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Wonderful entertainment/performances

Impersonations of singers that are crowd-pleasers for entertainment/acts

If you can do impressions, they’re handy for breaking the ice in self-introductions or showing off a party trick at drinking get-togethers.

That said, plenty of people probably struggle with not knowing which impressions to do.

So this time, I’ve put together some popular singer impression ideas!

These are all people who are loved across generations, so you can’t go wrong remembering them.

Even if you can already do impressions, it’s useful to expand your repertoire, so be sure to read to the end!

Impressions of singers that get laughs at parties/performances (31–40)

Kumi Koda

[Song Imitation] Marié Yonekawa tries singing Kumi Koda’s “you” while doing an impression
Kumi Koda

Kumi Koda took the world by storm with the curious phrase “ero-kakkoii” (sexy-cool).

Even after becoming a mom, her energetic activities keep us excited.

If it’s a party mainly attended by people right in that generation—the majority being 50 and over—it’s sure to be a hit.

First of all, go all-in on classic Kansai dialect; if you can just master that, you’re already halfway there.

One of Koda’s charms is the gap between how she talks and how she sings, so keep that in mind.

Exaggerating a small glottal stop—like adding a little ‘ts’ at the end of words—will make it sound more like a singing impression.

Kohmi Hirose

[Sang “Promise” as a Double-Kohmi] We asked Kohmi Hirose how she really feels about being impersonated [with Miracle Hikaru]
Kohmi Hirose

An impersonation of Kohmi Hirose, who’s known for her winter songs, is perfect for year-end parties.

The key is keeping the energy sky-high and using more vibrato than necessary.

It’s also a signature routine of the impressionist Miracle Hikaru, so you might want to study her singing! I’d love to see confident singers give it a try.

The highlight is basically the high notes, but if you can’t hit them, you can go for laughs from the start with a bit like “Kohmi Hirose who can’t hit high notes.”

Shinji Tanimura

Shinji Tanimura “Santo Monogatari” Impersonation ★ Let’s Go Yoshimasa
Shinji Tanimura

If you’re in a place with many older folks, impressions that are classics for that crowd are a sure bet.

Invite some like-minded friends and do an Alice impression—you’ll probably get a great reaction.

When it comes to Tanimura impressions, the go-tos are Korokke and Akira Shimizu.

The “tape gag,” elevated to an art form, is a must! If you want big laughs, go for the exaggerated upturned-nose face.

If you can play the guitar, singing the songs straight can make the contrast unexpectedly cool.

And if everyone sings “Sarai” together at the end, it might turn into a moving finale!

Kenshi Yonezu

[LADY/Kenshi Yonezu] I tried my best to do a perfect impersonation.
Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu skyrocketed to the ranks of top artists with the massive hit “Lemon.” He’s an unconventional artist who also works as the Vocaloid producer “Hachi.” His unique lyrical worldview and the soundscapes he crafts are captivating, drawing in many listeners.

The distinctive way he sings—his pronunciation and vocal technique—makes him especially fun to imitate.

Since each song features different sounds, try finding a track that feels approachable to tackle!

Kohei Otomo

Ringo-chan changes character under hypnosis? Her signature impressions are sealed away, but she sings and dances with all her might! Pre-release event for the film “Dance with Me.”
Kohei Otomo

Speaking of Yasuhira Otomo, the impression that stands out is comedian Ringo-chan’s impersonation, which became a huge hit in 2019.

The love song she performs is “ff” by HOUND DOG, with Otomo as the lead vocalist.

Because of his signature low, raspy husky voice, it’s basically an impersonation best suited for men.

Other recommended songs are “BRIDGE ~ Ano Hashi o Wataru Toki” and the more mellow “Namida no Birthday.”

Kazumasa Oda

Off Course – Best Album “ever”
Kazumasa Oda

Even if you’re not good at karaoke, I’d love for you to take on the challenge of singing a song by Kazumasa Oda.

His clear, high-tone voice isn’t something everyone can produce, and no matter how good a singer you are, it’s hard to sing as beautifully as he does—so people will likely watch over you with warm smiles! Also, his melodies aren’t showy or eccentric, so your earnest effort will come through.

With a gentle heart, try singing one of his beautiful songs that resonate deeply with people.

Gen Hoshino

Impersonation Masters Grand Gathering / Gen Hoshino / ~Koi♪ / [Mr. Daisuke Hayashi] General applicant, office worker
Gen Hoshino

This is a video of someone doing an impression of Gen Hoshino’s smash hit “Koi.” The song became famous along with the Koi Dance thanks to the popularity of the drama, so if you can perfectly copy it, you’ll probably bring the house down.

It’s a parody I especially recommend for men.

Ken Hirai

This is a video of someone doing an impression of Ken Hirai’s classic song “Hitomi wo Tojite.” Ken Hirai is a popular singer across a wide range of generations, so it’s likely to be appreciated in many settings.

The hand movements while singing might unexpectedly be the key point.

Watch closely and practice.

Kenshi Yonezu

I tried doing an impression of “LOSER” by Kenshi Yonezu.
Kenshi Yonezu

If you can imitate someone, Kenshi Yonezu is definitely one of the coolest choices.

With his unique worldbuilding and overwhelming vocals, his popularity shows no sign of slowing down.

He has many famous songs like “Lemon” and “LOSER,” but each track is quite challenging, so you’ll need to practice to really pull them off.

That said, his voice is distinctive, so once you capture his quirks, doing a voice impression might be relatively easier.

back number

Back Number “Old Fashion” – Impressionist/celebrity impersonator Beauty Kokubu tried singing it
back number

buck number is a three-piece band known for popular love songs.

You’ve probably heard tracks like “Old Fashion” and “Christmas Song” at least once.

Their lyrics are delicate and heart-fluttering.

The vocalist, Iyori Shimizu, sings high notes with a gentle voice and frequently uses falsetto.

Recommended for those with a delicate, soft vocal timbre.