Sony Music Entertainment Japan Complete Artist Roster
Abingdon Boys School
Rock music, Alternative rockAbingdon Boys School (stylized as abingdon boys school) is a Japanese rock band formed in 2005 and fronted by Japanese singer Takanori Nishikawa. Formed in 2005, the band shares a name with the British independent school Abingdon School, in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, the all-male school where the rock band Radiohead was established.- Albums: Tokyo Rock City, abingdon boys school, ABINGDON ROAD, INNOCENT SORROW, BLADE CHORD
Bird
Pop music, J-pop, Rhythm and bluesBird, stylized as bird, is a Japanese singer.- Albums: bird, NEW BASIC, MINDTRAVEL, covers, Bird's Nest
access
Synthpop, Pop music, J-popAccess (also known as AXS) is a Japanese pop group. Its members are Daisuke Asakura and Hiroyuki Takami. Asakura is the primary composer/producer and featured keyboardist while Takami is the vocalist. Takami also writes a major portion of access' lyrics. Access is currently signed with Sony Music Japan. The name "access" is stylized in lowercase letters.- Albums: AXS SINGLE TRACKS, ACCESS II, access REMIX BEST TRACKS, Crossbridge, Misty Heartbreak
Miho Fukuhara
Pop music, Folk music, Rhythm and bluesMiho Fukuhara is a Japanese pop star who made an indies debut in 2006, releasing a single titled "The Roots" and mini-album titled Step Out. In early 2008, she made her major-label debuted under Sony Music Entertainment Japan . Her debut single, "Change", was the number ninety-two yearly song on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 Singles year-end charts for 2008. With her single, "Let It Out", she had her first major anime tie-in with Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. In early 2013, Fukuhara signed on to be the frontwoman of the worldwide music project Sweetbox, along with rapper/singer LogiQ Pryce.- Albums: Rainbow, HANABI SKY, Music is My Life, LOVE～winter song～, CHANGE
No Sleeves
Pop music, J-popNo3b (ノースリーブス Nōsurībusu?, "No Sleeves") is subunit from idol group AKB48's team A, produced by Yasushi Akimoto. They debuted in 2008, and have had three Oricon top 10 singles to date. The group has released two digital singles under the name Persona (ペルソナ Perusona?). The band's name is a stylised version of the phrase No Sleeves, which is a Wasei-eigo term for sleeveless clothes.- Albums: Lie, ノースリーブス, tane, kimishika, Kiss no Ryūsei
- Acid Android is the solo project of Yukihiro, drummer of the Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. They are signed to yukihiro's Tracks on Drugs label, a division of Ki/oon Records. Acid Android releases, as with the other L'Arc-en-Ciel members' solo projects, take place when they are on hiatus. To date Acid Android has released three albums, two mini albums, two singles, and three live DVDs. The band, in contrast to L'Arc-en-Ciel, uses a harder, faster sound, more stage-lighting and American and European-styled mechanics to further energize their concerts.
- Albums: purification, Acid Android, faults, let's dance, 13:Day:Dream
Sayuri Kokushō
J-popSayuri Kokushō is a Japanese actor, singer, and tarento. She was an original member of Onyanko Club. She works for the talent management firm Sony Music Artists. Her debut single, Valentine Kiss, is the most popular Valentine's Day song in Japan.- Albums: SUMMER SNOW, Pep Talk, Merry X’mas for You, TRANSIT, BALANCE OF HEART
- Acid Black Cherry (abbreviated as ABC) is the solo project of the former lead vocalist of Janne Da Arc, Yasu. The group was formed after Janne Da Arc announced their indefinite hiatus.
- Albums: Black List, Q.E.D., Recreation, Recreation 2, 2012
- Scha Dara Parr, or SDP for short, is a three-member Japanese hip-hop group that formed in 1988 and debuted in 1990.
- Albums: fun-key LP, The Cycle Hits: Remix Best Collection, 11
Okuda Shunsaku
Rock musicShunsaku Okuda is the leader of the Japanese rock/pop band, the brilliant green, where he plays bass guitar, rhythm guitar as well as composed the vast majority of the band's music. He also produces music under the pseudonyms Chiffon Brownie, Malibu Convertible, and Mark and John.- AKB48 is a Japanese idol girl group named after the Akihabara area of Tokyo, where the group's theater is located, and its original roster of 48 members. As of August 2014, the group has expanded to include 140 members aged from their early teens to their mid-20s. AKB48's producer, Yasushi Akimoto, wanted to form a girl group with its own theater and performing daily so fans could always see them live. This "idols you can meet" concept includes teams which can rotate performances and perform simultaneously at several events and "handshake" events, where fans can meet group members. Akimoto has expanded the AKB48 concept to several sister groups in Japan, China and Indonesia. The group is one of the highest-earning musical performers in Japan, with 2013 sales of over $128 million, and has been characterized as a social phenomenon. As of March 2014 the group has sold over 30 million records, including over 28.78 million singles as of May 2014, the second-highest musical act in Japan in the number of singles sold and the highest by a girl group.
- Albums: Set List: Greatest Songs 2006–2007, Koko ni Ita Koto, Kamikyokutachi, 1830m, Team A 1st Stage «Party ga Hajimaru yo»
- Takanori Nishikawa is a renowned Japanese singer and actor. He performs as T.M.Revolution, which stands for "Takanori Makes Revolution" although the name stems from the famous 80s pop electronic band TM Network. Despite most of his songs being written by Akio Inoue and composed/arranged by Daisuke Asakura, T.M.Revolution is considered Nishikawa's solo project. Nishikawa is also known for contributions of ending and opening themes to many notable anime and game series. Nishikawa debuted as TMR with the release of his first single "Dokusai" in May 1996. Later that year, his third single "Heart of Sword" was used as the third ending song for the anime series Rurouni Kenshin, further expanding his fan base. He also contributed six songs to the Mobile Suit Gundam SEED franchise – three for Gundam SEED and three for Gundam SEED Destiny. Nishikawa has guest starred as a minor character in each of those anime series that featured his songs. In 2010, his single "Save the One, Save the All" was used as the ending theme song for the movie Bleach: Hell Verse.
- Albums: UNDER:COVER, Ignited, Makes Revolution, DISCORdanza Try My Remix ～Single Collections, SEVENTH HEAVEN
- For other similarly named individuals, see Ali Tabatabaei (disambiguation) Ali Tabatabaee (born Ali Tabatabaeepour, Persian: علی طباطبایی پور; February 27, 1973) is an Iranian-American musician who is one of two main vocalists in the American band Zebrahead. Born in Tehran, he moved to California at the age of six during the height of the Iranian revolution. He attended high school in La Habra, California, where he met the other members of Zebrahead.
- Allan Holdsworth, an English guitarist and composer, carved a deep groove in the world of music with his instrumental prowess and innovative techniques. Born on August 6, 1946, in Bradford, England, he ignited his love for music at a tender age, and by his early 20s, Holdsworth had already started making waves in the local jazz scene. Throughout the course of his career, he was associated with numerous bands and projects, including 'Igginbottom, Nucleus, Tempest, Soft Machine, The New Tony Williams Lifetime, Pierre Moerlen's Gong, Bruford, U.K., and his own band, the Allan Holdsworth Trio. Holdsworth was revered for his advanced knowledge of music theory, unique chord progressions, and intricate soloing technique. His style was marked by rapid scales and arpeggios, fluid legato phrasing, and vast stretches on the fretboard. This musical proficiency allowed him to create complex harmonies often described as closer to contemporary classical music than to popular music or jazz. It is no wonder that such a revolutionary musician inspired many guitarists across various genres, including Eddie Van Halen, Frank Zappa, and Joe Satriani. Despite his remarkable talent, commercial success eluded Holdsworth for much of his career. However, this did not deter his passion or creativity. He continued to refine his art, releasing twelve studio albums between 1982 and 2016, each demonstrating a progression in his musical style and technique. Holdsworth also had a keen interest in beer brewing, a hobby which led him to coin specific names for some of his albums. He passed away on April 15, 2017, but his legacy continues to influence countless musicians around the globe.
- Albums: Metal Fatigue, Road Games, Heavy Machinery, Wardenclyffe Tower, Hard Hat Area
- Ami Suzuki (鈴木 亜美, Suzuki Ami, born 9 February 1982) is a Japanese recording artist, DJ, and actress from Zama, Kanagawa, Japan. Having been discovered at the talent TV show Asayan, she was one of the most popular female teen idol in the late 1990s. However, in 2000, Suzuki faced legal problems with her management company resulting in a controversial blacklisting from the entertainment industry. Suzuki attempted to resurrect her career under her own steam with two indie singles before signing to Avex Trax in 2005. She released "Delightful", a dance song that reached No. 3 on the Japanese Oricon charts with a style similar to electronic club music, significantly different from her pop idol days. Since her appearance in the 2006 film Rainbow Song, Suzuki has gradually made a name for herself in the acting field, starring in various movies, television series, and musicals.
- Albums: Fun for Fan, Infinity Eighteen Vol.2, Connetta, Around the World, SA
Amplified
Rock musicAmplified is a rock band consisting of three young boys from Hong Kong. While from Hong Kong, they are primarily known in Japan. They were discovered through Sony Music Japan's International Audition, and signed to the Sony subsidiary DefSTAR Records. Their debut single, "Mr. Raindrop" was used as the second ending theme for the anime Gintama. Their debut album, Turn It Up!, was released on 2 August 2006. Their second album, titled Sesh the Sweet Sounds, was released on 25 July 2007. The new lead track is named "Elevator". The music video was shot entirely inside a set of elevators in Tokyo. Amplified was the opening act for part of Ellegarden's 2007 tour of Japan.- Albums: MR.RAINDROP, Turn It Up!
- Andreas Vollenweider (born 4 October 1953) is a Swiss harpist. He is generally categorised as a new-age musician and uses a modified electroacoustic harp of his own design. He has collaborated with Bobby McFerrin, Carly Simon, Luciano Pavarotti and in 1987 received a Grammy Award for the album Down to the Moon. Vollenweider's style has been described by The New York Times as "swirling atmospheric music, which evokes nature, magic and fairy tales". He has toured internationally and produced fourteen regular albums in a career that spans four decades.
- Albums: ...Behind the Gardens-Behind the Wall-Under the Tree..., Caverna Magica, Dancing With the Lion, Kryptos, Down to the Moon
- Kiyomi Angela Aki (安藝 聖世美 アンジェラ, Aki Kiyomi Anjera, born September 15, 1977) known professionally as Angela Aki (アンジェラ・アキ, Anjera Aki), is a pop singer, songwriter and pianist born in Itano, Tokushima, Japan to an Italian American mother and a Japanese father.
- Albums: Home, Songbook, These Words, Final Fantasy XII Original Soundtrack, ONE
- Anne Watanabe is an actress who appeared in "The Wonderland," "The Deer King," and "Welcome Home, Hayabusa."
- Antic Cafe is a Japanese pop rock band formed in 2003 and signed to Sony Music Japan. Their visual image is oshare kei, and they describe their music as "Harajuku Dance Rock". The group has released five full-length albums, one compilation album, and four EPs. On September 1, 2009, the band announced that after their live show on January 4, 2010 at the Nippon Budokan, they would suspend activities and put the group on hiatus, however they stated they will not disband. On April 1, 2012, after two year break, the team announced the resumption of activity.
- Albums: Magnya Carta, Gokutama Rock Cafe, Antic Cafe, BB Parallel World, Amedama ROCK
- Anzen Chitai is a Japanese rock band, formed in 1973 by five musicians in Asahikawa, Hokkaidō, Japan. It debuted in 1982 in Tokyo, Japan. They became one of Japan's most successful rock bands in the 1980s.
- Albums: The Ballad House ～Just Old Fashioned Love Songs～, 安全地帯 IX, 安全地帯Ⅹ ～雨のち晴れ～, 反省／あの頃へ, スターダスト・ランデヴー ～井上陽水・安全地帯 live at 神宮球場～
- Aqua Timez is a Japanese pop rock/alternative rock band signed to Epic Records Japan.
- Albums: Kaze wo Atsumete, Utai Sarishi Hana, Sora Ippai ni Kanaderu Inori, Dareka no Chijoue, The BEST of Aqua Timez
- Asia are an English progressive rock band formed in London in 1981. The most commercially successful line-up was its original, which was a supergroup of four members of different progressive rock bands of the 1970s: lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton of King Crimson and U.K., guitarist Steve Howe of Yes, keyboardist Geoff Downes of Yes and the Buggles, and drummer Carl Palmer of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Their debut album, Asia, released in 1982, remains their best selling album and went to number one in several countries. The band underwent multiple lineup changes before the original four members reunited in 2006. As a result, a band called Asia Featuring John Payne exists as a continuation of John Payne's career as Asia's frontman from 1991 until Wetton's return in 2006. In 2013, the original line-up was broken once again when Howe retired from the band and was replaced by guitarist Sam Coulson. After a few years of inactivity, Billy Sherwood (of Yes and World Trade) replaced an ailing Wetton in Asia for a summer 2017 tour with Journey. Following Wetton's death the same year, the band went on hiatus again, re-emerging in 2019 with Sherwood permanently replacing Wetton on bass and with Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal replacing both Wetton on vocals and Coulson on guitar.
- Albums: Asia, Alpha, Astra, XXX, Heat of the Moment
Asia Featuring John Payne
Rock music, Progressive rock, Hard rockAsia Featuring John Payne are a rock group formed in 2007 following a schism in the then line-up of Asia. The band is a continuation of singer and bassist John Payne's career as the original band's frontman, which lasted from 1991 until 2006, when Asia's original 1982 lineup reunited.- Albums: Extended Versions, Recollections: A Tribute to British Prog, Military Man, Seasons Will Change
- Asian Kung-Fu Generation, typeset as ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, is a Japanese alternative rock band formed in Yokohama, Japan, in 1996. For nearly its entire career, the band has consisted of vocalist Masafumi Gotō, guitarist Kensuke Kita, bassist Takahiro Yamada, and drummer Kiyoshi Ijichi. The band's musical style is influenced by seminal Western punk and alternative rock acts in conjunction with their own local Japanese indie rock background. As a result, their songs maintain a balance of various aspects of the genres, most typically expressing fast-paced tempos and prominent, hard-edged guitar riffs as well as rhythmic flow and emotional lyrics. Despite the indie nature of their music, the band has enjoyed worldwide commercial success in addition to critical acclaim.
- Albums: Kimi Tsunagi Five M, Fanclub, Sol-fa, World World World, Magic Disk
Ayahi Takagaki
Ayahi Takagaki is an actress who appeared in "Make My Day," and "Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Awakening of the Trailblazer."- Albums: Sword Art Online 9, Sword Art Online 3, Meteor Light, Next Destination, TeCh=NoloGy
Ayako Fuji
Ayako Fuji (藤 あや子, Fuji Ayako) (real name Manami Fujimura (藤村 真奈美, Fujimura Manami), née Takahashi (高橋)), born May 10, 1961, is a Japanese enka singer. She is signed onto Sony Music Japan. Born in Kakunodate, Akita, Fuji graduated from Akita Prefectural Kakunodate South High School.- Baroque is a Japanese rock band originally formed in 2001. They have been credited as one of the bands that started oshare kei, a subgenre of visual kei that features more colorful outfits and utilizes upbeat and "happy" music. Originally signed to S'Cube, a sub-division of the independent record label Free-Will, the band later switched to the company's Firewall Division, with distribution handled by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. After releasing two albums, along with a greatest hits compilation, several singles and home video releases, baroque disbanded in 2004. baroque reunited for a free concert in 2011 and fully restarted activities in January 2012.
- Albums: sug life, Chaplin, brq 2001-2004, ila., Nutty a hermit.
Beady Eye
Rock music, Britpop, Alternative rockBeady Eye were an English rock band formed in 2009, by lead vocalist Liam Gallagher, guitarists Gem Archer and Andy Bell, and drummer Chris Sharrock, all former members of Oasis. In 2013, former Kasabian guitarist Jay Mehler joined the band playing bass guitar on tour. The band's origins lie in the break-up of Oasis, after chief songwriter and lead guitarist Noel Gallagher quit acrimoniously in August 2009. The remaining members gathered on and decided that they would "not quit making music together" and so they formed the band Beady Eye. The band released two studio albums: Different Gear, Still Speeding and BE. Both have reached the Top 5 in the UK Album Chart, but as of November 2013 they had only one UK Top 40 single "The Roller", peaking at number 31. However, Beady Eye received some acclaim for their music by Oasis fans, with Q claiming that their debut album is the best Liam has performed on since Morning Glory?. On 25 October 2014, Liam Gallagher announced, via Twitter, that Beady Eye had disbanded.- Albums: Different Gear, Still Speeding, BE, Four Letter Word, Millionaire
- Rebecca Emily Hollcraft (born May 9, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, known professionally as Becca, Becca-chan, and Bec Hollcraft. From 2012 to 2015, she was the lead singer in the rock band Stars in Stereo.
- Albums: Alive, TOKYO-O-ING, I'm ALIVE!, TURN TO STONE
- Boom Boom Satellites is a Japanese electronic music duo consisting of guitarist and vocalist Michiyuki Kawashima and bassist and programmer Masayuki Nakano. While their music can be mostly classified as big beat or nu skool breaks with heavy jazz influences, they are famous for the heavy usage of electric guitars in their music, and the final product often has a strong rock or punk flavor. They are currently signed to Sony Music Entertainment Japan, with whom they have released all of their albums in Japan.
- Albums: On, Exposed, Full of Elevating Pleasures, Umbra, Out Loud
Brian Telestai
Heavy metal, Post-hardcore, Hard rockI Am Ghost was an American post-hardcore band from Long Beach, California, conceived of and founded by Steven Juliano in 2004. They were signed to Epitaph Records from 2005 to 2010, before splitting up in July 2010. They briefly reunited on April 28, 2016.- The Brown Eyed Girls, often abbreviated as B.E.G. or BG, is a South Korean girl group with four members: JeA, Miryo, Narsha, and Gain. They debuted as an R&B/Ballad vocal group with "Come Closer" in 2006 and have since performed in a variety of music genres. They rose to popularity in 2008 with "L.O.V.E" and their retro-dance number "How Come," and cemented their position in the K-pop world in 2009 with "Abracadabra", with its electronica-based genre, pioneering (albeit controversial) concept, along with its iconic and now globally recognized dance entitled 'The Arrogant Dance'—successfully ingraining themselves into modern popular culture.
- Albums: Black Box, Sixth Sense, My Style, Sound-G, Festa On Ice 2010
- Bruce Hornsby, an American singer-songwriter and pianist, has carved an indelible niche in the world of music with his diverse style and remarkable talent. Born in Williamsburg, Virginia, on November 23, 1954, Hornsby showcased an affinity for music from a young age which later transformed into a compelling career. His journey began at the University of Miami's School of Music, where he studied jazz piano before transferring to the University of Richmond. He also spent time at Berklee College of Music in Boston, further nurturing his musicianship. Hornsby's breakthrough came in the mid-1980s when he formed Bruce Hornsby and the Range. The band achieved notable success, particularly with their debut album The Way It Is which topped the charts in 1986. The title track not only became a global hit but also won the Grammy Award for Best New Song in 1987, establishing Hornsby as a significant influence in the music industry. He continued to make waves by experimenting with different genres like bluegrass, jazz, blues, and jam band music in his subsequent albums. In addition to his solo career, Hornsby's collaborations have been equally consequential. He played over a hundred shows with the Grateful Dead between 1988 and 1995, significantly enriching their performances with his keyboard skills. He has also worked with other renowned artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, Bela Fleck, and Elton John, cementing his reputation as a versatile and respected musician. Despite the shifts in music trends over the decades, Bruce Hornsby's unswerving commitment to his craft and his ability to create thought-provoking, genre-blending music ensures that he remains a pillar in the ever-evolving music landscape.
- Albums: The Way It Is, Scenes From the Southside, A Night on the Town, Hot House, Spirit Trail
- Buck-Tick is a Japanese rock band, formed in Fujioka, Gunma in 1983. The group has consisted of Atsushi Sakurai, Hisashi Imai, Hidehiko Hoshino, Yutaka Higuchi and Toll Yagami since 1985. In their three decade career, the band has released 19 studio albums, nearly all reaching the top ten on the charts, of which three in the late eighties and early nineties topped them. In addition to having experimented with many different genres of music, including punk, dark wave, electronic, industrial, gothic and straight rock, they are commonly credited as one of the founders of the visual kei movement. The five members have also worked on individual projects and collaborated with many other famous artists, both Japanese and foreign, including Maki Fujii, Issay, Kiyoshi, Masami Tsuchiya, Raymond Watts, Sascha Konietzko, Clan of Xymox, Robin Guthrie and Kelli Ali.
- Albums: HURRY UP MODE, At the Night Side, Kyokutou I Love You, Aku no Hana, Kurutta Taiyou
Chaba
Chaba was a folk rock band consisting of three members. They formed in 1996 at the Osaka University of Arts and made their big debut in 2004 and were signed to Ki/oon Records. One of their more distinctive aspects is the incorporation of the traditional Okinawan instrument, the Sanshin, into their music. Their song Parade was used as the 12th ending theme to the anime series Naruto. They broke up on April 7, 2008.- Lee Chae-Yeon (Korean: 이채연, born December 10, 1978), known mononymously as Chae Yeon, is a Korean pop singer who rose to fame with her hit single "Two of Us" (Korean: 둘이서) in 2004 and her wave dance style.
- Albums: Virginalness Bloom, 4집 - My Love, Shake, Look At
- chatmonchy is a two-piece all-female rock band which consists of Eriko Hashimoto, Akiko Fukuoka, and formerly Kumiko Takahashi who are from Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, Japan. Since 2005, they have been signed to Sony Music Japan's Ki/oon Records record label.
- Albums: Miminari, Chatmonchy ni Naritai, You More, Kokuhaku, Henshin
CHEMISTRY
Pop music, J-pop, Contemporary R&BChemistry (styled as CHEMISTRY) is a Japanese pop duo, consists of Yoshikuni Dōchin (堂珍 嘉邦, born November 17, 1978) and Kaname Kawabata (川畑 要, born January 28, 1979).- Albums: Second to None, Between the Lines, One × One, The Way We Are, Fo(u)r
- Chitose Hajime (元 ちとせ, Hajime Chitose, born January 5, 1979) is a Japanese singer from Amami Ōshima. She sings in the shima-uta style particular to that region, with distinctive falsetto effects.
- Albums: Hainumikaze, Nomad Soul, ハイヌミカゼ, ハナダイロ, 冬のハイヌミカゼ
CHOCOLAT
Shibuya-keiChocolat (ショコラ, shokora) (born February 15, 1978) is a Japanese singer from the greater Tokyo area in Japan. Her first single, "Chocolat a la mode", was released in 1997 on Epic Records (Japan). Her younger twin sister Heaco is also a singer. In 1998, Chocolat married the musician Akito Katayose from the band GREAT3 in Maui, Hawaii, which subsequently became her favorite place. In 2000, she moved from Epic Records to Warner Bros. Japan and later that year recorded the duet single "VERANDA" with her husband, credited as Akito Katayose featuring Chocolat. In 2005, she and her husband formed the group Chocolat & Akito.- Albums: Henry, Cloudy, Tropical, Twinkle Starberry
- Chris Mosdell is a British lyricist, poet, author, composer, vocalist and illustrator, based in Tokyo, Japan, and New York City, USA.He has collaborated with an extensive array of musicians and artists, though he is especially known for his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra and the poet Shuntarō Tanikawa. His interactive audio-visual album Equasian, featuring an experimentation with "VISIC" (visual music), melded his scientific background into a musical framework, and his Oracles of Distraction, a set of poetic cards set to musical coordinates, further expanded his lyrical idiom.He has written lyrics for Sarah Brightman and Boy George; co-written lyrics with Michael Jackson, had his work covered by Eric Clapton, worked with the West African kora player Toumani Diabaté and the calligraphy artist Juichi Yoshikawa; and wrote the verse dance drama Amaterasu, the Resurrection of Radiance, that was performed with the City Ballet of London at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (2001).As "Mozz", Mosdell has also released a series of award-winning children's books, which he also illustrates.A film about his life entitled "Ink Music: In the Land of the Hundred-Tongued Lyricist", featuring interviews with many of his collaborators and shot in Japan and the United States, was released in 2009. The documentary bills him as the "Lafcadio Hearn of Lyrics", Long term collaborator Ryuichi Sakamoto describes his interpretation of how Mosdell creates his varied works; "When I read his lyrics, I see him in a high school chemistry laboratory, making Molotov cocktails – his eyes lucid, blue and very clear."
- ClariS is a Japanese pop music duo and idol unit which formed in 2009 with singers Clara and Alice from Hokkaido, who were in junior high school at the time. The pair began singing covers and submitting them to the Niconico video sharing website between 2009 and 2010. ClariS later signed to SME Records and released their debut single "Irony" in October 2010. Three more singles were released between 2011 and 2012, followed by their debut album Birthday. Birthday was awarded a Gold Disc by the Recording Industry Association of Japan for having exceeded 100,000 copies shipped in a single year. Six more singles were released between 2012 and 2014, which were featured on their second album Second Story and third album Party Time. Alice left the unit following Party Time 's release, and Karen joined ClariS in late 2014.
- Albums: nexus, SECOND STORY, BIRTHDAY, Naisho no Hanashi, Irony
- Clémentine is a French singer and songwriter based in Japan. She debuted in France in 1988 with the single, "Absolument Jazz". In addition to many releases as a singer, she has appeared regularly on the entertainment segment for NHK Educational TV "French TV". Collaborates frequently with other artists, mostly in Japan. Recently she has often collaborated with her daughter, Solita, who is also a singer.
- Albums: ANIMENTINE: BOSSA DU ANIMÉ, 30°C, Heure D'ete, Les Voyages, SOLEIL
Coconuts Musume
Pop music, J-popCoconuts Musume was a group from Hello! Project that was formed and promoted as the "girls from Hawaii." After nine years, the group officially disbanded when Ayaka Kimura graduated from Hello! Project.- Albums: DANCE & CHANCE, Jounetsu Yuki Miraisen, Tokonatsu Musume, Watashi mo "I Love You", Halation Summer
COOL JOKE
Rock music, J-pop, Pop rockCool Joke is a Japanese rock band formed in 2001. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist Hiroya Ishikawa, guitarist Suguru Asabatake and drummer Hiroyuki Saitō. In addition to Ishikawa, Asabatake and Saitō, the band originally featured bassist Keita Hayashi. However, Hayashi left the band in 2006. They performed under the Sony Music Japan Records label, but currently they are under the high numbers dream indie label. During their time as an indie band, their activity was centered in the Fukui prefecture area. They are now performing on a national level, and one of their songs, "UNDO", was used as the third opening theme song for the popular anime TV show, Fullmetal Alchemist.- Albums: Cool Joke, UNDO
- Crystal Kay Williams (クリスタル・ケイ・ウィリアムズ, Kurisutaru Kei Wiriamuzu, born February 26, 1986) is a Japanese singer, songwriter, actress and radio host. After releasing her debut single "Eternal Memories" (1999) Crystal Kay gained fame for her third studio album, Almost Seventeen (2002), which debuted at number 2 on the Japanese Oricon charts. Almost Seventeen eventually sold over 400,000 copies and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. Crystal Kay, formerly signed to Epic Records, a sub-label of Sony Music Japan for 12 years, suddenly transferred to Delicious Deli Records, a sub-label of Universal Music Japan in 2011. As of July 2009, Crystal Kay has released ten albums. Her seventh studio album, All Yours (2007) became Crystal Kay's first number-one release in her career when it debuted on top of the Oricon chart in June 2007. Crystal Kay has sold over two million records in Japan as of 2009. Throughout her career, Crystal Kay has collaborated with M-Flo and BoA, Chemistry as well as other well-known recording artists.
- Albums: C.L.L Crystal Lover Light, 637: Always and Forever, almost seventeen, Crystal Style, 4 Real
- Dead or Alive were a British new wave band from Liverpool, England. The group found success in the 1980s and had seven Top 40 UK singles and three Top 30 UK albums. They were the first group to have a number one single under the production team of Stock Aitken Waterman. Dead or Alive, which has variously included Pete Burns, Wayne Hussey, Mike Percy, Steve Coy, Timothy Lever, have released seven studio albums and five compilation albums, and became popular in Japan. Two of the group's singles reached the U.S. Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100; "You Spin Me Round" No. 11 in 1985, and "Brand New Lover" No. 15 in 1986. "You Spin Me Round" charted in 1985 in the UK, then again in 2003 and 2006 following Burns' appearance on the television reality show Celebrity Big Brother. The latter also became the first of two singles to top the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.
- Albums: Sophisticated Boom Boom, Youthquake, Evolution: The Hits, Rip It Up, Fragile
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- 2Dead or Alive 289 Votes
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- Debbie Gibson, the girl-next-door sensation with an iconic pop music career, was born on August 31, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York. She began her music journey at a tender age, showcasing an innate talent for songwriting and singing. By the time she was five, her parents nurtured this passion, providing her with piano lessons that would later form the foundation of her music career. Gibson's childhood was steeped in the arts, including Broadway performances, choir practices, and even composing original songs in her teenage years. Gibson's breakthrough came in the mid-1980s when she was signed by Atlantic Records. Her debut album, Out of the Blue, released in 1987, catapulted her into stardom, earning triple Platinum status and spawning several hit singles like "Foolish Beat," which made Gibson the youngest artist to write, produce, and perform a Billboard Hot 100 number-one single entirely on her own. She followed this massive success with her sophomore album, Electric Youth, in 1989, which topped the Billboard 200 charts and solidified her position as a bona fide pop icon. Beyond her music career, Gibson also proved successful in the world of theater. She debuted on Broadway in 1992 in Les Misérables as Eponine. After her Broadway debut, she returned multiple times to the stage, starring in productions like Grease, Beauty and the Beast, and Cabaret. Despite her extensive accomplishments, Gibson remains true to her humble roots, known for her philanthropic efforts and her dedication to fostering young talent. Her legacy extends beyond her music, inspiring generations of artists with her passion, perseverance, and creativity.
- Albums: Think with Your Heart, Electric Youth, M.Y.O.B., Deborah, Anything Is Possible
- Denki Groove (電気グルーヴ, Denki Gurūvu, "Electric Groove") is a Japanese synthpop group founded in 1989. Influenced by Yellow Magic Orchestra and Kraftwerk, Denki Groove is a part of Sony Music Japan's Ki/oon Records sublabel. Current members are Takkyū Ishino and Pierre Taki. Former members are Yoshinori Sunahara and Jun Kitagawa. Their works are particularly popular in Germany, where a handful of singles as well as solo releases from Ishino have been published, and Denki Groove is regularly booked for live performances and DJ sets for the Mayday festival. The duo performed in front of 15,000 people on the Green Stage (mainstage) at the 2006 Fuji Rock Festival in Naeba, Niigata.
- Albums: FLASH PAPA MENTHOL, VITAMIN, VOXXX, Dragon, The Last Supper
DEPAPEPE
J-pop, Acoustic music, InstrumentalDepapepe is a music group originating from Japan. The acoustic guitar duo is composed of Takuya Miura and Yoshinari Tokuoka, who formed in 2002. They made their major debut in 2005 with their album “Let’s Go!!!”, which generated sales figures of about 100,000 and ranked within the top 10 of Oricon’s Instrumental Artist Debut Chart. Before that, they had released three indie albums. The name itself comes from the combination of both short names of the band members, by combining the Japanese word for overbite, ‘deppa’, and the name of Tokuoka’s previous band ‘DERUPEPE’. Contrary to a popular rumour circulating among their fans, the two guitarists are not brothers. In their 2002 formation the pair joined with the Sony Music. They worked on insert songs for anime television series Honey and Clover.- Albums: Ciao! Bravo!!, Sky! Sky! Sky!, PASSION OF GRADATION, Acoustic & Dining, Let's Go!!!
dicot
Pop musicDicot is a Japanese musical duo. The members, Shino and Kana, both grew up in Fukuoka Prefecture and met at Fukuoka Women's Junior College in 1997 as first-year students. They quickly became good friends, decided to form a musical group, and before long they debuted in 2001 with Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Dicot announced that they would break up in March 2004 due to creative differences, but the two are still good friends. Perhaps their biggest accomplishment was performing the opening theme for the anime Super GALS! Kotobuki Ran, called "A-I-TSU".- Albums: 太陽がくれた季節／あの素晴らしい愛をもう一度, ハッカドロップ
- Diego Antonio Caccia (born March 9, 1971 in Buenos Aires), also known as Diego Torres, is an Argentine two Grammy Award-nominated pop singer, songwriter, composer, musician and actor (of films, theater and television). He is the son of the legendary Argentine artist Lolita Torres (1930-2002).
- Albums: Luna Nueva, Diego Torres, Tal cual es, Un mundo diferente, MTV Unplugged
- Dir En Grey (stylized as DIR EN GREY and previously as Dir en grey) is a Japanese heavy metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. With a consistent lineup of guitarists Kaoru and Die, vocalist Kyo, drummer Shinya and bassist Toshiya, they have released ten full-length records. 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 less dramatic attire, but the band has continued to maintain some sort of visual orientation.
- Albums: THE MARROW OF A BONE, Dum Spiro Spero, Kisou, Withering to death., VULGAR
Doping Panda
Rock musicDoping Panda is a Japanese rock group. They are part of Sony Music Japan's gr8 records! division, which includes bands such as Orange Range, Uverworld and Boom Boom Satellites. They released their first album "Performation" in 2001, and a second "WE IN MUSIC" in 2004. In 2005, Doping Panda released two albums entitled "High Fidelity", and "High Pressure". After being received very well by the Japanese Rock scene, the group went on a series of tours throughout the country, releasing their 2006 album "Dandyism", along with the hit singles "Miracle" and "Can't Stop Me". Their success solidified their status as an icon in the Japanese music scene and increased their fanbase throughout Asia. Following up on their earlier successes, the band released their first DVD entitled "Live-Ism" in October 2006. On January 24, 2007, their new single "Can't Stop Me" was released. On June 6 of the same year they released an EP titled "High Brid", and on the 15th they appeared on the popular Japanese music program Music Station for the first time, and played the song "I'll be there" from their new EP.- Albums: Tokyo Rock City, We in Music, Performation, High Fidelity, DANDYISM
- Dreams Come True is a Japanese pop band formed in 1988, originally consisting of Miwa Yoshida, Masato Nakamura, and Takahiro Nishikawa. The band has sold more than 50 million records worldwide.
- Albums: LOVE UNLIMITED ∞, THE SOUL, THE MONSTER-universal mix-, LOVE OVERFLOWS -ASIAN EDITION-, the Monster 2002:monkey girl odyssey tour special edition
Drum Island
Electronic music, Ambient musicDrum Island is a former Norwegian electronic music group from Tromsø, officially composed of Torbjørn Brundtland, Rune Lindbæk and Ole Johan Mjøs. Svein Berge and Gaute Barlindhaug are contributors. Their only release is a self-titled album released in 1997, along with two singles. The album was released on Apollo and Sony. Drum Island - Drum Island was rated 4,5/5 stars by Allmusic. The album has been mentioned as the "test album" for Röyksopp's Melody A.M. by Beatservice Records founder Vidar Hanssen.- Albums: Drum Island, Phizzz
Edge of Spirit
Metalcore, Hardcore punkEdge of Spirit is a Japanese hardcore band formed in Kobe, Hyogo and based in Tokyo. Edge of Spirit has released four studio albums and four split albums. The band is widely known for pioneering its musical style called metalcore / metallic hardcore. Since 2010, Sho has hosted online hardcore TV shows titled Darkside UST on Ustream in order to support hardcore community by featuring footage from local shows and interviews.- Eri Nobuchika (信近 エリ, Nobuchika Eri, born Nobuchika Eriko 信近 えり子 on August 3, 1985) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, under the Fearless Records label on Sony Music Associated Records. She currently resides in Tokyo.
- Albums: nobuchikaeri, Nobuchikaeri.rx, Sketch for Summer, Lights, Voice
- Erika Sawajiri (沢尻 エリカ, Sawajiri Erika, born April 8, 1986) is a Japanese actress, singer, and model, who appeared in the fiction Japanese television drama 1 Litre of Tears, playing the role of a girl who suffered from the intractable disease spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD). On September 10, 2010, it was announced that Sawajiri had signed with Avex label for talent management and music releases. She was previously managed by the Stardust Promotion talent agency until her contract was terminated in late 2009, and was affiliated with Sony Music Entertainment Japan for her early recording career, recording under the name Kaoru Amane and, later, simply Erika.
- Albums: FREE, Destination Nowhere, タイヨウのうた
- Fayray (フェイレイ, Feirei), stylized as FAYRAY, is a female Japanese singer-songwriter and former actress. She made her debut in July 1998 with the single "Taiyō no Gravity". She grew up in the United States and speaks English.
- Albums: Hourglass, Shiroi Hana, Hikari to Kage, Covers, Craving
- Franz Ferdinand are a Scottish rock band formed in Glasgow in 2002. The band's original lineup was composed of Alex Kapranos (lead vocals and guitar, keyboard), Nick McCarthy (rhythm guitar, keyboards and backing vocals), Bob Hardy (bass guitar), and Paul Thomson (drums, percussion and backing vocals). Julian Corrie (keyboards, synthesiser, guitar and backing vocals) and Dino Bardot (guitar and backing vocals) joined the band in 2017 after McCarthy left during the previous year. The band has been notable for being one of the more popular post-punk revival bands, garnering multiple UK top 20 hits. They have been nominated for several Grammy Awards and have received two Brit Awards – winning one for Best British Group – as well as one NME Award. The band's first two singles, "Darts of Pleasure" and "Take Me Out", peaked within the top-50 on the UK Singles Chart. "Take Me Out" achieved global recognition by charting in several countries and went on to earn a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It has since been noted as the band's signature song as well. The band released their self-titled debut studio album on 9 February 2004 to critical acclaim. The album won the 2004 Mercury Prize and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Album. In 2005, the band released their second studio album, You Could Have It So Much Better, which was produced by Rich Costey. The album went on to earn acclaim from critics as well as a positive commercial performance, peaking within the top-ten in multiple countries. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards, the album earned a nomination for Best Alternative Album and one of the singles released from the album, "Do You Want To", earned a nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The band's third studio album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, was announced in late 2008 and released in January 2009. The album was notable for featuring a change in the band's musical style, as the band had shifted from a post-punk-focused sound, which was featured on their first two albums, to a more dance-oriented sound. The album gained a positive commercial performance as well as positive reviews from critics. A remix album of Tonight, titled Blood, was subsequently released in July 2009. Four years after the release of Tonight, the band released their fourth studio album, Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action, in August 2013. In 2015, Franz Ferdinand and American rock band Sparks formed the supergroup FFS and released a one-off self-titled album in June 2015. Following the departure of McCarthy, the band released their fifth studio album, Always Ascending, in February 2018.
- Albums: Franz Ferdinand, You Could Have It So Much Better, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, Right Thoughts, Right Words
Fumiya Fujii
J-popFumiya Fujii (藤井 フミヤ, Fujii Fumiya) (born July 11, 1962) is a male Japanese popular music artist. He is a part of Sony Music Japan. After leaving his job in Japanese National Railways, he started his music career in the 1980s as the vocalist of the immensely popular group The Checkers and started on his solo project after they split up. Naoyuki Fujii, his brother, was also a part of The Checkers and is pursuing a solo career as well. Together they did the project F-Blood in the late 1990s. His 1993 single "True Love", which was a message song to his fans, sold over 2 million copies.On December 31, 2007, he became the second singer to have performed concerts 100 times at the Nippon Budokan, although this record included his groups' record, and his solo record was 47 times.Next to music, Fujii Fumiya is also doing digital art, which he calls Fumiyart.- Albums: Strange Fruit, F's KITCHEN, Standard, Rock'en Roll, Club F
Galileo Galilei
Indie pop, Synthpop, Rock musicGalileo Galilei is a Japanese rock band from Hokkaido, Japan signed to SME Records. In 2012, members Fumito Iwai and Noguchi Kazumasa left Galileo Galilei, and later formed the group Folks in 2013.- Albums: Baby, It's Cold Outside, FLAT, ALARMS, Hellogoodbye
- Genki Rockets is a musical and visual project created by digital media specialist Tetsuya Mizuguchi and music producer Kenji Tamai. The face of the project is a fictional 18-year old named Lumi, who exists in the year 2037. Biographical information for Lumi states that she was born on the International Space Station on September 11, 2019; she was the first human born in outer space, and she has never visited Earth. Lumi is portrayed in visual media by singer Rachel Rhodes.
- Albums: GENKI ROCKETSⅡ- No border between us -, Genki Rockets I: Heavenly Star, Heavenly Star / Breeze, Star Line / Smile
- Guitar Wolf (Japanese: ギターウルフ) is a Japanese garage rock power trio founded in Tokyo in 1987. The band is known for songs with piercing vocals and an extremely loud style of noise-influenced punk which emphasizes heavy distortion and feedback. They coined the phrase "jet rock 'n' roll", which they also use to describe their musical style – an energetic cross between the Ramones, Link Wray, rockabilly, 77 punk, and garage rock. The band is part of Sony Music Japan's Ki/oon Records division. Guitar Wolf has released thirteen studio albums internationally as well as a live album, numerous singles, and a retrospective compilation called Golden Black. The band members have also been featured in two B-grade science fiction horror movies: Wild Zero and Sore Losers. A collection of Guitar Wolf's most popular videos and live performances have been compiled into a limited edition DVD titled Red Idol. Guitar Wolf is a staple at music festivals in their native Japan, and typically embark on lengthy tours both domestically and internationally after the release of a new album.
- Albums: Rock'n'roll Etiquette, Planet of the Wolves, UFO Romantics, Live!, Jet Generation
Halca
Rock music, Heavy metalHalca is a Japanese musician who was elected to be the new High and Mighty Color main vocalist after Mākii's departure. It is revealed in the official site that she has a special skill in shopping and that her favorite food is the goumi and she dislikes watermelon. The site also mentions that her favorite musicians are Kurt Cobain and Brody Dalle. Halca played guitar in her previous band. After a few months of High and Mighty Color's disbandment, Halca formed a new band called SYN with other bandmates, Tony, Kenjiro, Matsumoto and Gunji, but the band later disbanded. Halca is still a close friend with Yusuke and sometimes do music cover with Tony. Halca is now with her band Tokyo Distillers along with Yu-suke, Chi-x and Keiichiro.Halcali
Hip hop music, Pop music, J-popHalcali, is a Japanese pop and new-school inspired hip-hop duo consisting of members Halca and Yucali from Meguro, Tokyo, Japan. Its name is a portmanteau of Halca and Yucali. Their debut album, Halcali Bacon, reached #5 on the Oricon charts, making it the first album by a female hip-hop artist to enter the top ten in Japanese history. Halcali also made their American debut in May 2008 as the musical guests of honor at the Chicago Japanese culture, manga and anime convention, Anime Central. They performed again in America at Central Park, New York City on June 1, 2008 as part of a Japan Day Festival as part of a Japanese tourism campaign. On May 30, 2012, Halcali released their fifth original album, Halcali no Okawari. The duo commemorated the album's release by holding a sold-out, one-man live at Shibuya Club Quattro on September 15, 2012. Halcali performed a total of 25 songs, spanning their musical career, and were joined by surprise guests Yosuke@HOME and Scha Dara Parr.- Albums: Halcali Bacon, Ongaku no Susume, Tandem, Cyborg Oretachi, Twinkle Star
Hearts Grow
Pop music, Rock music, J-popHearts Grow was a Japanese band from Motobu, Okinawa. Their first single Grow!! was released independently on 19 April 2006. Hearts Grow made their major label debut on 18 October 2006, with the release of their first single Road. Their second single Yura Yura was released in Japan on 6 December 2006. They are known for performing the ninth opening of Naruto, the fourth ending of Demashita! Powerpuff Girls Z, the fourth opening for Gintama and the first opening of Tetsuwan Birdy: Decode. As of late 2009 the band has been on hiatus. The lead singer Haruna plans on a solo career.- Albums: Grow!!, HEARTS GROW, Road
Hekiru Shiina
Hekiru Shiina (椎名 へきる, Shiina Hekiru, born March 12, 1974 in Higashikurume, Tokyo) is a Japanese voice actress and singer. Shiina debuted as a singer at age 17 in 1991. Her first voice role was Tenshiko in K.O. Beast in 1992. Some of her major voice roles include Hikaru Shidou in Magic Knight Rayearth, Alpha in Yokohama Kaidashi Kikō, Ami Chono in Girls und Panzer, Tenjōin Katsura in YAT Anshin! Uchu Ryokou, and Celestia in Danganronpa: The Animation. In video games, she provided the voice for famous Capcom mascot Mega Man in Mega Man: The Power Battle and Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters and Pastel in the TwinBee games. Shiina is associated with Arts Vision, a major agency for talent in Tokyo, and was working under Sony Music Records, her record label until 2009, when she changed over to Lantis.- Albums: Baby Blue Eyes, No Make Girl, Precious Garden, Face to Face, With a Will
- High and Mighty Color was a Japanese rock band active from 2003 to 2010. They notably had two vocalists; a male and a female.
- Albums: Gou On Progressive, Tokyo Rock City, G∞VER, San, Rock Pit
Himeka
Pop musicHimeka (ヒメカ) is a French Canadian singer no longer active in Japan.- Albums: Love Anison: Utattemita, Asu e no Kizuna, Himekanvas, Where I belong, Hatenaki Michi
- Hirakawachi Itchōme is a Japanese folk music group consisting of brothers Ryūnosuke Hayashi and Naojirō Hayashi. Their name is more often romanized as Hirakawachi 1-chome. Their name is actually a reference to where they were originally from in Shizuoka Prefecture, and references the Japanese addressing system. 1-chome is like "first district".
- Albums: Enpitsu de Tsukuru Uta, 海風は時を越えて, 雪解けの頃に届く手紙, 歌い手を代えて, 君の分まで
jamzvillage
Takahiro Momiyama (籾山高広), known as jamzvillage, is a Japanese singer and solo unit. He was born on September 28, 1978 in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He is a part of Sony Music Japan's SME Records division.- Albums: Let's Dance, Love ALone
- Janet Kay (born 17 January 1958) is a British vocalist best known for her 1979 lovers rock hit "Silly Games".
- Albums: Lovin' You ~ BEST OF J.K., Making History, For the Love of You, Love You Always, Silly Games
- Jasmine, is a Japanese singer, songwriter and producer whose real given name is Asumi. She is represented by Sony Music Japan, and is a DJ for the Japanese radio station J-Wave. In June 2009, she released her debut single "Sad to Say". Described as "the next Hikaru Utada", Jasmine cites Utada as her influence.
- Albums: ONLY YOU, Welcome to Jas Vegas, High Flying, HERO, ONE
- Jinn is a 4-member Japanese rock band. They are part of SMEJ's Palm Beach record label.
- Albums: Lemmings, Kotosabi no Ki, Qualia, For The Seeker, Vuena Vista
- Joan Jett and the Blackhearts is a 1983 Juno Award nominated musical group.
- Albums: I Love Rock 'n' Roll, Glorious Results of a Misspent Youth, Fetish, Album, Sinner
Joe Inoue
Rock music, Alternative rockJoe Inoue (井上ジョー, Inoue Jō, born August 30, 1985) is an American rock musician signed to Sony Music Entertainment Japan's Ki/oon Records label. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, to two Japanese immigrants. It was not until middle school that he became interested in music and that eventually led him to start his musical career in 2007. He was accepted to UCLA and UC Berkeley but had chosen music. Inoue performs every instrument on his recordings in addition to writing and composing the pieces on his own. He claims to have learned Japanese by reading manga and watching anime.He frequently incorporates the names of the female genital area and sexual activity in the lyrics of his music. He gained prominence when his song "Closer" was used as the fourth opening theme for Naruto: Shippuden. His fifth single "Kaze no Gotoku" was used as the second theme song for the Yorinuki Gin Tama-san anime.Inoue contributed to Tetsuya's 2011 solo album Come On! by rapping on the track "Eden" and later wrote and was featured on TOTALFAT's 2011 single "World of Glory", later included on the album Damn Hero. He also wrote the track "Adrenaline" on high school friend and fellow musician Yoko Yazawa's second album Give Me!!! He also composed the lyrics, music and directed/edited the music video for Naruto Shippuden ED 32 "Spinning World". Other works include music and lyrics for "Rescue Rescue" by Kanjani 8 and "Chan-Chara-Chan" by Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku. Inoue has 10 different YouTube channels. Information on his channels can be found at joeinoue.com- Albums: ME!ME!ME!, In a Way, Dos Angeles, CLOSER
Juju
J-pop, Rhythm and blues, JazzFor Finnish rapper, see Juju (rapper)Juju (ジュジュ) (born February 14, 1976) is a Japanese jazz and jpop singer. She is represented by Sony Music Associated Records Inc.- Albums: What's Love?, Request, You, BEST STORY ～Love stories～, BEST STORY ～Life stories～
JUNE
Hyun Jun (주현준, born January 2, 1987), better known as June, is a solo R&B singer under Sony Music Japan. He is Korean by birth, but is a performer in Japan. So far, he has released three singles and most recently a mini-album. His first single "Baby It's You" was used as the ninth ending theme for the anime Bleach. His second single, "Pride of Tomorrow", was the second ending theme for the anime D.Gray-Man.- Albums: Pride of Tomorrow, Baby It's You, Always
- Kang Yoon-sung (born November 16, 1983 in Goyang), better known by his stage name K, is a pop singer from South Korea under contract in Japan. In 2004, after achieving little success with his first album in South Korea, K crossed over to Japan. His first Japanese album, Beyond the Sea, has achieved a sales of over 300,000 copies. K put his musical activities on hold in 2010 so he could complete the Korean mandatory military service.
- Albums: Beyond the Sea, Only Human, Music in My Life, K, Brand New Map
K Dub Shine
Japanese hip hopK DUB SHINE (born May 8, 1968) is a Japanese hip hop recording artist. His real name is Kōta Kagami (各務貢太, Kagami Kōta). Kagami was born in the Shibuya ward of the city of Tokyo, Japan. In 10th grade K Dub Shine enrolled in an exchange program which landed him in Philadelphia. It was in Philly that he first encountered hip hop. He was immediately attracted to the way in which it addressed social inequality in the United States. It was in college that Shine began writing his own raps, first in English and later in Japanese. By the late 1990s, K Dub Shine had created his own record label and had become a big force in the Japanese underground hip hop scene. Many of his lyrics seek to depict accurately and without bias the reality of Japanese youth culture.- Albums: Tenkoku to Jigoku, 世界遺産
- Kalafina is a Japanese band formed by the composer Yuki Kajiura in 2007, mainly to perform theme songs for the anime Kara no Kyōkai. The band first appeared in January 2008 with two original members from Yuki Kajiura's FictionJunction project, Wakana Ōtaki and Keiko Kubota. In May 2008, two vocalists Maya and Hikaru, who had been chosen from an audition held by Sony Music Japan and Yuki Kajiura, were confirmed as the final members of Kalafina.
- Albums: Hikari no Senritsu, Sprinter/Aria, Progressive, Consolation, Red Moon
- Kana Nishino (西野 カナ, Nishino Kana, born March 18, 1989) is a Japanese singer and songwriter signed with SME Records' Newcome Inc. She debuted on February 20, 2008, with the single "I". CNN said that she was the favorite singer of teenage girls in Shibuya, Tokyo, signalling Sony's jump on the bandwagon effect started by Avex. They sold 6 million copies in Japan. Nishino announced that she married her former manager on her 30th birthday.
- Albums: Thank you, Love, to LOVE, Love Place, Love Collection ~mint~
- Kanon Wakeshima (分島 花音, Wakeshima Kanon, born June 28, 1988) is a Japanese musician and singer. Originally produced by musician and fashion designer Mana, Wakeshima debuted under the DefStar Records label on May 28, 2008 with the single "Still Doll", the ending theme for the anime adaptation of the manga series Vampire Knight. She also provided the voice for a maid that appears in the eighth episode of the series. Wakeshima's second single "Suna no Oshiro", released on November 12, 2008, was used as the ending theme for the series' second season (subtitled Guilty).She was nominated for a Best Newcomer award for 2008 in the fourth annual Shōjo Beat Music Awards, nominees of which are determined by surveying "record companies, music journalists, music experts, and music fans".
- Albums: Shinshoku Dolce, Still Doll, 少女仕掛けのリブレット, Suna No Oshiro, signal
- Flow is a Japanese rock band, that formed in 1998 and signed on to Sony Music Japan's Ki/oon Records label. Flow is a five-piece band made up of two vocalists, a drummer, a bassist, and a guitarist. As of November 2014, the band has released 28 singles and 9 studio albums. Their songs have been used in the opening sequences of several anime series.
- Albums: Golden Coast, FLOW THE MAX ！！！, Game, Days, GO!!!
Kelun
Rock musicKelun is a Japanese rock band signed by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Kelun was originally a band named UTARI, formed in 2006. Their first album, "UTARI", was released in April. It took the indie charts by storm and the band went on their first tour, dubbed the "February Tour" in February 2007. In September 2007, the band officially changed its name to Kelun. "Astral Lamp", the band's first CD, was released in November 2007 under Sony Music Entertainment. The anime Gintama used "Signal", from "Astral Lamp", as its 7th ending theme. They debuted a major tour called "Astral Circuit" across Japan. In February 2008, the band released "Sixteen Girl" as a single. It was chosen by JapanCountdown as its opening theme song. They went on a tour of Kanto in April, dubbed the "April Tour". In May 2008, bassist Satou Shuusaku left and was replaced by Yuki. Kelun's second major single, "Chu-Bura", was released in July 2008 and was used by the anime Bleach as its 8th opening theme, catapulting Kelun to fame.- Albums: Chu-Bura, KELUN
Ken Hirai
Pop music, J-pop, Rhythm and bluesKen Hirai (平井 堅, Hirai Ken, born January 17, 1972) is a Japanese R&B and pop singer. Since his debut, Hirai has worked as a model, actor, composer, lyricist, singer, and spokesperson. During his career, Hirai has released 45 singles and nine studio albums as of January 2019. According to Oricon, his single Hitomi o Tojite (Close Your Eyes) became the best-selling single of 2004 in Japan, while his compilation album Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95–'05 "Utabaka" became the best-selling album of 2006 in Japan.- Albums: The Changing Same, Life Is..., SENTIMENTALovers, gaining through losing, FAKIN' POP
- Kirk Lee Hammett (born November 18, 1962) is an American musician who has been lead guitarist and a contributing songwriter for the heavy metal band Metallica since 1983. Before joining Metallica he formed and named the band Exodus. In 2003, Hammett was ranked 11th on Rolling Stone's list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. In 2009, Hammett was ranked number 15 in Joel McIver's book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists.
- Koji Tamaki (玉置 浩二, Tamaki Kōji, born September 13, 1958) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, and actor. He has been well known as a frontman of the band Anzen Chitai that debuted in 1982 and enjoyed their successful career particularly during the 1980s. As a vocalist and a songwriter of the band, Tamaki spawned multiple successful compositions which were mostly co-written by lyricists including Goro Matsui and Yosui Inoue, by the time that the group suspended their career in 1993. In 1987, Tamaki released the first solo single "All I Do", and continued his solo career after Anzen Chitai went into hiatus (1993–2001, 2004–2009). Throughout his solo career, he has released 23 singles and over a dozen of studio albums. His song "Den-En" released as a single in 1996 became a massive hit, which reached the number-two on the Japanese Oricon charts and sold in excess of 900,000 copies. Tamaki has also been known as an actor who has appeared in seven feature films and numerous television dramas. He has started acting career for the first time on "Prussian Blue no Shozo", the 1986 motion picture he starred. He has been married three times; the second wife was actress Hiroko Yakushimaru (divorced in 1998), and the third spouse was keyboardist Satoko Ando, who had formerly worked on his albums and live tours (divorced in 2007). During Tamaki's first marriage, he had an extra-marital affair with actress Mariko Ishihara between 1983 and 1986. In her autobiography published in 2006, Ishihara confirmed her affair with Tamaki two decades ago. She also described episodes of severe domestic violence meted out to her by Tamaki, which Tamaki later admitted. After Tamaki's retirement announcement due to health issues in 2008, Ishihara contacted Tamaki and the two began dating again. On February 25, 2009, Tamaki and Ishihara submitted their application for marriage in Tokyo. However, the application was not accepted and he split up with Ishihara after all. Anzen Chitai returned from a recess and released their new single "Aoi Bara/Wine Red no Kokoro (2010 version)" on March 3, 2010. On his 2012 album Offer Music Box, Tamaki—who composed the original song—covered Yuki Saito's song "Kanashimi yo Konnichi wa", which was used as the first theme song for the anime television series Maison Ikkoku.
- Albums: PRESENT, Best Harvest, Love Song Blue, CAFE JAPAN, JUNK LAND
Kousuke Atari
J-popKousuke Atari (中 孝介, Atari Kōsuke, born 13 July 1980) is a Japanese pop singer. He is a self-trained musician, and performs in the shimauta (island-song) style of his hometown.- Albums: 種をまく日々, なつかしゃのシマ, それぞれに, 思い出のすぐそばで/真昼の花火, 花
Kurumi Enomoto
J-popKurumi Enomoto (榎本 くるみ, Enomoto Kurumi, born 17 October 1981), formerly known as Kurumi (くるみ), is a Japanese singer-songwriter. She debuted in 2002 with the independently released single Moeru Taiyō (燃える太陽, Burning Sun). She is most well known for singing the ending theme song for the anime adaptation of the Namco role-playing video game Tales of the Abyss, "Bōken Suisei."- Albums: Anata ni Tsutaetai, Notebook II: Bōken Note-chū, Notebook I: Mirai no Kioku, カラー人間, 幻
- L'Arc-en-Ciel is a Japanese rock band, founded in Osaka in 1991. The group has sold over 15 million records and were the first Japanese act to headline at Madison Square Garden. In 2003, they were ranked 58 on a list of the top 100 Japanese pop musicians by HMV Japan. While they first got their start as a visual kei band, they have not had any association with the movement since their major label debut in 1994.
- Albums: Dune, Ark, Ray, True, Awake
- Lareine was a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 1994. The band's name is reported to have come from the French Queen Marie Antoinette. In 1999 the group signed to Sony, later in 2000 when all other members left, Kamijo created Applause Records. After a number of line-up changes and the release of several albums, EPs and singles, the group disbanded in 2007.
- Albums: Scream, Blue Romance, Winter Romantic, ETUDE, Fleur
Lily Chou-Chou
J-pop, Ethereal wave, Progressive rockLily Chou-Chou is a Japanese band that debuted in 2000. Initially a fictional band that produced music for the 2001 Shunji Iwai film All About Lily Chou-Chou, the group later reformed in 2010 for the 10th anniversary of the film. Lily Chou-Chou is not a person, she is a fictional character.- Albums: Breathe, 呼吸, Kokyū
little by little
little by little is a Japanese pop rock band, consisting of vocalist Hideco and Tetsuhiko. little by little's record label is Sony Music Entertainment Japan and they are attached to Stardust Promotion. They are known mainly for their contributions to anime, including "Kanashimi wo Yasashisa ni", the opening theme for the third season of Naruto, "Love & Peace", the second opening theme to Superior Defender Gundam Force, "Hummingbird", a closing theme for Yakitate!! Japan, and "Kimi Monogatari", the third closing theme of Naruto: Shippūden.- Albums: Sweet Noodle Pop, Love & Peace, Kanashimi wo Yasashisa ni, キミモノガタリ, 悲しみをやさしさに
- Crystal Liu (born An Feng; August 25, 1987), better known as Liu Yifei (Chinese: 刘亦菲; pinyin: Liú Yìfēi), is a Chinese-American actress, singer and model. She is widely known as "Fairy Sister" in the entertainment industry for her sweet and delicate image. She was named as one of the New Four Dan Actresses of China in 2009. She will play the lead as Mulan in Disney's live-action adaptation of Mulan.Liu ranked 23rd on Forbes China Celebrity 100 list in 2017, and 89th in 2019.
- Albums: Mayonaka no door, All My Words, Liu Yifei
- Loick Mark Essien (born 29 April 1990) is an English singer signed to record label Sony Music. Essien began his musical career after featuring on rapper Chipmunk's single "Beast". Essien was set to release his debut album, Identity, on 5 March 2012 but was dropped from his label weeks before the release date.
- Albums: Beast, Me Without You, How We Roll, Stuttering
Love
J-pop, Contemporary R&BLove is a Japanese pop/R&B vocal duo, produced by Hiro of Exile's production agency, LDH. They debuted in 2009 with the single "First Love: Love Letter." Their song "Tada Hitotsu no Negai Sae" was certified gold by the RIAJ for 100,000 full-length cellphone downloads. The band's name comes from the first word in their production company's non-acronym name.- Lucky Soul are a British six-piece pop band based in South East London. Formed in 2005, the band consists of Ali Howard on vocals, Andrew Laidlaw and Ivor Sims on guitars, Russell Grooms on bass and Paul Atkins on drums, with the recent addition of Art Terry on keys. The band have performed numerous live dates in the UK and overseas and, on 20 June 2007, were one of the first acts to perform at The O2, as part of Greenwich Council's soft launch event. They also supported Bryan Ferry on his Dylanesque tour that same year. They have since toured in Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Japan, the United States and most recently Russia, where they performed at the Kinotavr Film Festival in Sochi.
- Albums: The Great Unwanted, Lips Are Unhappy, Add Your Light to Mine, Baby, One Kiss Don't Make a Summer
- Mākii (マーキー) (born August 23, 1987 in Okinawa, Japan) is a Japanese musician who was formerly the vocalist and songwriter for the Okinawa-based band High and Mighty Color. She was the youngest member of the band. She has an older brother who introduced her to the world of music and anime. When she performed at a concert in Okinawa in 2003, a scout for a record label noticed her and Anti Nobunaga. Mākii refused the offer at first, wanting to pursue her career in Canada as a solo artist and to master the English language, but she ultimately joined the band. In 2007, she debuted in her first film, Anata wo Wasurenai.On July 1, 2008, it was announced that Mākii had married Dreams Come True bassist & producer Masato Nakamura on June 22 and would be leaving the band by the end of 2008. In her parting message, Mākii thanked her fellow band members and all of their fans for supporting her and the group for such a long time.She resumed musical activities in 2013 under the stage name MAAKIII with her first single "Chokankakutekichikaku" (超感覚的知覚, "extrasensory perception").In 2017, she formed a new band DracoVirgo with several of her former High and Mighty Color band members.
- Mai Hoshimura (星村 麻衣, Hoshimura Mai, born April 18, 1981 in Matsue, Shimane) is a Japanese pop singer-songwriter and pianist. On May 31, 2009, her contract with Sony ended.
- Albums: EVERY, Melodea, かけがえのない人へ, Cherish, 桜日和
- Maiko Sakae (栄 舞子) is a Japanese pop singer, she was a former bassist and vocalist for the all-female pop rock band Zone. She is also a former the lead singer and one of two bassists for the pop/rock band Maria.
Maria
Pop music, Rock music, J-popMaria is an all female Japanese pop band signed onto Sony Music Japan. The band consists of six members. They released their first single on March 8, 2006, titled "Chiisa na Uta". This song is used as the 3rd opening song of the anime Yakitate!! Japan. Also, their single Tsubomi is used as the theme song of Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, and their single Heartbeat was used as an opening theme song of the anime Deltora Quest. In 2006 came out their first album, entitled "You Go!: We Are Maria", but their popularity really came to raise after "Tsubomi" single release. In 2008, though, Maria came out with their first DVD, featuring a live tour for the first album, and was entitled "Maria Live Tour - We Are Maria 2007", which reached the height of 30th place in Oricon parade. Maria disbanded in 2010 due to Tattsu's thoracic outlet syndrome, which made it impossible for her to continue playing. Rather than continue with a replacement, they let their contract with Sony lapse.- Albums: 小さな詩, Heart☆Beat, You Go! 〜We are MARIA〜
Marina Inoue
Marina Inoue is an actress who appeared in "Romantic Killer," "Attack on Titan: Chronicle," and "Attack on Titan: The Roar of Awakening."- Albums: Colorful DAYS, SUPER∞STREAM, energy, BEAUTIFUL SKY
- Masahiko Kondō (近藤 真彦, Kondō Masahiko, born July 19, 1964 in Yokohama, Japan) or Matchy is a Japanese singer, lyricist, actor, racing car manager and former semi-professional racing driver represented by Johnny & Associates. He was part of the Tanokin Trio. Kondō is also a semi-professional racing driver and a racing team owner. He founded the racing team Kondo Racing in 2000 which competes in Formula Nippon and the Super GT.
- Albums: THE ROCK BEST, Thank Ai You
Masami Shiratama
Pop music, Rock music, J-pop- Albums: Metal Cool, !LOUD!, Natural Born, ホンノウ, Great Pleasure
Mass Alert
Japanese hip hop, J-pop, Music of JapanMass Alert (マサラー, Masarā) is a Japanese musician from Nagasaki. He debuted in 2009 with the song "Comoesta" featuring Massattack from Spontania. He gained prominence in Japan after he provided an opening theme for Naruto: Shōnen Hen, and then the second ending theme for Heroman. He describes himself as the postman singer, referring to his previous career.- Matty Lewis is the rhythm guitarist and co-lead singer of Zebrahead, and is a native of Papillion, Nebraska. Lewis took up playing the guitar and writing songs at age 12.
- May Jamileh Hashimoto (橋本 芽生, Hashimoto Mei), better known by her stage name May J., is a Japanese pop and R&B singer who made her major label debut under Sony Music Japan on July 12, 2006, with her first mini-album All My Girls. She was born to an Iranian mother and Japanese father.
- Albums: ALL MY GIRLS, Baby Girl, Family, Best -7 Years Collection-, Summer Ballad Covers
MBLAQ
K-pop, Electronic, R&BMBLAQ (an acronym for Music Boys Live in Absolute Quality) is a South Korean boy group created by South Korean entertainer Rain under J. Tune Camp. The group consists of Seungho, G.O, and Mir, and formerly Lee Joon and Thunder. The group debuted on October 15, 2009, at Rain's Legend of Rainism concert. On October 14, 2009, the group released their debut single album, Just BLAQ, which topped various online and offline music charts in South Korea. The group then released their first extended play album Y on May 19, 2010, and on January 10, 2011, MBLAQ released their first studio album, BLAQ Style. On December 16, 2014, it was announced Joon and Thunder had departed from the group and they will focus on individual activities for the time being.- Albums: Y, JUST BLAQ, BLAQ Style, Blaq Style 3D Edition, Mona Lisa
- Satsuki Shimabukuro (Japanese: 島袋 さつき, Shimabukuro Satsuki, b. 28 May 1988 in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan), better known by her stage name Meisa Kuroki (Japanese: 黒木 メイサ, Kuroki Meisa), is a Japanese actress, model and singer. She is represented by the agency Sweet Power and is signed to Sony Music Japan. She made her acting debut in 2004. She has modeled for the popular Japanese fashion magazine JJ, among others, and is the current Japanese representative for Epson and Giorgio Armani. She has appeared in numerous television dramas, commercials, films, and stage productions.
- Albums: UNLOCKED, Attitude, Hellcat, Wired Life, MAGAZINE
- Merry is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in Tokyo in 2001. The current member lineup consists of Gara on vocals, Yuu and Kenichi on guitar, Tetsu on bass, and Nero on the drums.
- Albums: Beautiful Freaks, PEEP SHOW, BURST EP, nu Chemical Rhetoric, under-world
- Metallica, an iconic heavy metal band, was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. The original lineup consisted of vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, lead guitarist Dave Mustaine, and bassist Ron McGovney. However, the band underwent several changes in its early years, with Mustaine being replaced by Kirk Hammett and Cliff Burton stepping in for McGovney. Tragically, Burton was killed in a bus accident while touring in Sweden in 1986, leading to the recruitment of Jason Newsted as the new bassist. The band's debut album, Kill 'Em All, released in 1983, established Metallica as a pioneering force in the thrash metal genre. Their subsequent releases, Ride the Lightning (1984), Master of Puppets (1986), and ...And Justice for All (1988) enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success, further cementing their place in metal history. During this period, the band was known for its aggressive sound, complex compositions, and powerful lyrical themes that often tackled political and social issues. With the release of their self-titled album, commonly referred to as The Black Album, in 1991, Metallica achieved mainstream success. The album, featuring hits like "Enter Sandman" and "The Unforgiven," showcased a more accessible sound, which led to a wider audience. Despite facing criticism from some fans for moving away from their thrash roots, the band continued to explore different musical styles in their subsequent albums. Over the course of their career, Metallica has received numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. They remain one of the most influential and successful bands in the history of rock music, with a legacy that continues to inspire countless musicians around the world.
- Albums: Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning, Metallica, …and Justice for All, Kill 'Em All
The Best Metallica Songs of All Time, RankedSee all- 1One2,552 Votes
- 2For Whom the Bell Tolls2,140 Votes
- 3Master of Puppets2,451 Votes
- Mika Nakashima is an actress who appeared in "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter," "Resident Evil: Retribution," and "Nana."
- Albums: LOVE, TRUE, Yes, MUSIC, The End
Misato Watanabe
J-pop, Music of JapanMisato Watanabe (渡辺 美里, Watanabe Misato, born 12 July 1966) is a Japanese pop singer.- Albums: THE LEGEND, Soleil, Hello Lovers, Cafe mocha – Uta no Ki, Hadaka no Kokoro
- Misia (ミーシャ, Mīsha, born July 7, 1978), commonly stylized as MISIA, is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Nagasaki, Misia moved to Fukuoka at the age of 14 to pursue a recording career. There, she continued her secondary education and briefly attended Seinan Gakuin University before withdrawing to focus on her musical career. She was signed to BMG Japan in 1997, after auditioning for record producer Haruo Yoda. Misia came to prominence following the release of her debut album, Mother Father Brother Sister (1998), which became the seventh best-selling Japanese debut album of all time, earning her two Japan Gold Disc Awards and one Japan Record Award. In 2000, Misia released her second studio album, Love Is the Message, which earned her another Japan Gold Disc Award and Japan Record Award. Her third studio album, Marvelous (2001), spawned her first number-one single on the Oricon singles chart, "Everything". The song became the fourth best-selling single of the 2000s in Japan, as well as the fourth best-selling single by a Japanese solo female artist of all time. In 2001, Misia and her agency, Rhythmedia, signed a recording contract with Avex and formed their own label, Rhythmedia Tribe. The first album under Rhythmedia Tribe, Kiss in the Sky, became Misia's fourth consecutive number-one album on the Oricon albums chart. This made her the fourth solo female artist with the longest streak of number-one albums since their debut. Following a series of successful records, including Mars & Roses, Singer for Singer and Ascension, Misia returned to her former record label, BMG Japan. After Sony Music Entertainment Japan's acquisition of BMG Japan, Misia relocated to the Sony subsidiary Ariola Japan. Misia has released 10 studio albums and is among the all-time best-selling Japanese music artists, having sold more than 30 million records. She is one of the top-touring artists in Japan, becoming the first female artist to play all five of Japan's largest stadiums in 2004. Misia is famed for her over-three-octave vocal range and is widely recognized as the first Japanese R&B superstar. Besides her musical career, Misia is also a committed philanthropist and involves herself in humanitarian causes and biodiversity conservation activities.
- Albums: LOVE IS THE MESSAGE, Marvelous, Mars & Roses, Kiss in the Sky, Ascension
- Miwa (born 15 June 1990) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and actress. She debuted in 2010 with the single "Don't Cry Anymore", which was used as the theme song for the drama Nakanai to Kimeta hi.
- Albums: Guitarissimo, Faith, Faraway / Kiss you, FRiDAY-MA-MAGiC, 441
Mizuho Saito
J-pop
