Best Male Singers of Japan

Solo artist or leader vocal 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 lead vocalist and co-founder of the heavy metal band X Japan.

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 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 lead guitarist of the heavy metal band X Japan.

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.

4 Masatoshi Ono
5 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 then for... 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.

6 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.

7 Tatsurou (Mucc)
8 HYDE

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.

9 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.

10 Kyo (Dir en Grey) Kyo is a Japanese musician, singer, lyricist and poet. He is best known as the vocalist of the metal band Dir en grey. He has been with the band since its inception in 1997 and was formerly in 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.

The Contenders
11 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 4EVR!

12 Yamapi
13 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!

14 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!

15 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.

16 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.

17 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!

18 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.

19 Sakurai Sho
20 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.

21 Byou (Screw)
22 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? 57th? Needs to be higher. He has a great voice and dancing skills.

23 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.

24 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.

25 Asagi

After HYDE and Gackt (to whom everyone has to bow), Asagi definitely deserves a top-ten spot.

He's the vocalist for D and works on his own projects as well. He makes metal and goth lyrical and graceful.

How could Asagi be placed at 22? Well, it's up to others to describe him, but for me, Asagi is the best singer I have ever loved, aside from Tatsurou MUCC. Both of them are so talented, and I do think that he deserves a top-ten spot.

His voice is unique.

In my opinion, he is one of the best vocalists ever. It can't be that he is only in 19th place! I'm really looking forward to the concert in May.

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