A roundup of classic and trending singer-songwriters
Among the musicians active on the domestic music scene, there are artists performing in various formats such as dance groups and bands.
Among them, the “hikigatari” style—singing while playing the guitar oneself—has a unique charm that sets it apart from other performance styles.
In this article, we will introduce musicians, regardless of gender, who perform in the hikigatari style.
Be sure to explore and enjoy the diverse appeal of these musicians.
This will also be helpful for those looking for songs they can perform in a hikigatari style themselves.
A roundup of classic and trending solo singer-songwriters (1–10)
Survivors: UsAoba Ichiko
A singer-songwriter who is energetically active beyond the realm of music, creating narration, commercials, stage music, and presenting installation works at arts festivals.
An unconventional musician, they have the background of belonging to the choir, brass band, and light music clubs in their school days, while teaching themselves to play various instruments without even knowing chords.
They say that singing comes as naturally as eating or sleeping and that they are not trying to express anything in particular, which suggests they might be called a natural-born singer-songwriter who does not consciously try to create.
With this distinctive style, they are a musician whose future is highly anticipated.
Forever YoungTakehara Pisutoru
An artist who made his major debut with the folk duo Yakozen and, after their breakup, has been actively pursuing a solo career.
With signature songs like “Yo, You Young Folks” and “Forever Young,” which served as the ending theme for the TV drama “Byplayers: What If Six Supporting Actors Lived in a Share House?,” his unadorned, straightforward lyrics and resonant, powerful guitar sound carry an energy that deeply moves listeners.
At the same time, while his rugged musical style is front and center, his meticulous personality—like being bothered if a microphone is off by even a centimeter—is downright charming.
He’s an artist who embodies the simplicity and power of solo acoustic performance.
scale (as of a fish or reptile)Hata Motohiro
A singer-songwriter whose distinctive voice that you never forget after hearing it once and the gentle worldview of his songs are beloved by a wide range of listeners.
His track “Himawari no Yakusoku,” chosen as the theme song for the animated film STAND BY ME Doraemon, became a massive hit that many people have likely heard—even those unfamiliar with Motohiro Hata or the movie.
There’s also an anecdote that the popular actor Kei Tanaka would sing Hata’s second single “Uroko” as a vocal warm-up before going on stage, further attesting to his widespread popularity.
With a voice and songs that pair beautifully with the warm tones of the acoustic guitar, he is an artist who captivates countless listeners, both professional and amateur.
A song about being cheated on but still in love.riria.
A singer-songwriter who keeps their appearance private, inspired to start performing after seeing singer-songwriter Koresawa’s solo acoustic set.
Their first original song released digitally in 2020, “I Was Cheated On, But I Still Love You,” became a hot topic when it hit No.
1 on LINE MUSIC’s weekly chart.
Many listeners were likely drawn into the lyrics by the crystalline voice that pairs beautifully with acoustic guitar and the exquisitely edged tone that heightens the sense of longing.
An artist to watch who reminds us of the appeal and comfort of stripped-down, solo performances.
Inspiration lies beyondKaneko Ayano
A distinctive singing voice and a strong, individual worldview are powerful assets for a singer-songwriter who performs solo with a guitar.
Ayano Kaneko, whom we’re introducing here, is one of them.
Her boyish vocal tone and lyrics that are abstract yet down-to-earth and relatable, combined with melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia, make her a very compelling artist.
Born in 1993 and hailing from Kanagawa Prefecture, she reportedly started playing guitar in her third year of junior high school.
Backed by a band, the way she passionately strums her SG is incredibly cool, making her an artist I’d also recommend to fans of punk rock!
Ballad of a SingerSaitō Kazuyoshi
A singer-songwriter who has released masterpieces like “Utautai no Ballad” and “Yasashiku Naritai,” songs that move listeners to the core.
At debut, he used a tagline reminiscent of a folk singer—something like, “A four-and-a-half tatami room is way too small”—and in his student days he played in cover bands of hard rock and metal.
That broad musical background breathes through his work.
His husky, distinctive voice pairs naturally with the sound of acoustic guitar, delivering the lyrics’ message straight and clear.
He’s an artist for whom the acoustic guitar feels perfectly at home, conveying the wistfulness, fragility, and power of a solo vocal-and-guitar performance.
Early summer rainSakiyama Soshi
A next-generation singer-songwriter who began playing guitar at age four and started performing publicly around age thirteen, mainly at street shows and performance events.
Their signature song, “Samidare,” written in their first year of junior high, drew attention for lyrics with a depth beyond their teenage years and a distinctive vocal style.
Their fast, intricate guitar work—distinct from the simple strumming typically associated with solo acoustic performances—delivers a level of quality that commands respect not only from listeners but also from professional musicians.
In a J-POP scene where singer-guitarists have become fewer, they are a highly anticipated artist poised to shape the future.