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]
- A Must-Read for Men: Sing at Karaoke! A Showcase of Moving Masterpiece Ballads
- [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]
- [2026] Duet songs for two men to sing. A roundup of recommended Japanese songs for karaoke
A roundup of classic and trending solo singer-songwriters (1–10)
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!
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.
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.
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.
lonelinessorisaka yuta
A singer-songwriter who spent part of their childhood in Russia and Iran due to family circumstances, and began making music after forming a band with friends from a free school.
With an unforgettable, distinctive voice and an original musical style unlike anyone else’s, they have drawn attention and high praise from renowned musicians.
In 2020, they also broadened their scope by handling both the theme song and the score for the film “Any Crybabies Around?” Their heartfelt messages, carried by gentle classical guitar accompaniment, resonate deeply—a musician whose future success is highly anticipated.