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)
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.
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.
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)
Take care and have a good day!Higuchi Ai
Ai Higuchi is known for her powerful, expansive vocals that instantly captivate listeners.
She began playing piano in childhood and is a singer-songwriter with roots in classical and jazz.
She made her major-label debut in November 2016 with the album “160 Degree.” Later, in 2022, she gained global attention for creating the ending theme for the TV anime Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2.
The song “Akuma no Ko” topped Apple Music’s J-Pop charts in many countries, and its profound themes resonated deeply with audiences.
Expanding her range of activities, she has also provided lyrics for the anime Bocchi the Rock! Ai Higuchi is an artist for those who want to be moved by candid lyrics that portray everyday struggles and by the expressive power of her piano-and-vocal performances.