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)
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.
Until I know loveaimyon
A female singer-songwriter who enjoys overwhelming popularity, especially among younger generations, thanks to lyrics spun with an original perspective and sharp wordplay, and songs that are catchy yet tinged with nostalgia.
From pop tracks like “Marigold” and “You Don’t Listen to Rock,” which have racked up extraordinary streaming numbers, to “Ikiteta nda yo na,” whose powerful message prompts reflection on the darker sides of modern society, her colorful repertoire—carried by the poignant tones of acoustic guitar—never fails to move the heart.
With strong, thought-provoking messages and catchy melodies that pair perfectly with solo acoustic performances, she is poised to become a defining figure of the J-pop scene in the years to come.
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.
Roundup of Classic & Trending Singer-Songwriter Acts (11–20)
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!
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.
wisdom toothSekitori Hana
Hana Sekitori, a singer-songwriter from Kanagawa Prefecture, is also an artist who performs with an acoustic guitar in hand.
She’s well known for having participated in the PlayYou.House project, which later drew major attention as the cover group Goose House.
Her charm lies in songs that deeply touch the heart, powered by her warm voice with its rich low-mid range.
She has many tracks that unexpectedly move you when you listen, and she shines not only in vocal ability but also in her songwriting sense.
feel my soulYUI
Singer-songwriter YUI is known for her transparent, crystal-clear voice and songs that capture both human weakness and strength.
Born in 1987 in Fukuoka Prefecture, she is an artist whose petite frame and powerful strumming of a large acoustic guitar leave a strong impression.
She has cited Avril Lavigne as an influence, and in turn, countless artists have been influenced by YUI herself.
Her signature songs include Good-bye Days, the theme song for a film in which she starred, and CHE.R.RY, a sweet-and-sour ode to young love.
In 2012, she paused her solo career and performed as part of the rock band FLOWER FLOWER.
Then, in 2020, she resumed activities under the banner of a “restart.”