Celebrities who are easy to impersonate: Popular impressions that are often mimicked and get the crowd going
Impersonating celebrities is a classic way to get the crowd going at company parties and mixers.
It’s also popular as entertainment or even for self-introductions, and plenty of people probably want to give it a try themselves.
That said, it can be hard to decide which celebrity to impersonate, and ideally you’d want to know some impressions that are easy to learn!
So in this article, we’ll introduce lots of simple, approachable celebrity impressions that are sure to liven up any event.
We’ve picked well-known celebrities regardless of gender, so choose the impression that suits you best and take your time practicing.
- [Simple Impressions] Fun Classic Bits Even Beginners Can Do [2026]
- [Easy to Imitate] Comedian Impressions: Crowd-Pleasing Entertainment and Performance Ideas
- [Easy to Try] Anime That Are Simple to Imitate: Characters That Are Easy to Voice Imitate
- [Entertainment/Performance] Impressions that women will nail (crowd-pleasing impersonations)
- No need to fear impossible requests!! A roundup of impersonation repertoire recommended for men
- One-liner gags that will have your school in stitches: a collection of bits to make you the class favorite.
- Impersonations of singers that are crowd-pleasers for entertainment/acts
- Conquer “Do something funny!!”: One-hit gags that fire up the office
- I want to do impressions! A selection of recommended artists that will be a hit for entertainment and performances
- Popular comedy and manzai bits that elementary school kids will love. Simple one-liner gags.
- Aim to be popular! A party trick that will hype up the school
- [Hilarious] One-Liner Gags That Kill at Parties and Events
- [Comedy] Summary of Recently Popular Bits and Gags
Celebrities who are easy to impersonate: Popular impressions that people often do and that really hype up the crowd (41–50)
Kunie Tanaka
Kunie Tanaka, one of Japan’s most iconic actors, is a true veteran.
His distinctive presence and look make him perfect for impersonations.
He’s appeared in numerous Japanese films and left a strong impression, so there are tons of famous lines and memorable scenes.
Try nailing his speech patterns and facial quirks, and give it a go.
It’ll be a fantastic addition to your repertoire that will resonate even with older generations!
Masakazu Tamura
When it comes to Masakazu Tamura, it’s got to be the “Furuhata Ninzaburō” series.
That intensely idiosyncratic acting of his is so memorable.
The black suit, the gesture of putting his hand to his forehead, that sticky, drawling way of speaking and the famous lines, his unique sense of timing—there are so many distinctive moves, so study them in detail and try to copy them.
If that’s too hard, exaggerating it to about the level of Hollywood Zakoshishou could be an option!
Kenichi Mikawa
This is one of impressionist Korokke’s classic routines.
In fact, you might feel like you’ve spent more time watching Korokke’s version of Kenichi Mikawa than the real Mikawa himself! The signature is that slicked-down hairstyle, so if you want a big laugh, it’s worth getting that wig.
For the facial mimicry, the basics are to twist your mouth and look disgruntled.
Keep your voice as low as possible! It’s also crucial to have the lyrics of the hit song “Sasori-za no Onna” down cold.
Korokke always holds the microphone at a right angle, so pay attention to those finer imitation details, too.
And try slipping in the famously popular commercial line—“Chotto hashikko arukinasai yo” (“Walk along the edge, would you?”)—throughout the song!
Tatsuya Fujiwara
Tatsuya Fujiwara, who has appeared in many talked-about screen productions including Death Note, is widely known and popular, and his distinctive character makes him a frequent target for impressions by many entertainers.
A good angle is to do impressions along the lines of “What if Tatsuya Fujiwara did ○○?” while playfully adapting his signature lines from roles.
It might actually go over better—and be funnier—if the performer creates a deliberate contrast by only mimicking his hairstyle and eyebrows, leaving a gap with the rest of their appearance.
Ryoko Shinohara
Ryoko Shinohara is also one of the celebrities who are popular among impressionists.
Her slightly nasal voice is distinctive.
Impressionists who mimic Shinohara include Ayano Fukuda, Sara, and Komori from Ume Kobachi, who also does a good impression.
It’s a good idea to watch videos and study lines she often says.
In her recent drama Haken no Hinkaku, famous lines include “So what?” and “Understood,” and these have even been made into LINE stickers.
Also, be sure to note her gesture of occasionally running her fingers through her long hair!
Akira Nakao
When it comes to impersonating Akira Nakao, it’s all about that signature “twisty-twisty shawl.” It can be a scarf, a bath towel—anything—just wrap it around your neck and twist it around.
Then say something that sounds like the sort of thing Nakao-san would say, for example, “When it comes to taste, you know, once you start putting it into words, it’s all over,” and deliver it with lots of pauses—it’s strangely convincing.
He’s also famous for being a devoted husband, so it works well to sprinkle in lines like “Shino, Shino,” here and there, or “My Shino…” There’s so much to imitate that it’s especially recommended for beginners!
Sei Hiraizumi
Imitating Japan’s renowned actor Sei Hiraizumi has practically become a sure-fire hit.
Many men can produce that husky voice fairly easily, and it’s a great impression to master because the characteristics are easy to grasp.
That part is simple enough, but to really set yourself apart from the competition, it comes down to the lines.
Let’s look for some of his richly nuanced lines—he often plays deeply flavorful roles—and try mimicking them.
Shizuka Kudo
We used to see lots of TV impressions of Shizuka Kudo, the singer who’s married to former SMAP member Takuya Kimura, didn’t we? She has quite distinctive facial features, which people mimic, but if you also lean into the trendy hairstyles and padded-shoulder suits, it could become a really deep repertoire.
I’d love to see her impersonator perform together with someone who does a Takuya Kimura impression!
Eikichi Yazawa
Do you know Yazawa B-Kichi from the impersonation duo “Kurisottsu”? He’s not just spot-on with the singing—his gestures and facial expressions are so similar that at a glance you can hardly tell whether it’s actually Eikichi Yazawa himself.
Many people who impersonate Yazawa wear a white suit and style their hair like a pompadour, so those details are likely key points to nail.
If you’re doing karaoke, having a mic stand makes it even better—you can do the classic bit where you turn your face away from the mic when you’re not singing! For the vocals, the trick is a husky voice and drawing out the ends of phrases.
The recommended song is “Tomaranai HA~HA.” It’s guaranteed to hype up the crowd with call-and-response!
Haruka Ayase
When it comes to impersonating Haruka Ayase, you think of Sara, right? I’ve had so many moments where I did a double take at the TV, thinking, “Wait, that wasn’t actually Haruka Ayase?” If you have a kimono, you can impersonate Ayase from the drama Jin.
Just scurry around a bit and shout “Dr.
Sakamoto!” and it’ll be a big hit.
Watch Ayano Fukuda’s impressions too to pick up some tips.
Also, it’s funny to sprinkle in lines from commercials she’s in, like “SK-II!!” or “Panasonic!!” at key moments!