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.
- [Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026]
- Songs I'd love to hear on acoustic guitar! Reiwa-era masterpieces perfect for sing-alongs
- A Collection of Heartfelt Guitar Love Songs [Great for Solo Acoustic Performances Too]
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- [Guitar] Easy Chord Progressions! A Compilation of Recommended Japanese Songs for Singing and Playing
- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
- A must-see for Gen Z men! Easy-to-sing songs by male artists for karaoke
- [Heartfelt] A Collection of Japanese Graduation Songs to Sing and Play on Guitar [2026]
- [Touching the Heart] A Collection of Recommended Ballads for Men
- [Deeply Moving] A Compilation of Recommended Rock Ballads That Move the Heart
- An acoustic guitar’s tone that leaves an impression! Recommended Heisei-era hit songs for solo singing with guitar
- [J-Pop] A compilation of popular songs with irresistible guitar cutting [2026]
- A roundup of duet songs sung by men—classic tracks renowned for their compelling harmonies and call-and-response.
A roundup of classic and trending solo singer-songwriters (1–10)
Light and ShadowHanaregumi
Hanaregumi is a singer-songwriter with a gentle, slightly nasal voice who sings with rich expression.
Many people think it’s a band, but it’s actually a solo project.
Before Hanaregumi, he was in a funk band called SUPER BUTTER DOG.
You might know his signature song, “Sayonara COLOR.” Whether it’s romantic tunes, songs about family, or heartbreak ballads, he sings exactly what he feels, and that feeling slips straight into your heart through his voice.
Among them, “Hikari to Kage” is a track that helps you move forward after a heart‑rending breakup.
Many of Hanaregumi’s songs are truly tearjerkers.
That said, he also has lighthearted tracks that make you chuckle, like “Tokusokujou.” Elusive yet warm and gentle, he’s an artist whose charm you’ll understand the moment you listen.
One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi
Masayoshi Yamazaki is the singer-songwriter behind the timeless classic “One More Time, One More Chance.” His gentle yet distinctive voice leaves a strong impression from the first listen—it’s incredibly captivating.
Like his signature songs, he performs deeply sorrowful, heartrending pieces, but he also sings more laid-back, slightly playful tracks like “Celery,” which is well-known from SMAP’s cover.
He’s an artist with an unimaginably wide expressive range.
Having released numerous masterpieces, Yamazaki has an impressive catalog—but the one I especially recommend is his Western music cover album “COVER ALL YO!” You don’t often hear him singing in English on TV and such, but he’s actually incredibly cool at it.
He adds his own arrangements to famous Western songs, so definitely give it a listen!
SoupFujihara Sakura
A female singer-songwriter of extraordinary talent who, influenced by her father—who has a major-label debut to his name—took up the guitar and began crafting phrases and melodies from an early age.
Her gentle fingerpicking on classical guitar and her musical style—an amalgam of country, blues, jazz, folk, and world music—create a pleasing blend where poignancy and pop sensibility coexist.
With a calm vocal tone centered in the low and mid ranges and the enveloping timbre of classical guitar arpeggios, her sound is irresistibly addictive; she’s an artist with remarkable depth and breadth.
Roundup of Classic & Trending Singer-Songwriter Acts (11–20)
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.
Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu
A singer-songwriter whose father is a folk singer, known for a distinctive voice over acoustic guitar and vividly colored lyrics.
From exhilarating, fast-paced tracks like the 12th single “Ashita wa Kitto Ii Hi ni Naru” (Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day) to songs with comical yet cynical lyrics such as “Fried Potato,” their wide-ranging musical expressions keep listeners engaged.
They are also known for invigorating the music industry by serving as a music ambassador for their home prefecture of Akita, touring within the prefecture, and hosting the music festival Akita CARAVAN MUSIC FES.
AsphaltKimyō Reitarō
Reitaro Kimyo is a singer-songwriter who’s also active as the vocalist of Tensai Band.
His greatest appeal, above all, is his voice! It’s wistful and tinged with melancholy, yet warm and passionate—a combination that grips listeners and won’t let go.
His vocals pair beautifully with the sound of an acoustic guitar, creating a truly comfortable, immersive listening experience.
If you like singer-songwriters who perform solo with just their guitar, this is a must-listen! Of course, his songs are also highly recommended for anyone looking for material to perform in a solo acoustic style.
To all living thingsMoriyama Naotaro
A singer-songwriter who is also active as an actor and the son of female singer Ryoko Moriyama.
While many may associate Naotaro Moriyama primarily with his mega-hit second single “Sakura (Dokusho),” he is also known for releasing masterpieces with powerful messages, such as “If Living Is Painful” and “To All Living Things.” His acoustic guitar-and-vocal style, which showcases his exceptional vocal ability, delivers the full breadth of his talent directly to listeners.
He is an indispensable presence in the Japanese music scene.