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.
Roundup of Classic & Trending Singer-Songwriter Acts (11–20)
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.
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.”
milk teaFukuyama Masaharu
A singer-songwriter who, while possessing the talent and presence to star in television dramas and films as an actor, has also released numerous hit songs thanks to his extraordinary musical gifts.
Songs like “Sakurazaka,” “Let’s Become a Family,” and “milk tea,” sung over the delicate, beautiful tones of an acoustic guitar, have been embraced by a wide range of listeners as classics that distill the appeal of solo voice-and-guitar performance.
What’s more, despite being a strikingly handsome head-turner, he casually uses risqué jokes at live shows and on the radio—an endearing contrast that fans can’t resist.
He’s an artist with many facets, showcasing his talent in every field.
Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
While he has a career as an actor, he is also a singer-songwriter whose total CD sales have surpassed 20 million.
The rugged lyrics heard in songs like “Junrenka,” “Shabondama,” and “Tonbo,” his distinctive voice, and his driving acoustic guitar continue to captivate fans without losing their shine over the years.
In addition, the all-night live concert held on a special stage at the foot of Mount Fuji, which was a huge success in 2015, drew about 100,000 applications from across the country and is still talked about as a legend today.
He’s an artist whose big-brother-like presence enchants not only women but men as well.
MelodyTamaki Kōji
A singer-songwriter who made his major debut in 1982 as the vocalist of the rock band Anzen Chitai, forging a one-of-a-kind presence with outstanding vocal prowess—praised by professionals—and distinctive live performances.
In addition to his songwriting and composing talent, he is known as a multi-instrumentalist who can play a wide range of instruments, including guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, and percussion.
He often performs solo with an acoustic guitar, as heard in signature songs like “Melody” and “Den-en,” and the simple arrangements further highlight the power of his vocals.
He remains an active, legendary musician to this day.
Roundup of Classic and Trending Singer-Songwriter Performers (21–30)
Storysakaiyuu
Yu Sakai’s voice—hailed as a “silky voice that invites tears”—resonates deeply with the heart.
A master keyboard-vocalist, he crafts one-of-a-kind pop grounded in R&B and soul, enriched by a wide musical palette.
He even moved to the U.S.
alone at 22 and taught himself piano.
After making his major-label debut in October 2009 with the single “Story,” he drew major attention, including being selected for power play on 43 FM stations nationwide.
You might also know him from the opening theme of the anime Nodame Cantabile Finale and for singing “Happy☆Boogie,” the theme song of the latter half of the 2023 NHK morning drama series.
His ever-expanding activities—such as collaborations with world-renowned musicians and an appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts—are equally compelling.
He’s an artist you should definitely check out if you want to immerse yourself in soulful piano and vocals.