have predicted that a band starting from here would end up being heard by so many?Mr.Children Official Website
Ritchie Blackmore | Age at the formation of Deep Purple: 22
Ritchie Blackmore, who had a tremendous influence on hard rock from the 1970s onward.
Started playing guitar at 11, became a studio musician at 18.
After that, he rises to become a guitarist who shreds world-class riffs.
He is currently active as the guitarist for Blackmore's Night and is going strong.Blackmore’s Night Official Website
Angela Aki | Made her major debut at age 28
They have a long history in music, having started piano at the age of three and apparently having begun serious musical activities while they were a university student.
Until their major debut, it seems their original songs were used in commercials, and they also performed frequently at clubs and live houses.
Bassist IKUZONE | He joined Dragon Ash at age 31.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtIagt9h5gs
Even after his passing at the young age of 46, Japan’s bassist IKUZONE continues to have a devoted following of fans.
Triggered by a call for magazine membersDragon AshIt’s well known that when he joined, he lied about his age to apply even though he was over the age limit.
Before joining Dragon Ash, he was active in various bands, and with a band he was in at the time called “Virus,” he also released an album on Extasy Records, the label run by X.Dragon Ash Official Website
Avril Lavigne | She was 16 at the time of her major-label contract
A Canadian songstress everyone knows.
Their debut album sold about 17 million copies worldwide, reached number one on the UK charts as the youngest ever at the time, and is listed in the Guinness World Records.
Michael Jackson | 5 years old at debut
Michael Jackson, whom everyone knows as the legendary King of Pop.
He was just five years old when he debuted as part of the Jackson 5!
After that, they transform into a monster artist who will take the entire world by storm.
Tal Wilkenfeld | She was selected as the regular bassist for Jeff Beck’s band at the age of 21.
Her nickname is Taru-chan (lol).
Started playing guitar at 14, then switched to bass at 17.
Later, at age 21, he was selected as the regular bassist for Jeff Beck’s band.
Her appearance gives a youthful impression, but the base sound is solid and full-bodied.
Many people probably admire (or long for) it, don’t they?
MIYAVI | Dropped out of high school and moved to Tokyo at 17
Began activities as the guitarist of the visual kei rock band Duélequartz.
Currently, I am active as a singer-songwriter who plays an electro-acoustic guitar, focusing on percussive strumming (slam technique) and slap techniques.
You can’t easily imitate the way this guitar is played (lol).
They have also made their overseas debut and have successfully completed three world tours.
Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas | Average age at debut: 19
A Japanese post-hardcore band.
Known for songs that digest and pack in a wide range of music from a young age and for flashy live performances, they’ve quickly become a hot topic as an artist in live house venues.
A new-generation young band that continues to perform at numerous festivals and other events.Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas Official Website
Jazz singer Chie Ayado | 41 years old at her major debut
After graduating from high school, she moved to the United States and continued performing music at live houses and churches, then, upon returning to Japan, began full-scale activities as a jazz singer.
It seems they made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the age of 46.
Guitarist Toshihiko Takamizawa, currently 64 years old.
An active, full-throttle singer-songwriter, guitarist, and music producer.
Their appearance makes everyone think, “Are they really in their 60s?!”
I hope he’ll always keep his prince-like persona and deliver dazzling guitar playing.Toshihiko Takamizawa Official Website
Drummer Rikiya Higashihara made his professional debut at the age of 15.
It seems you started playing the drums when you were 12!
A drummer who has participated in numerous sessions and is active on the world stage.
Even now at 57, he is actively performing in top form as the drummer for NANIWA EXP.NANIWA EXP Official Website
John Frusciante | 18 years old when he joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers
He’s the guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whom everyone knows.
If he was born in 1970, does that mean he joined the Chili Peppers at 18?
It's funny that you were influenced by the Red Hot Chili Peppers at 15, got really into guitar, and then joined them three years later (lol).
He is recognized by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the three greatest guitarists of the modern world.
LUNA SEA, Nippon Budokan 2-day run | Members were 22–23 years old at the time
Back in 1993, a band doing two days at the Nippon Budokan was unheard of.
Since they debuted around the age of 20, you can tell the band’s growth and speed are incredible.
Jazz drummer Roy Haynes | Still active at 93 years old
An American jazz drummer.
You have performed together with many famous artists over the years.
It’s astonishing that even past 80, he still plays drumming that’s both delicate and powerful and remains active.
Arctic Monkeys headlining Summer Sonic 2007 at age 21 (the youngest ever at the time)
Arctic Monkeys, who rose at a young age to become one of the world’s leading bands.
Gained popularity through grassroots activities unique to modern times—leveraging the internet to distribute demo tracks via MP3 and communicate with fans.
They’re a hugely popular band in Japan!
Lastly
What was your favorite musician doing when they were your age?
Of course, the sooner the better, but the age at which people start an instrument varies from person to person.
When you get stuck or feel troubled with your current band or music activities, try taking a short break and then setting a new goal.
No matter your age, you can always have goals.
And if you work backward from there,What must be done nowIt should become clearly visible.
I'm rooting for you.