Top 10 Best Male Singers of Japan

Solo artist or lead vocalist of a band, if he has a career in Japan, put his name here.

The Top Ten
  1. Ohno Satoshi

    I honestly feel that the control he has over his voice is highly commendable. He is able to do vibrato easily, thanks to his training when he was younger doing stage plays. He knows when to sing from the diaphragm, head, or throat.

    The way he sings high notes and holds them there can give me goosebumps too. Some people who have gone to Arashi concerts say that his recording voice is so similar to his live singing voice that they can't tell them apart. He has great flexibility too, whether he needs to sing high or low.

    His voice is also very stable and won't break. His singing voice is very wholesome. It's very complete, not too airy. This is probably because he often sings using his diaphragm, and he is the lead singer too.

  2. Toshi

    Toshimitsu Deyama, known exclusively by his stage name Toshi, is a Japanese singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the heavy metal band X Japan. Toshi has also pursued a solo career and remains a prominent figure in Japanese rock music.

    Toshi is a wonderful singer, but I also like T.T. Revolution, Atsushi Sakurai, and Hide. I thought for a long time about whom to vote for. I chose Toshi because he, along with Yoshiki, is the founder of the legendary band X Japan, the fathers of Japanese rock.

    He has a charming voice and crazy energy. I thank him for what he does and hope he continues to do so.

    I love his voice. It's amazing and beautiful. When he sings Yoshiki's songs, it really shakes my heart and soul.

    It also hits my brain - sad, love, jealousy, grey, blue, red - the emotions that were never explained concretely. I can understand them through his beautiful voice! Love you, Toshi! Cool guy!

    I also feel invigorated when I listen to songs from Toshi's solo career.

  3. Gackt

    Gakuto Oshiro (大城 ガクト Ōshiro Gakuto, born July 4, 1973), better known by his mononymous stage name Gackt, is a Japanese musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He has been active since 1993, first as the frontman of the short-lived independent band Cains:Feel and later for the now-defunct... read more

    GACKT puts 110% into everything he does - singing, acting, dancing, and more. He weaves stories throughout his albums and performances, making them all the more breathtaking. The power and emotion in his live shows are palpable, even when watching them on DVD.

    His music and voice transcend languages and boundaries.

    He has a deep, full voice but can also reach angelic highs. His musical range spans from calm to unsettling, from crazy to cheerfully fun. He sings in English and incorporates both Western and Japanese styles.

    On top of singing, he plays multiple instruments. His lyrics are deep and well-timed, and most of his songs are part of larger stories. These are just a few arguments for why he's a great singer.

  4. Hide

    Hideto Matsumoto, better known by his stage name Hide, was a Japanese musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is primarily known for his work as the lead guitarist of the heavy metal band X Japan. He also had a successful solo career before his death in 1998.

    I love the way he can do so much with his voice. One minute, it seems to be his "true" voice, and then the next, it has changed again. It's such fun.

    He's an inspiration to all of us. I love him to death. His voice is so amazing to listen to. I just can't get enough.

    Hyde is cool. He's got nice hair and stuff.

  5. Yasu (Janne Da Arc)

    This man's versatility for writing beautiful, memorable songs and his voice are an inspiration. He sounds very much the same, whether it's during a live performance or on the CD. There aren't too many people out there about whom I can say the same.

    His live voice is great, as others have already mentioned. His ability to reach high notes is most impressive, though. Just listen to "Yes."

    His voice sounds the same whether it's live, recorded, or in a video clip. He has a different voice than any other singer. Everyone will know it's Yasu if he sings a song.

  6. HYDE

    Hyde, born Hideto Takarai on January 29, 1969, is a Japanese musician, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is the lead vocalist of the rock band L'Arcen~Ciel, which has achieved major commercial success in Japan and internationally. Hyde also maintains a solo career and has released several... read more

    I fell in love while watching his live performance. He can deliver an idealistic image to the entire audience through his impeccable voice and passionate movement.

    He's not a real person! He's more like a figure that all of us dream to be, an image that exists only in our unconscious minds.

    Whether in L'arc or in Vamps, his performance is of great variety, yet beautiful. His voice can be both masculine and feminine, yet resonates like that of an angel. He's got talent but never shows off.

    He's definitely one of the greatest artists in the world.

    I love him. The first English word I remember from primary school is because of his voice: I like his voice. Even without knowing the translation, the sentence piqued my interest. Once I understood the meaning, I liked it even more.

    However, it wasn't until I saw the 15th-anniversary live broadcast of the Rainbow Band on television six years later that I truly understood. His singing is magical. It can seize your soul and lead you to the unknown wonders of the world.

  7. Sakurai Atsushi (BUCK-TICK)

    There are many good vocalists on this list, but none have managed to remain a passionate musician in the same band for decades without degrading their quality. Atsushi sounds as wonderful as he did years ago and has participated in many genres with ease.

    I've loved the sound of his voice since I was 12 (I'm about to turn 23), and since then, it's been very calming and nostalgic to hear his music, as well as Buck-Tick's. Even if I go through phases with other music, I consistently return to Buck-Tick.

    I'm thankful they are still together and making their own label, so Atsushi's voice can continue to be enjoyed in new music.

    He's the best. He's the master. Sakurai Atsushi is the only one who can interpret all musical styles with innate talent and professionalism. But it's not just that. He is the only singer, and above all, an interpreter, who has varied vocally from the beginning of his music career until now.

    You will never hear a BUCK-TICK song that sounds like another. They make music to express feelings, not to seek recognition or top sales like other bands. If they are where they are, it's because they've earned it. They have talent.

    That's why Sakurai Atsushi is the best male singer and the best interpreter in the world (along with ISSAY from Der Zibet).

    (Chile)

  8. Masatoshi Ono

  9. Tatsurou (Mucc)

  10. Yamapi

  11. The Newcomers
  12. ?

    Nishijima Takahiro (AAA)

    Nissy's singing is great. I love him when he sings with AAA, but I also love his singles.

    Ahh. Nissy is the reason why I love AAA. I keep replaying Niji just to hear his high notes.

  13. ?

    Kazuhara Ryuto (GENERATIONS)

    Ryuto's face always looks eternally cross, but his voice is so gentle and warm! He's one of the best vocalists in Exile Tribe!

  14. The Contenders
  15. Ruki (The Gazette)

    Ruki is utterly fantastic in every way possible. He's got such a mesmerizing and unique voice that entraps everyone. Most of his songs are so overflowing with emotions that they make you shed tears without even realizing it.

    I always cry while listening to Reila, Cassis, Without a Trace, Guren, and Calm Envy. His live performances are incredibly amazing and without equal. To sum all this up, Ruki is a marvelous vocalist and, before that, a marvelous human being. Thumbs up for him and the whole awesome band! GAZROCK forever!

    AWESOME! How can one guy have such an amazing voice? Unlike other singers, he has a special voice that shakes our minds and sets them free. The energy he has in his voice is unbelievable.

    At first, he had an emo look, and now he's changed his look, but I still love him. I don't care what others think of him. He's one in a million and everything that J-pop needs. It'll take another 1,000 years to find another person like him with that special quality in both his voice and his personality.

  16. Kamenashi Kazuya

    His voice is very beautiful and sexy. His song is really full of soul. When I hear his song, a scene appears in my heart. Kazuya Kamenashi is the best and a wonderful singer.

    He's a total package! Aside from his good looks, he really is a multi-talented artist. He plays baseball as well. What more could you ask for?

    I really love his voice and the way he puts all the feeling into the lyrics, especially when he sings ballad songs.

  17. Yuya Matsushita

    He has a gift, and it's a very rare one indeed. He has been striving all his life for these wonderful moments on stage. He is absolutely committed to what he is doing. He's a great dancer, singer, and actor.

    I question what he can't do. Even though he has come this far, he continues to challenge himself and pours his heart out during his concerts. Honestly, all his songs have an effect on me, especially the ones he wrote himself. I, along with many others, will continue to support him no matter what. May the best of luck be with you, Yuya!

    The love of my life. Not literally, laugh out loud. He embodies everything a girl could want in a boyfriend. He's handsome, sweet, comical, and entertaining. Just looking at his face is enough.

    As a singer, his voice is soothing and nice. Songs like Kimi E No Love Song are just lovely. This song never fails to calm me down if I'm agitated or whatever. He even writes his own songs, which are just as lovely. Please vote for him! He is definitely worth your vote.

  18. Kyo (Dir en Grey)

    Kyo is a Japanese musician, singer, lyricist, and poet. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the metal band Dir En Grey, which he has been with since its formation in 1997. Before joining Dir En Grey, he was a member of the visual kei band La:Sadie's.

    Not only does Kyo have an amazing vocal range, from screaming to growling and everything in between, but the emotion he puts into his singing is also incredible. Some songs he's sung have made me cry just from the feeling he put behind them.

    Music is my life, so I've heard some good vocalists and some not-so-good vocalists. Kyo is my favorite, and there is not one person out there like him. They can try all they want, but Kyo is the only person in the world who can do what he does, with the range and emotion that he has.

    Over the years, I've listened to all kinds of music. I've never come across anyone as talented as Kyo. His voice is priceless, not only for how well he sings but also because he expresses so much raw passion and emotion in every lyric that comes out of his mouth.

    There's really no category you can put him in except for brilliance. I was recently introduced to Dir en Grey, and I have to say I've never felt as connected as I do with Dir en Grey and the brilliance of Kyo's voice.

  19. Akanishi Jin

    I like Jin, especially when he's with Kamenashi Kazuya. They're the perfect duo for me. They almost make me cry because of joy when I see them together.

    More power to both of you. God bless. I hope you visit the Philippines.

    I like Jin's voice and, of course, his smile. He might not be really good as a host, but if he only opens his mouth once, it brightens the whole show. His acting is natural, not to mention his ability to dance.

    He has such a sensual voice. I love it! His vocal range is really wide. Even when he was in Kat-Tun, he usually got the really hard parts because of his voice.

  20. Matsumoto Jun

    When I saw him on HanaDan, seriously, my jaw dropped! He's one of the cutest and hottest Japanese actors I've ever seen in my whole life!

    Plus, the curly hair looks so good on him!

    Matsumoto Jun is an awesome singer. Oh, and not just a singer but also an awesome actor!

    He is so smart, with a lovely smile and a cute voice. My soul is Matsu-Jun. I really love him.

  21. Yamada Ryosuke

    He may not have the best singing voice in the world, but his singing voice is very soothing, calming, and sweet. The latest HSJ Smart Concert DVD has shown how he has transformed into an awesome, complete package idol with impressive live singing skills.

    Ganbatte Ryosuke! Awesome, Hey Say JUMP!

    I have known and loved him since his debut with Hey! Say! 7. He has grown so much, and his solo debut was amazing. He is the best singer in HSJ, a cute but also cool and mature guy with the most amazing smile.

    His voice is so sexy, and he has a pretty face. That's so kawaii! He can be a cute boy one moment and a cool guy the next. He has won many awards for being an ideal lover.

    He made his debut in 2013 and is the center of the idol group Hey! Say! JUMP.

  22. Tatsuya Ueda

    He has a variety of ways to sing and changes his singing style according to the songs - sometimes wildly, other times sweetly and emotionally. He also plays the piano and the guitar and composes lovely tunes. He's so talented!

    He looks cool in appearance, but his inside and reactions are so cute. He always thinks about what to do to make his fans happy. He plays various characters in plays.

    He has a powerful and sweet voice. His singing voice is so gentle. I love his performances and his sweet voice.

    He easily changes his voice according to the tone of the song, sometimes wildly, other times sweetly. He plays the piano and composes lovely songs. He's an attractive man with lovely smiles!

  23. Kamijo

    He has a good voice and strong vocals that will make every single person melt. He deserves to be at least in the top 3.

    He's one of the best vocalists ever! He deserves to be at least in the top 5! KAMIJO's voice is so beautiful!

    Kamijo has a unique and elegant voice. He's great at screaming too. His voice continues to develop.

  24. Yuta Furukawa

    Yuta Furukawa is new and fresh to the Japanese music scene. He is extremely unique in the way he can relate and connect with people all over the world, not just in Japan, with his beautiful melodies and amazing lyrics that don't need translating to connect with the Western audience.

    Yuta Furukawa is a terrific musician, specializing not just in singing but in guitar playing as well. He deserves to be more recognized in the music world, not only in his own beautiful country of Japan but worldwide as well.

    If you want new and exciting music that connects with all aspects of life, you can't go past the brilliance that is Yuta Furukawa. You won't be disappointed!

  25. Sakurai Sho

  26. Atsushi (Exile)

    EXILE has lots of great songs, from soothing ballads like Ti Amo and Futatsu no Kuchibiru to catchy dance tracks like 24Karats (any version), and that is achieved solely by the golden voice of Atsushi.

    He has a sweet voice. He always sings with passion. His singing can melt your heart!

    He has a very good voice. See him singing and you will know how good this Mr. EXILE voice is.

  27. Masaki Aiba

    His voice is so unique and great to listen to. His voice really stands out from the rest of Arashi. I hope other people can agree with me.

  28. Byou (Screw)

  29. Miura Daichi

    He's the best singer and dancer I've ever seen. I do believe that Daichi will go much higher than this. D. M, Ganbatte! I wish you all the best of luck.

    Golden kid - mad talent. His live performances speak for themselves.

    What? Fifty-seventh? Needs to be higher. He has a great voice and dancing skills.

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