Vaundy is a Japanese musician. He started his career in 2019 by independently uploading online, before breaking out…Vaundy is a Japanese musician. He started his career in 2019 by independently uploading online, before breaking out late in the year with the song "Tokyo Flash". He has released songs for multiple anime and live action TV series, most famously "Hadaka No Yusha" for Ranking of Kings and "Chainsaw Blood" for Chainsaw Man.
Kenshi Yonezu (米津 玄師, Yonezu Kenshi; born March 10, 1991) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, musician, producer, and…Kenshi Yonezu (米津 玄師, Yonezu Kenshi; born March 10, 1991) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, musician, producer, and illustrator. He started releasing Vocaloid music under the stage name Hachi (ハチ) in 2009. In 2012, he debuted under his real name, releasing music with his own voice. He has sold at least 4.2 million physical copies and over 7 million digital copies in Japan. Yonezu's 2018 single "Lemon" became his biggest hit in Japan, topping the Billboard Japan Hot 100 year-end chart for two consecutive years (2018–2019). His 2022 song "Kick Back" is his most successful single to date outside Japan, debuting on international charts including UK Rock & Metal Singles and US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, and was certified Platinum by the RIAA for 1,000,000 sold copies in the United States, becoming the first song with Japanese lyrics to achieve it. With his 2017 song "Peace Sign" certified Gold in 2026, he became the only artist to receive three RIAA certifications for Japanese-language songs.
Scandal (Japanese: スキャンダル, Hepburn: Sukyandaru) is an all-female Japanese rock band formed in Osaka in 2006. Although…Scandal (Japanese: スキャンダル, Hepburn: Sukyandaru) is an all-female Japanese rock band formed in Osaka in 2006. Although all four members have provided lead vocals, their primary roles are Haruna on vocals and rhythm guitar, Mami on lead guitar, Tomomi on bass guitar, and Rina on drums. With numerous overseas performances and anime theme songs, Scandal has built a considerable international fanbase. The band has been voted by fans across the world into the top ten of the "Most-Requested Artists" category of the J-Melo Awards every year since 2010, taking first place in 2014. Formed in August 2006 by four high school girls, Scandal played live street performances until they were noticed and signed to the indie label Kitty Records. In 2008, they released three singles and a mini-album while simultaneously touring the United States, France, and Hong Kong. That October, Scandal released their major debut single, "Doll", on Epic Records Japan. The band has performed the theme songs for several anime series, including "Shōjo S" and "Harukaze" for Bleach, "Shunkan Sentimental" for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, "Pride" for Star Driver, and "A.M.D.K.J." for GeGeGe no Kitarō.
Zone (ゾーン) was an all-female rock band started in Sapporo, Japan, in 1997. It started as a dance group and turned into…Zone (ゾーン) was an all-female rock band started in Sapporo, Japan, in 1997. It started as a dance group and turned into an all-female band. Zone has been categorized in a new genre called "bandol" (a portmanteau of the words "band" and "idol"). The band was started and managed by Studio RunTime and its first single, "Good Days", was released by the major record label Sony Records, on February 7, 2001. The group officially disbanded on April 7, 2013, when the last remaining member, Maiko Sakae, held the band's final event. Zone's most famous song is "Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono)", released on August 8, 2001. It sold about 744,000 copies in Japan.
Zone (ゾーン) was an all-female rock band started in Sapporo, Japan, in 1997. It started as a dance group and turned into…Zone (ゾーン) was an all-female rock band started in Sapporo, Japan, in 1997. It started as a dance group and turned into an all-female band. Zone has been categorized in a new genre called "bandol" (a portmanteau of the words "band" and "idol"). The band was started and managed by Studio RunTime and its first single, "Good Days", was released by the major record label Sony Records, on February 7, 2001. The group officially disbanded on April 7, 2013, when the last remaining member, Maiko Sakae, held the band's final event. Zone's most famous song is "Secret Base (Kimi ga Kureta Mono)", released on August 8, 2001. It sold about 744,000 copies in Japan.
Hiroaki Tsutsumi (Japanese: 堤 博明, Hepburn: Tsutsumi Hiroaki; born June 5, 1985) is a Japanese musician and composer…Hiroaki Tsutsumi (Japanese: 堤 博明, Hepburn: Tsutsumi Hiroaki; born June 5, 1985) is a Japanese musician and composer best known for his work on various anime television series. He started his musical career at the age of 14 when he first started playing the guitar. After winning a guitar contest three years later, he decided to become a professional musician and later graduated from Kunitachi College of Music. In 2013, he was given the role of lead composer for the first time with Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation. Since Hyperdimension Neptunia: The Animation, he has composed many series, including Dr. Stone, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Teasing Master Takagi-san.
Ryuta Yamamura (山村 隆太, Yamamura Ryūta; born 21 January 1985, in Matsubara, Osaka) is a Japanese musician, singer…Ryuta Yamamura (山村 隆太, Yamamura Ryūta; born 21 January 1985, in Matsubara, Osaka) is a Japanese musician, singer, songwriter, lyricist, composer and actor. He is the vocalist of the flumpool and The Turtles Japan.
Takayoshi Ohmura (Japanese: 大村孝佳, Hepburn: Ōmura Takayoshi; born 26 December 1983) is a Japanese musician and…Takayoshi Ohmura (Japanese: 大村孝佳, Hepburn: Ōmura Takayoshi; born 26 December 1983) is a Japanese musician and songwriter. In 2004, he released the album Nowhere to Go, which included contributions from Richie Kotzen, Mark Boals, and Doogie White. In 2005, Ohmura formed the band Cross Hard and issued the album Eclipse from East. In 2006, along with Cross Hard's bassist, Kaoru, he formed Gloria, releasing the albums MOTIF (2008) and Acrobatic Road (2009). Between 2015 and 2016, he was a member of Uroboros.
Toru Kitajima (Japanese: 北嶋 徹, Hepburn: Kitajima Tōru; born December 23, 1982 in Machida, Tokyo), better known as TK…Toru Kitajima (Japanese: 北嶋 徹, Hepburn: Kitajima Tōru; born December 23, 1982 in Machida, Tokyo), better known as TK, is a Japanese musician and singer-songwriter. He rose to prominence as lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter of the rock band Ling Tosite Sigure, which formed in 2002. In 2011, he started to release solo material as TK from Ling Tosite Sigure (TK from 凛として時雨).
Kazuki Watanabe (渡辺和樹, Watanabe Kazuki; April 7, 1981 – October 31, 2000), known by his stage name Kazuki (華月), was a…Kazuki Watanabe (渡辺和樹, Watanabe Kazuki; April 7, 1981 – October 31, 2000), known by his stage name Kazuki (華月), was a Japanese musician known as guitarist and lead songwriter of the visual kei rock band Raphael. The group became quite popular, with all their releases entering the top 40 of the Oricon chart, before disbanding after Kazuki died at the age of 19.
Akiko Noma (野間 亜紀子, born February 13, 1980), best known as Akko, was the bassist, back-up vocalist, and lyricist of…Akiko Noma (野間 亜紀子, born February 13, 1980), best known as Akko, was the bassist, back-up vocalist, and lyricist of GO!GO!7188. She has also released two solo albums under her maiden name Akiko Hamada (浜田 亜紀子). She sings, writes lyrics, and composes music. After getting married in October 2006, she changed her surname from Hamada to Noma (野間).
Yumi Nakashima (中島優美, Nakashima Yumi; born December 1, 1979) is a Japanese vocalist, guitarist and singer-songwriter.…Yumi Nakashima (中島優美, Nakashima Yumi; born December 1, 1979) is a Japanese vocalist, guitarist and singer-songwriter. She was the guitarist and main vocalist in the rock band GO!GO!7188 and is the founding member of Chirinuruwowaka. Nakashima has also released two solo albums since 2004.
Takahiro Konagawa (小名川 高弘, Konagawa Takahiro; born November 30, 1979 in Ōita Prefecture), nicknamed Kona, is a Japanese…Takahiro Konagawa (小名川 高弘, Konagawa Takahiro; born November 30, 1979 in Ōita Prefecture), nicknamed Kona, is a Japanese guitarist, singer, and musical composer from Kashiwa, Chiba. He came out as a guitarist of Charcoal Filter in November 1999. He has also performed as a solo artist since December 2003. His first solo album The first tears was released in July 2006. He played guitar on the Puffy AmiYumi song Tokyo I'm on My Way
Masaaki Yaguchi (Japanese: 矢口雅哲; born July 26, 1979), better known as Miya (ミヤ), is a Japanese musician, songwriter…Masaaki Yaguchi (Japanese: 矢口雅哲; born July 26, 1979), better known as Miya (ミヤ), is a Japanese musician, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as guitarist and leader of the visual kei rock band Mucc since 1997. He is also a guitarist of the supergroup Petit Brabancon. In addition to his work as a musician, Miya also works as a DJ and as a record producer and audio engineer for other artists. His private recording studio is named Sixinc Studio2. He also makes and sells homemade audio equipment with engineer Koji Watanabe under the brand name Yaguchi Watanabe Densen (矢口渡邉電線).
D'espairsRay (formerly stylized as DéspairsRay, D'ESPAIRSRAY or +DéspairsRay+) is a Japanese visual kei heavy metal…D'espairsRay (formerly stylized as DéspairsRay, D'ESPAIRSRAY or +DéspairsRay+) is a Japanese visual kei heavy metal band active from 1999 to 2011. The lineup of Hizumi on vocals, Karyu on guitar, Zero on bass and Tsukasa on drums remained the same, with the group having released four full-length records, three EPs and thirteen singles. Outside Japan, D'espairsRay have toured Europe and North America and had domestic releases in those territories. They performed at the Wacken Open Air festival in 2006, to several thousand people, and a second album, titled Mirror was released on April 11, 2007. They also performed during Jrock Revolution 2007 held on Memorial Weekend in Los Angeles, California. In 2008 they performed at the Taste of Chaos tour in the United States. On March 11, 2009, their third album Redeemer was released. In the summer of 2010, the band had a world tour entitled Human-Clad Monsters in which they performed in Japan, the US, Canada and Europe. After the last show of the tour, on December 30, the band went on an indefinite hiatus so Hizumi could recover from a rare throat condition. However, on June 15, 2011, D'espairsRay announced that they had no choice but to disband, due to Hizumi's health having no recovery in sight. D'espairsRay reunited for a one-night performance on July 29, 2014.
Yasuji Ohagi (大萩康司, Ohagi Yasuji) is a Japanese classical guitarist. He has been named a "guitar poet" by Japanese…Yasuji Ohagi (大萩康司, Ohagi Yasuji) is a Japanese classical guitarist. He has been named a "guitar poet" by Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shinbun.
John Clayton Mayer ( MAY-ər; born October 16, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He attended…John Clayton Mayer ( MAY-ər; born October 16, 1977) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, but he left for Atlanta in 1997 with fellow guitarist Clay Cook, with whom he formed the short-lived rock duo Lo-Fi Masters. After their split, Mayer continued to play at local clubs, refining his skills and gaining a minor following. He performed at the 2000 South by Southwest festival, and was subsequently signed by Aware Records, an imprint of Columbia Records through which he released his debut extended play (EP), Inside Wants Out (1999). His first two studio albums—Room for Squares (2001) and Heavier Things (2003)—were both met with critical and commercial success. The former album spawned the single "Your Body Is a Wonderland", which won Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards, while the latter album peaked atop the Billboard 200. By 2005, Mayer had moved away from the acoustic music that characterized his early records, and further delved into the blues and rock music that had originally influenced him. Forming the John Mayer Trio, he released the live album Try! (2005) and his third studio album, Continuum (2006). The latter was met with positive critical reception and was nominated for Album of the Year, and won both Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for its single "Waiting on the World to Change" at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. It was followed by Battle Studies (2009), which marked his return to pop. After having several controversial incidents with the media, Mayer withdrew from public life in 2010 and drew inspiration from the 1970s pop music of Laurel Canyon for the sound of his fifth studio album, Born and Raised (2012). Discovery of a granuloma on his vocal cords delayed the release of the album until May 2012, and forced him to cancel its accompanying tour. Despite favorable reception and becoming his second release to peak atop the Billboard 200, the album was less commercially successful than his previous work. Mayer recovered in January 2013 and released his sixth studio album, Paradise Valley in August of that year, which peaked at number two on the chart and incorporated country, folk, and Americana influences. His seventh album, The Search for Everything (2017) was a loose concept album based around themes of a romantic break-up. His eighth, Sob Rock (2021), was inspired by 1980s soft rock music. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Mayer at number 61 on "The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" list. Outside of his solo career, Mayer has produced and provided music for various artists spanning multiple genres, such as Frank Ocean, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Alicia Keys, Jack Harlow, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, Harry Styles, Daniel Caesar, Khalid, Jhené Aiko, Barbra Streisand, and Alex Warren, among others. In 2015, three former members of the Grateful Dead joined with Mayer and two other musicians to form the band Dead & Company. It was the latest of several reunions of the band's surviving members since Jerry Garcia's death in 1995. Mayer's secondary career pursuits extend to television hosting, comedy, and writing; he has authored columns for magazines such as Esquire. He supports various causes and has performed at charity benefits. He is a watch aficionado (with a collection he values in the "tens of millions" of dollars), contributing to the watch site Hodinkee, has been on the jury at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, and was appointed as the Creative Conduit of Audemars Piguet in 2024. By 2014, he had sold a total of over 20 million albums worldwide.
Akihide Satou (Japanese: 佐藤彰秀, Hepburn: Satō Akihide) is a Japanese guitarist, producer and member of the visual kei…Akihide Satou (Japanese: 佐藤彰秀, Hepburn: Satō Akihide) is a Japanese guitarist, producer and member of the visual kei rock band Breakerz under talent agency B Zone and record label Zain Records.
Masafumi Gotoh (後藤 正文, Gotō Masafumi) or Gotch (December 2, 1976) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and musician, best…Masafumi Gotoh (後藤 正文, Gotō Masafumi) or Gotch (December 2, 1976) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for the rock band Asian Kung-Fu Generation. Masafumi met fellow band members Kensuke Kita and Takahiro Yamada while attending a music club of Kanto Gakuin University. The three formed Asian Kung-Fu Generation in 1996, with drummer Kiyoshi Ijichi joining the band shortly after. As the main songwriter of the band, Gotoh is credited with writing a majority of their lyrics, but has a strong tendency to share songwriting duties equally among his bandmates. His vocal style most often alternates between soft, melodic singing, and harder, harsher, yelling. Masafumi has a degree in economics and his favourite artists include Weezer, Number Girl, Oasis, Teenage Fanclub, and Beck. He produces records for other artists such as Chatmonchy, Dr. Downer and The Chef Cooks Me. He was also one of the founding members of the band Skeletons (スケルトンズ). In 2010, Gotoh launched his own music label, only in dreams. In 2012, he started a solo project under the name Gotch, and released the single "'Lost". In 2014, he released his debut solo album, Can't Be Forever Young and released live album called, Live in Tokyo. In 2016, he released his second solo album, Good New Times, with most songs using English lyrics. In 2024, he established a non profit organization "Apple Vinegar Music Support" and is building a studio called "Music inn Fujieda" in Fujieda to support young and independent musicians. In March 2024, Gotoh released drone/ambient music album Recent Report I under his original name.
Haruichi Shindō (新藤 晴一, Shindō Haruichi; born 20 September 1974) is a Japanese musician, lyricist, composer, record…Haruichi Shindō (新藤 晴一, Shindō Haruichi; born 20 September 1974) is a Japanese musician, lyricist, composer, record producer and author who is affiliated with Amuse, Inc. His artist name at his debut was Haruichi (ハルイチ), and he formed a band named No Score with his classmates at high school which later became Porno Graffitti. Originally he was the lead vocalist, but since Akihito Okano joined, he became the lead guitarist and provided backing vocals. He is also a guitarist for THE Yatou.
Tetsu Takano (高野哲, Takano Tetsu; born December 12, 1972 in Obihiro, Japan) is a Japanese rock musician and…Tetsu Takano (高野哲, Takano Tetsu; born December 12, 1972 in Obihiro, Japan) is a Japanese rock musician and singer-songwriter. He first became known as vocalist of the visual kei rock band Malice Mizer from 1992 to 1994. After leaving them, Tetsu formed and performed with Mega8Ball from 1995 to 1997. From 1999 to 2002 he was part of the supergroup Zigzo, who became quite popular despite being an independent band and reunited in 2012. In addition to Zigzo, Tetsu is currently active in the bands Nil, The JuneJulyAugust, Disco Volante and Sillys, all of which are on his record label Afro Skull Records.
Chisato (千聖; stylized in all caps) (born on August 4, 1971) is a Japanese guitarist and singer. Originally known for…Chisato (千聖; stylized in all caps) (born on August 4, 1971) is a Japanese guitarist and singer. Originally known for being the guitarist of visual kei band Penicillin since 1992, in 1996 he started a solo career that has been successful in Japan. In 2003, he founded the solo project Crack6.
Akihito Tokunaga (徳永 暁人, Tokunaga Akihito) (born 22 September 1971) is a Japanese musician, composer and arranger.…Akihito Tokunaga (徳永 暁人, Tokunaga Akihito) (born 22 September 1971) is a Japanese musician, composer and arranger. After making a name for himself working for Being Inc. in the 1990s, he has been signed to Giza Studio from 2000 until 2023. In 2004, Tokunaga formed the rock band doa. After departure from the agency in 2023, he has become freelancer musician under independent company Floodlight.
Takurō Kubo (Japanese: 久保 琢郎, Hepburn: Kubo Takurō; born May 26, 1971 in Hakodate, Hokkaido), better known by his stage…Takurō Kubo (Japanese: 久保 琢郎, Hepburn: Kubo Takurō; born May 26, 1971 in Hakodate, Hokkaido), better known by his stage name TAKURO, is a Japanese musician and lyricist best known as one of the guitarists and leader of the rock band Glay, for which he is also the main composer and lyricist. As a musician and composer, Takuro has worked with different artists and has also released solo works. Takuro and his older sister were raised by a single mother, as she never remarried after his father's death, when Takuro was three years old. He considers his mother an early influence in his musical career, as he was strongly impressed by her singing.
Do As Infinity is a Japanese pop and rock band that formed in 1999 with three members: vocalist Tomiko Van, guitarist…Do As Infinity is a Japanese pop and rock band that formed in 1999 with three members: vocalist Tomiko Van, guitarist Ryo Owatari, and guitarist and composer Dai Nagao. The band's name is sometimes abbreviated as DAI, alluding to the fact that Do As Infinity was named after Nagao. Signed to Avex Trax, the band released their debut single "Tangerine Dream" on September 29, 1999, followed by three more singles between 1999 and 2000, which appeared on their debut album Break of Dawn (2000). In December 2000, Nagao decided to devote all his time to composing the music and no longer appeared at live events. Five more studio albums were released between 2001 with New World and 2005 with Need Your Love. With the release of their A-side singles compilation album Do the A-side (2005), Do As Infinity disbanded on September 29, 2005. The members continued work in the music industry, with Van pursuing a solo career, Owatari working with his band Missile Innovation formed in 2004, and Nagao continuing to work with other artists at Avex Trax. The band reformed on September 29, 2008, but Nagao did not return. Do As Infinity had their first new single release "∞1", in June 2009, followed by their seventh studio album Eternal Flame (2009). The band released their 11th and latest studio album Brand New Days in February 2015.
Shigeru Joshima (城島 茂, Jōshima Shigeru; born November 17, 1970) is a Japanese musician, actor and agricultural…Shigeru Joshima (城島 茂, Jōshima Shigeru; born November 17, 1970) is a Japanese musician, actor and agricultural entrepreneur. He was the leader and main guitarist of Tokio, a musical group of Starto Entertainment, formerly from Johnny & Associates, until its disbandment in 2025.
Jun Senoue (瀬上 純, Senoue Jun; born August 2, 1970) is a Japanese composer and guitarist. He is a sound director for the…Jun Senoue (瀬上 純, Senoue Jun; born August 2, 1970) is a Japanese composer and guitarist. He is a sound director for the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series by Sega and is also the songwriter of the rock duo Crush 40 which has contributed music to the series as well.
Concerto Moon (コンチェルト・ムーン, Koncheruto Mūn) is a Japanese neoclassical metal/power metal band formed in 1996 and led by…Concerto Moon (コンチェルト・ムーン, Koncheruto Mūn) is a Japanese neoclassical metal/power metal band formed in 1996 and led by guitarist Norifumi Shima. The band's first two albums were reissued by InsideOut Music in 2003.
Hirohisa Horie (堀江博久, Horie Hirohisa; born March 24, 1970, in Kanagawa, Kantō region) is a Japanese musician and…Hirohisa Horie (堀江博久, Horie Hirohisa; born March 24, 1970, in Kanagawa, Kantō region) is a Japanese musician and multi-instrumentalist. He plays primarily keyboards and guitar. Horie is one half of the Shibuya-kei duo Neil & Iraiza, and is known for his work with artists such as Kahimi Karie and Cornelius (as a member of the Cornelius Group).
Kazuya Takahashi (高橋 和也, Takahashi Kazuya; born 20 May 1969) is a Japanese actor, singer, songwriter and bassist. He…Kazuya Takahashi (高橋 和也, Takahashi Kazuya; born 20 May 1969) is a Japanese actor, singer, songwriter and bassist. He was a vocalist and bassist of Otokogumi, the Japanese rock band which was active during late 1980s and early 1990s. Takahashi has appeared in more than 50 films since 1988.
Ken (born November 28, 1968, in Maibara, Shiga) is a Japanese musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the…Ken (born November 28, 1968, in Maibara, Shiga) is a Japanese musician and singer-songwriter, best known as the guitarist of the rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. After he joined them in 1992, they went on to sell over 40 million records, making them one of the best-selling music artists in Japan. He has written a breadth of L'Arc-en-Ciel's material, including "Vivid Colors", "The Fourth Avenue Cafe", "Niji", "Kasou", "My Heart Draws a Dream", "Daybreak's Bell" and "Chase". Ken was also the vocalist and guitarist of the rock trio Sons of All Pussys (also known as S.O.A.P.), and has released a solo album entitled In Physical.
Kazuhito Iwaike (Japanese: 岩池 一仁, Hepburn: Iwaike Kazuhito; born on October 11, 1968), known exclusively by his stage…Kazuhito Iwaike (Japanese: 岩池 一仁, Hepburn: Iwaike Kazuhito; born on October 11, 1968), known exclusively by his stage name K.A.Z, is a Japanese musician and songwriter. He is known for his work with Oblivion Dust, hide with Spread Beaver and Vamps.
Atsushi Matsuura (松浦 篤志, Matsuura Atsushi; born 10 May 1968) is a Japanese guitarist born in Shiojiri, Nagano, Japan.…Atsushi Matsuura (松浦 篤志, Matsuura Atsushi; born 10 May 1968) is a Japanese guitarist born in Shiojiri, Nagano, Japan. He currently resides in the Philippines.
Tomoki Kikuya (菊谷 知樹, Kikuya Tomoki; born 21 February 1968) is a Japanese composer, arranger and guitarist. Kikuya is…Tomoki Kikuya (菊谷 知樹, Kikuya Tomoki; born 21 February 1968) is a Japanese composer, arranger and guitarist. Kikuya is best known for composing original soundtracks for anime series, including most notably Nisekoi, Eromanga Sensei, Bocchi the Rock!, Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs, A Sister's All You Need and Higehiro. He is represented by the music production company Popholic.
Kotaro Oshio (押尾 コータロー, Oshio Kōtarō; real name: 押尾 光太郎) is an acoustic guitarist from Japan. Born in Suita, Osaka, on…Kotaro Oshio (押尾 コータロー, Oshio Kōtarō; real name: 押尾 光太郎) is an acoustic guitarist from Japan. Born in Suita, Osaka, on February 1, 1968, he is best known for his work on the steel string guitar. Oshio is a part of Sony Music Japan's SME Records division. Oshio was voted the second greatest Japanese guitarist in a 2019 poll held by goo.
Ichiro Ito (伊藤 一朗, Itō Ichirō; born 10 November 1967) is a guitarist in the Japanese rock band Every Little Thing. Ito…Ichiro Ito (伊藤 一朗, Itō Ichirō; born 10 November 1967) is a guitarist in the Japanese rock band Every Little Thing. Ito also works in composition and, sometimes, arrangement of some of Every Little Thing's songs.
Michiya Haruhata (春畑道哉, Haruhata Michiya; born November 5, 1966) is a Japanese musical composer, guitarist and music…Michiya Haruhata (春畑道哉, Haruhata Michiya; born November 5, 1966) is a Japanese musical composer, guitarist and music producer under Sony Music Entertainment Japan. He is a member of the pop rock band Tube.
Yoshifumi Ushima (Japanese: 鵜島仁文; 9 September 1966 - 7 August 2022) was a Japanese singer-songwriter, composer…Yoshifumi Ushima (Japanese: 鵜島仁文; 9 September 1966 - 7 August 2022) was a Japanese singer-songwriter, composer, guitarist, arranger and music producer.
Hideto Matsumoto (Japanese: 松本 秀人, Hepburn: Matsumoto Hideto; December 13, 1964 – May 2, 1998), known professionally as…Hideto Matsumoto (Japanese: 松本 秀人, Hepburn: Matsumoto Hideto; December 13, 1964 – May 2, 1998), known professionally as Hide, was a Japanese musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He achieved international fame as the lead guitarist of the rock band X Japan from 1987 to 1997 and rose to prominence in Asia as a solo artist from 1993 to 1998, until his death. He also formed the United States–based rock supergroup Zilch in 1996. Hide sold millions of records, both solo and as a member of X Japan. X Japan rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, credited as founders of the Japanese visual kei movement. When they disbanded in 1997, he focused on his solo career which started four years prior and went on to enjoy significant popularity. At the height of his fame, while recording his third studio album and about to launch an international career with the newly formed Zilch, he died in 1998 of what was ruled a suicide by hanging. He was seen as an icon for Japanese youth rebelling against their country's conformist society, and his death was labeled "the end of an era".
Hideaki Kikuchi (菊地英昭, Kikuchi Hideaki; born December 7, 1964) is a Japanese musician. Born in Hino, Tokyo, he was…Hideaki Kikuchi (菊地英昭, Kikuchi Hideaki; born December 7, 1964) is a Japanese musician. Born in Hino, Tokyo, he was raised in Hachiōji. He is best known as lead guitarist of the rock band The Yellow Monkey.
Michihiko Ohta (太田 美知彦, Ōta Michihiko; November 23, 1964) is a Japanese singer, composer, and arranger who has worked…Michihiko Ohta (太田 美知彦, Ōta Michihiko; November 23, 1964) is a Japanese singer, composer, and arranger who has worked for several anime series such as Bubblegum Crash, Captain Tsubasa J, and Digimon.
Luke Takamura (Japanese: ルーク篁, Hepburn: Rūku Takamura; born April 12, 1964) is a Japanese musician, singer, and…Luke Takamura (Japanese: ルーク篁, Hepburn: Rūku Takamura; born April 12, 1964) is a Japanese musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as guitarist of the heavy metal band Seikima-II from 1987 to 1999, and for various temporary reunions since. From 2002 to 2020, he was the lead singer and guitarist of the rock trio Canta. Luke was voted the tenth greatest Japanese guitarist in a 2019 poll held by goo. He has cited Yuji Adachi, Steve Vai, Eddie Van Halen and Kazumi Watanabe as guitar influences. In 2018, readers and professional musicians voted Takamura the fifth best guitarist in the history of hard rock and heavy metal in We Rock magazine's "Metal General Election".
Yoshiki Fukuyama (福山 芳樹, Fukuyama Yoshiki; born September 14, 1963) is a Japanese musician, singer and songwriter. In…Yoshiki Fukuyama (福山 芳樹, Fukuyama Yoshiki; born September 14, 1963) is a Japanese musician, singer and songwriter. In the anime Macross 7 he was the singing voice and guitar of the show's main character, Basara Nekki. He joined the band JAM Project in 2003.
Aoyama Yōichi (青山 陽一) is a male Japanese popular music artist who started his career as a member of GRANDFATHERS. His…Aoyama Yōichi (青山 陽一) is a male Japanese popular music artist who started his career as a member of GRANDFATHERS. His album Blues for Tomato reached #255 in the Oricon charts on 31 October 2011.
Eiji Oguma (小熊 英二, Oguma Eiji) (born September 6, 1962) is a Japanese historical sociologist, a professor at Keio…Eiji Oguma (小熊 英二, Oguma Eiji) (born September 6, 1962) is a Japanese historical sociologist, a professor at Keio University, a documentary filmmaker, and a guitarist. Born in Akishima in Tokyo Metropolis in 1962, Oguma received his PhD from Tokyo University in 1998. Since 1997, he has been on the faculty at Keio University, where he was named a full professor in 2007. Oguma has written extensively on postwar social and political history, and issues of Japanese nationalism. Recently, he has turned to documentary filmmaking, directing a documentary on Japanese protests against nuclear power in the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, entitled "Tell the Prime Minister" (2015).
Masatoshi Mashima (真島 昌利, Mashima Masatoshi; born February 20, 1962) is a Japanese guitarist who has performed with…Masatoshi Mashima (真島 昌利, Mashima Masatoshi; born February 20, 1962) is a Japanese guitarist who has performed with Japanese rock bands such as The Blue Hearts, The High-Lows and The Cro-Magnons. He was born in Hino and raised in Kodaira in Tokyo, Japan. His nickname while playing was "Mashi."
