In Japan, there are many male singers who are not only active internationally but also contribute their voices to dramas and movies as theme song performers. These artists offer more than just attractive visuals; their exceptional vocal skills add brilliance to everyday life through their music and provide motivation during tough times.
In this article, we will introduce the charms and signature songs of 12 popular Japanese male singers.
1.The History of Japanese Male Singers
After World War II, genres of music that soothed the nation’s war-torn spirit dominated Japan’s music scene, particularly Showa-era ballads and folk songs.
Around the 1950s, Western music genres like jazz, rock, and R&B began to gain popularity in Japan. Influenced by these styles, the 1970s saw a surge in popularity for rock and pop music, leading to the formation of many popular music groups.
In recent years, the popularity of male solo singers has grown, energizing the Japanese music industry.
2.Introducing 12 Popular Japanese Male Singers!
Japan boasts numerous active male singers. Below, we introduce some of the most popular artists, including those who are making waves internationally and those who perform both solo and in bands. If any of these artists pique your interest, be sure to check out their music and activities.
2-1.Toshinobu Kubota
Toshinobu Kubota is a singer-songwriter who debuted in 1986. Originally starting his career as a composer in 1985, he has provided songs for a wide range of artists, from idols to serious performers.
He is most notable for his outstanding vocal ability and timeless tracks. After nearly a decade of success in Japan, Kubota made his New York debut in 1993. His hits include “LA・LA・LA LOVESONG,” “AHHHHH!” and “Missing.”
2-2.Masaharu Fukuyama
Masaharu Fukuyama, who debuted in 1990, is primarily known as an actor but is a man of many talents,also working as a radio personality and photographer among other things.
His singing is characterized by a soft, deep voice, appealing to a wide audience. He uses his deep tones across a variety of song styles, from upbeat tracks to ballads, gaining popularity with both men and women. His notable songs include “HELLO,” “桜坂 (Sakurazaka),” and “家族になろうよ (Kazoku ni Narou yo).”
2-3.Ken Hirai
Ken Hirai, a solo vocalist who debuted in 1995, is known for his clear voice quality and expansive high notes.
He moves seamlessly from soul-stirring ballads to intense dance pop and sings across multiple genres including pop, house, hip-hop, and rock. Hirai is also known for providing unexpectedly different songs to other famous singers, showcasing new sides of them. His major hits include “Hitomi wo Tojite” and “POP STAR,” and he also gained attention for his cover of the children’s song “Ooki na Furudokei.”
2-4.HYDE
HYDE, who made his solo debut in 2001, was already well-known as the vocalist for the rock band L’Arc~en~Ciel.
His ability to sing stably across a wide range from low to high notes is a major appeal. Besides his solo and L’Arc~en~Ciel activities, HYDE has participated in various other units, showcasing his vocal talents. His androgynous visuals and overwhelming charisma have garnered him a fervent fan base.
His notable solo tracks include “evergreen” and “SEASON’S CALL,” while popular L’Arc~en~Ciel songs include “HONEY,” “READY STEADY GO,” and “Driver’s High.”
2-5.Koshi Inaba
Koshi Inaba is the vocalist for the Japanese rock band B’z. He debuted with B’z in 1988 and launched his solo career in 1997.
His singing is known for its powerful volume and impressive high notes. Inaba’s vocal techniques, which include vibrato and shouting, are highly regarded among Japanese rock vocalists.
His representative solo songs include “遠くまで (Tooku Made),” “羽 (Hane),” and “この手を取って走り出して (Kono Te wo Totte Hashiridashite).” As a member of B’z, he is also known for hits like “ultra soul,” “イチブトゼンブ (Ichibu to Zenbu),” and “いつかのメリー・クリスマス (Itsuka no Merry Christmas).”
2-6.Gen Hoshino
Gen Hoshino, who is also an actor and entertainer, is a singer-songwriter with a diverse range of talents, including authoring books. He began his singing career in 2010.
Hoshino’s music spans from dark ballads to cheerful pop, with his fresh pop tunes gaining particular popularity in recent years. He has released many songs tied to dramas, anime, and films, and notably performed the theme song for the drama “Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu,” in which he also starred.
His representative songs include “恋 (Koi),” “SUN,” and “アイデア (Idea).”
2-7.Dai Hirai
Dai Hirai debuted as a singer-songwriter in 2013. He is also a ukulele player and was involved in creating the theme song for the Honolulu Festival before his debut. Despite being from Tokyo, his music often evokes a tropical vibe, leading some to mistakenly think he is from abroad.
His voice is pleasantly clear and husky, making his music particularly accessible. Hirai’s straightforward lyrics and beautiful English pronunciation appeal to a wide age range of fans.
His notable songs include “Life is Beautiful,” “祈り花 (Inori Bana),” and “Slow & Easy.”
2-8.TAKA
TAKA is the vocalist of the rock band ONE OK ROCK. He possesses a powerful singing ability and can perform both rock and traditional Japanese enka.
ONE OK ROCK has aimed for international activity since its formation, starting with performances in Europe, Asia, and America in 2013.TAKA, who has studied English from a young age, speaks fluently, making his music easily relatable to English-speaking audiences.
Representative songs performed by ONE OK ROCK include “Wherever you are,” “完全感覚Dreamer (Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer),” and “キミシダイ列車 (Kimishidai Ressha).”
2-9.Kenshi Yonezu
Kenshi Yonezu made his major debut in 2012. Before that, he was known as “Hachi” on the Japanese video-sharing website Nico Nico Douga.
His music is characterized by the use of both acoustic and synthetic sounds. Yonezu is also skilled in illustration and dance, often creating his own jacket artwork and music video choreography.
His representative songs include “Lemon,” “アイネクライネ (Eine Kleine),” “LOSER,” and “KICKBACK.”
2-10.Fujii Kaze
Fujii Kaze debuted as a singer-songwriter in 2019. Influenced by his father, he began playing classical piano at a young age and started posting piano performances on YouTube at the age of 12.
His songs occasionally feature the dialect of his hometown, Okayama, and his absolute pitch and wide vocal range allow him to perform expressively across a variety of musical styles. Kaze’s humorous personality and handsome appearance have won him many fans.
His notable songs include “Nan Nan W,” “Shinunoga E-Wa,” and “Seishun Byou.”
2-11.Satoshi Iguchi
Satoshi Iguchi is the vocalist for the rock band King Gnu. He is known for his expressive abilities and also works as an actor. Iguchi is the frontman for King Gnu, known for enhancing the band’s popularity with flamboyant performances.
He graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts, Japan’s only national comprehensive arts university, and is known for his clear high-tone voice and charming character. In the band, he is a mood-maker, beloved for his humor and amiability.
King Gnu’s representative songs include “一途 (Itizu),” “白日 (Hakujitsu),” and “逆夢 (Sakayume).”
2-12.Vaundy
Vaundy is a singer-songwriter who made his debut on YouTube in 2019. Before his official debut, he gained attention by posting cover song videos on YouTube. In 2016, he enrolled in “Music Juku Voice” where he received vocal training and honed his singing skills.
Vaundy has released numerous songs with memorable melodies and is a multi-talented artist who not only writes and composes, but also handles the design and visuals for his music productions. His songs have been used as themes for dramas and commercials, capturing the hearts of many fans.
His representative songs include “Tokyo Flash,” “Fukakouryoku,” and “Kaiju no Hana Uta.”
Conclusion
Current Japanese male singers range from those who have been active since the early Heisei era to those who have recently exploded in popularity through social media. Each artist infuses deep messages into their music and captivates many with their exceptional vocal abilities.
If there are any singers introduced in this article that you are unfamiliar with, why not start by listening to their representative songs? The songs mentioned are just a portion of their extensive discographies, so you’re sure to find a favorite.
*This article is based on information available as of May 2024.
