Instrumentalist: 223 people
826aska (はちにいろくあすか, Hachiniiroku Asuka; born August 26, 2001) is a Japanese electric organist from Fukui Prefecture.…
826aska (はちにいろくあすか, Hachiniiroku Asuka; born August 26, 2001) is a Japanese electric organist from Fukui Prefecture. Her 2019 debut album, DEPARTURE, and her 2020 follow-up, possible, have both charted on the Oricon Albums Chart.
Moné Hattori (服部 百音, Hattori Mone; born September 14, 1999) is a Japanese violinist. She was the first-prize winner of…
Moné Hattori (服部 百音, Hattori Mone; born September 14, 1999) is a Japanese violinist. She was the first-prize winner of the 11th Lipinski and Wieniawski Competition for Young Violinists in Lublin, Poland. She was also the first-prize winner of the 7th International Competition for Young Violinists in Novosibirsk, Russia. She is the daughter of Takayuki Hattori, granddaughter of Katsuhisa Hattori, and great-granddaughter of Ryōichi Hattori.
Tatsuya Kitani (キタニタツヤ, Kitani Tatsuya; born 28 February 1996) is a Japanese musician, singer, lyricist, composer, and…
Tatsuya Kitani (キタニタツヤ, Kitani Tatsuya; born 28 February 1996) is a Japanese musician, singer, lyricist, composer, and arranger. He is the bassist of the trio band Sajou no Hana. He was also active as a Vocaloid producer under the name of "Konnichiwa Tanita-san" (Hello Tanita-san). The affiliated office is Smile Company, and the affiliated label is Echoes under Sony Music Entertainment Japan. His official fan club is "Club Unreality".
Shun Ishiwaka (石若駿, born 1992) is a Japanese jazz drummer. He has performed alongside artists such as Hiromi Uehara, Ai…
Shun Ishiwaka (石若駿, born 1992) is a Japanese jazz drummer. He has performed alongside artists such as Hiromi Uehara, Ai Kuwabara, Sakura Fujiwara, Jason Moran, Kurt Rosenwinkel, John Scofield, and Chris Potter.
Erena Terakubo (寺久保エレナ, born April 3, 1992) is a Japanese jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader based in the…
Erena Terakubo (寺久保エレナ, born April 3, 1992) is a Japanese jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader based in the United States. She is known for her work on alto saxophone and for performing internationally as a leader and sideman in contemporary jazz.
Yuuki Ozaki (尾崎雄貴, Ozaki Yūki; born May 27, 1991), is a Japanese musician, best known as the leading vocalist and…
Yuuki Ozaki (尾崎雄貴, Ozaki Yūki; born May 27, 1991), is a Japanese musician, best known as the leading vocalist and songwriter for the bands Galileo Galilei and BBHF. He also performs under his solo project warbear. In 2014, he began releasing solo material. He announced his new band "Bird Bear Hare and Fish" (renamed BBHF in 2019) during his solo concert on January 27. He released his first full length solo album "warbear" in December 2017.
Tomomi (Japanese: トモミ; born May 31, 1990) is a Japanese musician, singer and songwriter. She is best known as bassist…
Tomomi (Japanese: トモミ; born May 31, 1990) is a Japanese musician, singer and songwriter. She is best known as bassist of the all-female rock band Scandal since 2006. She occasionally sings lead vocals, and has co-written many songs throughout the band's career.
Seiya Ueno (上野 星矢, Ueno Seiya; born August 30, 1989) is a Japanese flutist and soloist.
Airi Suzuki (鈴木 愛理, Suzuki Airi; born 1989 in Tokyo, Japan) is a Japanese violinist.
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.
Mayuko Kamio (神尾 真由子, born June 12, 1986, in Toyonaka, Osaka) is a Japanese violinist. She won the First Prize at the…
Mayuko Kamio (神尾 真由子, born June 12, 1986, in Toyonaka, Osaka) is a Japanese violinist. She won the First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2007, the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 2000, and was the youngest prize winner at the International Yehudi Menuhin Violin Competition in 1998.
Shunsuke Daito (大東 駿介, Daitōh Shunsuke; born March 13, 1986) is a Japanese actor and fashion model. Currently, he is…
Shunsuke Daito (大東 駿介, Daitōh Shunsuke; born March 13, 1986) is a Japanese actor and fashion model. Currently, he is employed by the Blue Label a subsidiary of TV Asahi. Since debuting in 2005's Nobuta wo Produce, he has appeared in many Japanese dramas, movies, variety shows and on stage.
Riyoko Takagi (高木里代子, Takagi Riyoko; born 20 September 1984) is a Japanese jazz pianist and composer.
Ayaka Hirahara (平原 綾香, Hirahara Ayaka; born May 9, 1984) is a Japanese pop singer. She was affiliated with the…
Ayaka Hirahara (平原 綾香, Hirahara Ayaka; born May 9, 1984) is a Japanese pop singer. She was affiliated with the Dreamusic label until 2013 when she moved to Universal Music Japan.
Erika Matsuo (松尾 依里佳, Matsuo Erika; born January 14, 1984, in Katano, Osaka, Japan) is a Japanese violinist.
Emiri Miyamoto (宮本 笑里, Miyamoto Emiri) (born December 7, 1983), is a Japanese violinist. She is the second daughter of…
Emiri Miyamoto (宮本 笑里, Miyamoto Emiri) (born December 7, 1983), is a Japanese violinist. She is the second daughter of retired oboe player Fumiaki Miyamoto.
Yuki Shibamoto (柴本 幸, Shibamoto Yuki; born 18 October 1983, in Tokyo) is a Japanese actress, recorder player, and…
Yuki Shibamoto (柴本 幸, Shibamoto Yuki; born 18 October 1983, in Tokyo) is a Japanese actress, recorder player, and composer. Her father is Toshio Shiba, her mother is Kyoko Maya, and her aunt is Azusa Mano, who are all also actors.
Sayaka Shoji (庄司 紗矢香, Shōji Sayaka; born 30 January 1983) is a Japanese classical violinist. She was the first Japanese…
Sayaka Shoji (庄司 紗矢香, Shōji Sayaka; born 30 January 1983) is a Japanese classical violinist. She was the first Japanese and youngest winner at the Paganini Competition in Genoa in 1999.
Snarky Puppy is an American jazz fusion band led by bassist Michael League. Founded in 2004, Snarky Puppy combines a…
Snarky Puppy is an American jazz fusion band led by bassist Michael League. Founded in 2004, Snarky Puppy combines a variety of jazz idioms, rock, world music, and funk and has won five Grammy Awards. Although the band has worked with vocalists, League described Snarky Puppy as "a pop band that improvises a lot, without vocals".
Naoki Kawano (川野 直輝, Kawano Naoki; born February 22, 1982) is a Japanese actor and musician from Mobara, Chiba…
Naoki Kawano (川野 直輝, Kawano Naoki; born February 22, 1982) is a Japanese actor and musician from Mobara, Chiba Prefecture. He is a former Johnny's Jr. member and is no longer represented by Johnny & Associates. While a Johnny's Jr., he was part of Kaidan Trio, TOKYO, and Kawano Band. He was also formerly the drummer of the rock band Dustz, fronted by fellow actor Ray Fujita. His debut role as an actor was as the antagonist Long in the Super Sentai series Juken Sentai Gekiranger.
Shingo Murakami (村上 信五, Murakami Shingo; born January 26, 1982) is a Japanese singer, presenter, variety…
Shingo Murakami (村上 信五, Murakami Shingo; born January 26, 1982) is a Japanese singer, presenter, variety tarento,tarento and actor. He is the keyboardist of the Japanese male idol group Super Eight (previously known as Kanjani Eight).
Conisch (コーニッシュ, Kōnisshu; born April 19, 1981) is a Japanese composer, arranger, music producer, pianist and…
Conisch (コーニッシュ, Kōnisshu; born April 19, 1981) is a Japanese composer, arranger, music producer, pianist and keyboardist. His real name is Hiroaki Konishi (小西宏明, Konishi Hiroaki).
Hoshiko Yamane (山根星子, Yamane Hoshiko; born 4 April 1981) is a Japanese violinist, composer and performer based in…
Hoshiko Yamane (山根星子, Yamane Hoshiko; born 4 April 1981) is a Japanese violinist, composer and performer based in Berlin. She has been a member of Tangerine Dream since 2011.
Eriko Mukoyama, known as Anyango, is a female nyatiti player who is well known in Kenya.
Syu (Japanese: シュウ, Hepburn: Shū) is a Japanese musician, best known as the leader and guitarist of the power metal…
Syu (Japanese: シュウ, Hepburn: Shū) is a Japanese musician, best known as the leader and guitarist of the power metal band Galneryus. He also performs guitar and lead vocals in Spinalcord (formerly known as Aushvitz) and guitar in Animetal. Under his own name, Syu has released one studio album, one cover album and one instrumental album, each featuring collaborations with many guest musicians. He was voted the Best Guitarist in online music magazine Beeast's music awards four years in a row, from 2015 to 2018. In 2018, readers and professional musicians voted Syu the fourth best guitarist in the history of hard rock and heavy metal in We Rock magazine's "Metal General Election". His work on Galneryus' song "Emotions" was named the 73rd best guitar instrumental by Young Guitar Magazine in 2019.
Yuki Kohara (Japanese: 小原 裕貴, Hepburn: Kohara Yūki; born 21 May 1980) is a Japanese former singer, actor, and idol…
Yuki Kohara (Japanese: 小原 裕貴, Hepburn: Kohara Yūki; born 21 May 1980) is a Japanese former singer, actor, and idol whose career lasted from 1991 to 2000. He was a member of Johnny's Junior until 15 October 2000.
Takuya Kuroda (Japanese: 黒田 卓也, Hepburn: Kuroda Takuya; born 21 February 1980, in Ashiya, Hyōgo) is a Japanese jazz…
Takuya Kuroda (Japanese: 黒田 卓也, Hepburn: Kuroda Takuya; born 21 February 1980, in Ashiya, Hyōgo) is a Japanese jazz trumpeter and arranger. Kuroda came to music by joining his school's big band. Later he frequently visited jam sessions in Kobe. In 2003 he moved to the United States and was a course participant at Berklee College of Music before settling in Brooklyn, New York City. He later attended the College of Performing Arts of The New School, where he studied jazz and contemporary music, earning his degree in 2006. His study colleague José James became a close friend and musical partner, in 2014 producing his studio album Rising Son.
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).
Akira Fujioka (藤岡 章, Fujioka Akira; born 29 January 1980), better known by his stage name Afra, is a Japanese beatboxer…
Akira Fujioka (藤岡 章, Fujioka Akira; born 29 January 1980), better known by his stage name Afra, is a Japanese beatboxer from Suita, Osaka. His 2004 album, Digital Breath, peaked at number 43 on the Oricon Albums Chart. He formed the beatboxing band Afra & Incredible Beatbox Band in 2005 with Kei and K-Moon.
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
Tatsuro (Japanese: 逹瑯, Hepburn: Tatsurō; born August 21, 1979) is a Japanese singer and songwriter. He is best known as…
Tatsuro (Japanese: 逹瑯, Hepburn: Tatsurō; born August 21, 1979) is a Japanese singer and songwriter. He is best known as lead vocalist of the visual kei rock band Mucc since 1997. Tatsuro began a solo career in December 2021 and simultaneously released the albums = (Equal) and Hikagaku Hoteishiki the following year. Both reached the top 35 on the Oricon chart. His third album, Colors (2024), became his highest-charting solo release to date when it reached number 29.
Junpei Fujita (藤田 淳平, Fujita Junpei) is a Japanese arranger and composer, and a founding member of Elements Garden. His…
Junpei Fujita (藤田 淳平, Fujita Junpei) is a Japanese arranger and composer, and a founding member of Elements Garden. His work includes composition and arrangement of some tracks of singles and albums of Nana Mizuki including albums Hybrid Universe, Ultimate Diamond and Impact Exciter and singles "Wild Eyes", "Super Generation", "Junketsu Paradox", "Mugen" and Starcamp EP. He also composed music for a track on Mamoru Miyano album Wonder and Mamoru Miyano single Refrain. Along with other members of Elements Garden, he also worked on the soundtrack of the game Wild Arms XF, and composed and arranged music for the game G Senjō no Maō and franchise BanG Dream!. He also arranged music from the PC version of the visual novel Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka. He married singer Suara in 2009.
Hiromi Uehara (上原 ひろみ, Uehara Hiromi) (born March 26, 1979), often known mononymously as Hiromi, is a Japanese jazz…
Hiromi Uehara (上原 ひろみ, Uehara Hiromi) (born March 26, 1979), often known mononymously as Hiromi, is a Japanese jazz composer and pianist. She is known for her virtuosic technique, energetic live performances and blending of musical genres such as stride, post-bop, progressive rock, classical, nu jazz and fusion in her compositions. In 2021, she performed at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Shintarō Tokita (常田真太郎, Tokita Shintarō) is a member of the J-pop band, Sukima Switch. He was born February 25, 1978…
Shintarō Tokita (常田真太郎, Tokita Shintarō) is a member of the J-pop band, Sukima Switch. He was born February 25, 1978, in Midori-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture Japan. He has also produced Chitose Hajime's comeback single "Kataritsugu Koto", ending theme to Blood+. He enjoys soccer, judo and skiing. He especially loves music. He is usually identified with his large afro and wispy goatee. In 2008, Tokita produced the winner of the second annual Animax Anison Grand Prix competition, Catherine St. Onge's debut theme song for the anime adaptation of Valkyria Chronicles.
Masayuki Hiizumi (ヒイズミマサユ機, Hiizumi Masayuki; born February 12, 1978), also known by the name H Zett M (stylised as H…
Masayuki Hiizumi (ヒイズミマサユ機, Hiizumi Masayuki; born February 12, 1978), also known by the name H Zett M (stylised as H ZETT M) is a Japanese keyboardist and producer. He became a member of jazz instrumental band Pe'z in 1999, and was a member of Ringo Sheena's band Tokyo Jihen between 2004 and 2005. In 2007, Hiizumi debuted as a solo musician with the name H Zett M.
Dir En Grey (stylized as DIR EN GREY and previously as Dir en grey) is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in February…
Dir En Grey (stylized as DIR EN GREY and previously as Dir en grey) is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in February 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. With a consistent lineup of vocalist Kyo, guitarists Kaoru and Die, bassist Toshiya, and drummer Shinya, they have released twelve full-length albums. Numerous stylistic changes have made the genre of their music difficult to determine, though it is generally considered to be a form of metal. Originally a visual kei band, the members later opted for more subtle attire, but have continued to maintain a dramatic image on stage.
Asuka Sezaki (born 1977) is a Japanese classical violinist who made an international career.
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.
Akiko Yoshida (吉田亜紀子, Yoshida Akiko; born July 22, 1976) is a Japanese singer and songwriter performing under the stage…
Akiko Yoshida (吉田亜紀子, Yoshida Akiko; born July 22, 1976) is a Japanese singer and songwriter performing under the stage name Kokia (styled KOKIA). Her most well known songs are "Arigatō..." (ありがとう..., Thank You) (which reached number 2 in Hong Kong when it was covered by Sammi Cheng) and "The Power of Smile" (which topped at No. 8 in the singles chart). She is also recognized for her numerous contributions to anime/game soundtracks, the most notable being "Ai no Melody/Chōwa Oto (With Reflection)" for the film Origin: Spirits of the Past, "Follow the Nightingale" for the game Tales of Innocence, "Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi" for the anime Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino, "Dance of the Spirits" for the anime The Ancient Magus' Bride and "For Little Tail" for the game Tail Concerto. Kokia often performs in Europe, basing her activities in Paris and releasing music through Wasabi Records, a subsidiary of Kazé.
Keitaro Izawa (伊澤 啓太郎, Izawa Keitarō; born July 4, 1976), better known by his stage name Ichiyo Izawa (伊澤 一葉, Izawa…
Keitaro Izawa (伊澤 啓太郎, Izawa Keitarō; born July 4, 1976), better known by his stage name Ichiyo Izawa (伊澤 一葉, Izawa Ichiyō) is a Japanese pianist, vocalist and songwriter, best known for his work in the Ringo Sheena-helmed band Tokyo Jihen. He is also the lead vocalist and pianist of the band Appa.
Tadashi Matsuura (Japanese: 松浦忠史; born March 10, 1976), known exclusively by his stage name Kisaki (きさき), is a Japanese…
Tadashi Matsuura (Japanese: 松浦忠史; born March 10, 1976), known exclusively by his stage name Kisaki (きさき), is a Japanese musician, record producer and businessman, whose career in the visual kei scene spans more than 30 years. He is best known for having been the bassist of several bands, including La:Sadie's, Mirage, Syndrome, Kisaki Project, and Phantasmagoria. When Phantasmagoria disbanded in 2007, Kisaki announced his retirement as an active musician. However, in 2010, he ended his retirement and formed the band Lin -The End of Corruption World-. Kisaki also works as a record producer, including for his two former visual kei record labels, Matina and Under Code Production. These labels launched the careers of many bands, including Vidoll, The Gazette and 12012. In 2023, Matenrou Opera vocalist Sono stated that the visual kei scene would not be what it is today without Kisaki.
Akihito Okano (岡野 昭仁, Okano Akihito; born 15 October 1974) is a Japanese musician, vocalist of rock band Porno…
Akihito Okano (岡野 昭仁, Okano Akihito; born 15 October 1974) is a Japanese musician, vocalist of rock band Porno Graffitti.
Porno Graffitti (ポルノグラフィティ, Poruno Gurafiti), also known as Porno (ポルノ, Poruno), are a Japanese rock band from Onomichi…
Porno Graffitti (ポルノグラフィティ, Poruno Gurafiti), also known as Porno (ポルノ, Poruno), are a Japanese rock band from Onomichi (formerly Innoshima), Hiroshima Prefecture. The band got their name from the album Pornograffitti by the band Extreme. They currently record under the SME Records label and their agency is Amuse, Inc.
Rio Yamase (山瀬 理桜, Yamase Rio) is a Japanese violinist, arranger, and composer. She directed the music for the 2006…
Rio Yamase (山瀬 理桜, Yamase Rio) is a Japanese violinist, arranger, and composer. She directed the music for the 2006 Studio Ghibli animation short film Mizugumo Monmon.
Ryōta Komatsu (小松亮太, Komatsu Ryōta) (born October 30, 1973) is a Japanese bandoneón player. He has collaborated with…
Ryōta Komatsu (小松亮太, Komatsu Ryōta) (born October 30, 1973) is a Japanese bandoneón player. He has collaborated with Japanese violinist Taro Hakase in his own album La Trampera (2001), and with Bajofondo in their album Mar Dulce.
Mizuki Sano (佐野 瑞樹, Sano Mizuki; born September 26, 1973 in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese actor and the…
Mizuki Sano (佐野 瑞樹, Sano Mizuki; born September 26, 1973 in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, Japan) is a Japanese actor and the eldest member of Johnny's Jr., the trainee unit of the well-known talent agency Johnny & Associates. He is perhaps best known for his role in Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo and his various activities as a member of Johnny's Jr.
Norihiko Hibino (日比野 則彦, Hibino Norihiko; born September 3, 1973) is a Japanese video game composer and saxophonist.
Toku (styled TOKU) is a Japanese jazz musician from Niigata Prefecture, Japan. In addition to being one of the few…
Toku (styled TOKU) is a Japanese jazz musician from Niigata Prefecture, Japan. In addition to being one of the few professional jazz vocalists and flugelhorn players in Japan, he is known for promoting jazz in Japan and bringing elements of the genre into J-pop through collaborations with other artists. He has worked with clammbon, Miki Imai, Maki Oguro, Yuji Ohno, Mariko Takahashi, Ken Hirai, DOUBLE, m-flo, and Exile.
Shinji Takeda (武田 真治, Takeda Shinji), born December 18, 1972, is a Japanese actor, talent, and saxophone player. He has…
Shinji Takeda (武田 真治, Takeda Shinji), born December 18, 1972, is a Japanese actor, talent, and saxophone player. He has had notable roles in such works as The Incite Mill, Kyō Kara Hitman, and Tokyo Eyes.