RAG MusicPerformance
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!

Singer impersonations that go over well for entertainment/acts (21–30)

Toshi

[Sosie/Impersonator Sings] Forever Love / X JAPAN (cover) [Uchimura’s Tsuboru Dōga]
Toshi

Toshi, the vocalist of X JAPAN, a rock band that represents Japan and enjoys worldwide fame.

Why not challenge yourself to sing with a voice like his, which handles everything from passionate rock to grand ballads? For low to mid-range passages, he often sings in chest voice; the key is to aim for a smooth, natural tone that feels like your speaking voice.

His signature beautiful high tones are produced with a mixed voice that blends chest and head voice.

By expanding your upper chest range, you can deliver a clear yet convincing vocal sound.

Fuyumi Sakamoto

Fuyumi Sakamoto – I'm Falling in Love with You Again
Fuyumi Sakamoto

Speaking of Fuyumi Sakamoto, her warm yet powerful singing voice is truly distinctive.

The intense emotions conveyed in her songs captivate listeners and won’t let go.

She has not only the depth of traditional enka, but also a flexibility reminiscent of pop, making her beloved by a wide audience.

If you perform an impression of Fuyumi Sakamoto at a party or as entertainment, it’s sure to delight every generation.

Why not add her to your repertoire of impressions?

Yuri

Dried Flower / Yuuri – Long Island Matsuo ver. [Impersonation Grand Prix]
Yuri

If you want to do impressions that make the most of strong vocal ability, why not try tackling songs by Yuuri? Among them, Dry Flower is especially recommended.

The hallmark of this song is its dramatic pitch changes.

If you sing it well, you’re sure to wow your audience.

Plus, since it’s a song everyone knows, it will get people excited across generations.

As an arrangement idea, preparing a THE FIRST TAKE-style microphone could be a nice touch.

milet

[Vocal Imitation] milet — hanataba. Tried singing an impression of the theme song for the drama “Sunday Theater: Antihero.”
milet

Milet’s mysterious, commanding voice and distinctive singing style are truly captivating.

Just slightly exaggerating her way of speaking or singing can instantly lighten the mood.

When she sings, she skillfully balances breath and voice and delivers richly emotional performances, so if you keep that unique phrasing—and her cool, mysterious vibe—in mind as you imitate her, you’ll make a strong impression right away.

Create that familiar atmosphere everyone recognizes, and craft a warm, smiling moment!

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.

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!

Mr.Children

[Impersonation] A woman doing an impression of Mr.Children’s Kazutoshi Sakurai — Mami Seki passionately sings “Tomorrow Never Knows.” Million Singer. Divine voice, vocal imitation.
Mr.Children

Mr.Children is a rock band renowned for its national recognition and popularity.

Would you like to take on the challenge of singing like Kazutoshi Sakurai, the band’s frontman beloved across generations? A hallmark of his voice is an edge voice rich in overtones.

Focusing on the vibratory component of the vocal folds and carrying that up into the higher range is the key to a good imitation.

He’s an artist who employs a wide range of expressive techniques—such as mixed voice and a beautiful falsetto—so it’s best to vary your delivery depending on the song.

Master a famous hit everyone knows or one of your personal favorites, and give it a try.