Japanese musicians born in 1949
Here are 20 famous musicians from Japan were born in 1949:
Shūichi Ikeda
Shūichi Ikeda (December 2, 1949 Tokyo-) a.k.a. Ikeda Shūichi, Shuuichi Ikeda, Syuuichi Ikeda or Shuichi Ikeda is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He has been active in the entertainment industry since the 1970s, and is best known for his voice work in anime series such as Mobile Suit Gundam (as the main character Char Aznable), JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (as Joseph Joestar), and Bleach (as Sōsuke Aizen). In addition to his voice acting work, Ikeda has also appeared in live-action films and television dramas. He has won numerous awards for his contributions to the anime industry, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 13th Seiyu Awards in 2019. With over four decades of experience as a voice actor, Ikeda is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential seiyu in Japan.
In addition to his work as a voice actor, Ikeda is also an accomplished stage actor and has appeared in numerous stage productions throughout his career. He has also lent his voice to video games, including the Kingdom Hearts and Tales of series. Outside of his work in the entertainment industry, Ikeda is known for his philanthropic efforts and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme. He is also known for his love of travel and has visited over 100 countries. Despite his decades-long career and numerous accolades, Ikeda remains humble and dedicated to his craft, and continues to be an active and beloved figure in the anime community.
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Eikichi Yazawa
Eikichi Yazawa (September 14, 1949 Hiroshima-) a.k.a. 矢沢永吉, やざわ えいきち or Yazawa Eikichi is a Japanese singer and songwriter. His child is Yoko Yazawa.
His most recognized albums: Anytime Woman, THE ORIGINAL 2, E. Y 90'S, Ari yo Saraba, E.Y 70'S, Last Song, Only One -touch up-, YOUR SONGS 3, YOUR SONGS 1 and YOUR SONGS 2. Genres he performed include Music of Japan and Rock music.
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Masachika Ichimura
Masachika Ichimura (January 28, 1949 Kawagoe-) a.k.a. Ichimura Masachika is a Japanese actor, singer and voice actor.
He began his career in the entertainment industry as a member of a pop music group called "The Spiders" in the 1960s. However, he then became more focused on acting and has since appeared in many stage productions, films, and TV dramas. Some of his notable roles include playing Shintaro Kaneshiro in the popular TV series "Oshin" and providing the voice for the character of Scar in the Japanese dubbed version of "The Lion King". In addition to his acting work, Ichimura is also known for his impressive singing ability and has released multiple albums throughout his career. He has won several awards for his work in the entertainment industry, including a Best Actor award at the Japan Academy Prize ceremony.
Ichimura is also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his involvement with the Japan Committee for UNICEF. He has been a goodwill ambassador for the organization since 1987 and has traveled to many countries to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF's programs. In 2006, he received the UNICEF Special Award in recognition of his dedication and contributions to the organization's work. In addition, he has also been involved in several environmental initiatives and campaigns, advocating for the protection and preservation of the natural world. Despite his busy schedule, Ichimura remains committed to his social and humanitarian causes, and continues to use his fame and influence to make a positive impact on society.
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Rihoko Yoshida
Rihoko Yoshida (January 24, 1949 Tokyo-) also known as Yoshida Rihoko or Rihoko Tamegai is a Japanese voice actor and talent manager.
Her albums include .
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Takurō Kitagawa
Takurō Kitagawa (December 12, 1949 Tokyo-) also known as Takuro Kitagawa, Takurou Kitagawa or Masamichi Kusunoki is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He made his debut in the entertainment industry in 1977 and has since become a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to a wide range of characters in anime, video games, and live-action films. Some of his notable roles include Ichiro Mihara in "Touch", Wan Fu in "Samurai Shodown", and Furuichi Tadayoshi in "Beelzebub". In addition to his voice acting work, Takurō Kitagawa has also appeared in several live-action films and TV dramas, such as "Hissatsu Shigotonin" and "Tantei Monogatari". He has won several awards for his work as a voice actor, including the Best Supporting Actor award at the 5th Seiyu Awards in 2011.
Takurō Kitagawa began his career in voice acting in 1977 with the anime series "Hana no Kakaricho". He gained recognition for his work in the popular sports anime series "Touch", where he voiced the character of Ichiro Mihara. He also provided the voice for Wan-Fu, a popular character in the "Samurai Shodown" video game franchise.
Aside from animation, Takurō Kitagawa has performed voice acting for video games, including the role of Captain Hook in the Japanese dub of "Kingdom Hearts". He is also known for his work in live-action films and TV dramas, such as "Naniwa Kinyuudo" and "Iryu: Team Medical Dragon".
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Takurō Kitagawa has also been involved in charity work. He actively supports the charity organization "Make-A-Wish Japan", which grants wishes to children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
Takurō Kitagawa continues to be a prominent figure in the Japanese voice acting industry and is highly respected for his versatile range and talent.
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Yoshito Yasuhara
Yoshito Yasuhara (November 17, 1949 Aioi-) also known as Yasuhara Yoshito is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
He is best known for his work as the voice of Doctor Eggman in the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. Yasuhara started his career as an actor in the 1970s, appearing in various Japanese television dramas and films. He also worked as a stage actor, performing in productions of classical and contemporary plays. In the 1990s, he began working as a voice actor for anime, dubbing foreign films and television shows, and appearing in video games. His notable works include the voice of M'Baku in the Japanese dub of Black Panther and Professor Thawne in the Japanese dub of The Flash television series. Yasuhara has also lent his voice to various commercials and narrations. He continues to act in various mediums and is known for his distinctive deep and rough voice.
In addition to his acting and voice work, Yasuhara has also written scripts for theater productions and television dramas. He is an accomplished playwright and has won awards for his work in the field. Yasuhara has also worked as a director for theater productions, and has a keen interest in promoting the arts to a wider audience. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and practicing calligraphy. Yasuhara is highly regarded in the Japanese entertainment industry for his talent and dedication to his craft. He is known for his professionalism and his willingness to take on challenging roles. Despite his success, he remains humble and grateful for the opportunities he has had in his career.
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Aruno Tahara
Aruno Tahara (March 23, 1949 Shibuya-) also known as 田原 アルノ, Tahara Aruno, Tomomitsu Ishida, 石田 知充 or Ishida Tomomitsu is a Japanese voice actor and actor.
He started his career as a voice actor in the 1970s and has since voiced a variety of characters in anime, video games, and dramas. Some of his notable roles include Hayate Gekko in "Naruto", Saburō Mutsumi in "Maison Ikkoku", and Tatsunosuke Sakonji in "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba".
Aside from voice acting, Aruno Tahara has also appeared in various live-action films and TV dramas. He has worked with renowned directors such as Akira Kurosawa in the film "Kagemusha" and Takeshi Kitano in the film "Fireworks".
Aruno Tahara has won several awards for his contributions to the voice acting industry, including the Seiyuu Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2009. Despite being in his 70s, he continues to work actively in the industry and is considered a legend among his peers.
In addition to his successful career as a voice actor and actor, Aruno Tahara is also a skilled narrator. He has lent his voice to many documentaries, commercials, and educational programs. He has also worked as a radio personality, hosting his own show on Tokyo FM. Tahara is known for his distinctive voice, which is deep and resonant, making him a sought-after choice for voiceover work.
Tahara is also recognized outside of Japan for his contributions to the voice acting industry. He has participated in many events and conventions around the world, where he has shared his experiences and insights with fans. He is known for his warm and friendly personality, and his fans appreciate his willingness to engage with them on a personal level.
Throughout his career, Tahara has remained dedicated to his craft and has inspired many in the voice acting and acting communities. He continues to work on new projects and is always looking for ways to challenge himself and improve his skills.
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Masatō Ibu
Masatō Ibu (March 28, 1949 Nakano, Tokyo-) also known as Masatô Ibu, Masato Ibu, Masato Eve, Ibu Masatō, Murota Satoru, Ibu Masayuki, Satoru Murota, Masayuki Ibu, Masayuki Eve or Masatou Ibu is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
Discography: .
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Machiko Washio
Machiko Washio (June 2, 1949 Kanagawa Prefecture-) a.k.a. わしお まちこ, 鷲尾 真知子 or Washio Machiko is a Japanese actor and voice actor.
She made her debut in the entertainment world in 1964 as a member of the singing group The Coconuts. After the group disbanded, she began her career as a voice actor in the early 1970s, voicing notable characters such as Jun in Science Ninja Team Gatchaman and Moomin in the Moomin series. She has also acted in a number of live-action films and dramas, including her role as Saki Asamiya's mentor in the Sukeban Deka series. In addition to her acting work, Washio has also been an advocate for disability rights and has written several books on the topic.
In the later years of her career, Washio continued to voice iconic characters such as Gennai Hiraga from the anime series Ghost in the Shell and Yasha from Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter. She was also involved in the creation of the animated film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, serving as a voice consultant during the production. Washio's impact on the voice acting industry in Japan has been recognized, and she has been awarded the Seiyu Award for her contributions to the field. Despite retiring from voice acting in 2012, Washio has remained active in the industry as a mentor to young voice actors and continues to be a beloved figure in Japanese entertainment.
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Kentarō Haneda
Kentarō Haneda (January 12, 1949 Kita, Tokyo-June 2, 2007 Shinjuku) a.k.a. Kentarou Haneda, Kentaro Haneda, Haneken or Haneda, Kentarou was a Japanese film score composer, pianist and music arranger.
His albums: Wizardry: Llylgamyn Saga, Genso Suikoden Ongakushu, MACROSS THE COMPLETE, 名探偵ホームズ, マクロス・ジェネレーション Legend of Eternal Songs, , , Space Adventure Cobra Original Soundtrack and The S.D.F. Macross.
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Kazutoki Umezu
Kazutoki Umezu (October 17, 1949 Sendai-) is a Japanese , .
His albums include Sax & The City, First Deserter, Play Time and Eclecticism. Genres he performed: Jazz, Free jazz and Klezmer.
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Kensaku Morita
Kensaku Morita (December 16, 1949 Ōta, Tokyo-) also known as Morita Kensaku, Eiji Suzuki or Suzuki Eiji is a Japanese politician, actor and singer.
Related albums: .
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Tetsuya Takeda
Tetsuya Takeda (April 11, 1949 Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-) a.k.a. Takeda Tetsuya, So Katayama or Katayama So is a Japanese actor, screenwriter, singer, film director and composer.
His most important albums: 遠い海から来たあなた. Genres he performed: Folk music and Pop music.
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Morio Kazama
Morio Kazama (April 26, 1949 Setagaya-) a.k.a. Tomohito Sumita, Sumita Tomohito or Kazama Morio is a Japanese actor and pornographic film actor.
His albums include .
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Justin Heathcliff
Justin Heathcliff (February 3, 1949 Kanagawa Prefecture-) also known as Kitajima, Osamu or Osamu Kitajima is a Japanese musician, film score composer and music producer. His child is called Mai Kitajima.
His discography includes: Masterless Samurai, The Source, California Roll, Breath of Jade, Sweet Chaos, Benzaiten, Mandala / 曼荼羅, Beyond the Circle, Osamu and Mandala / 曼荼羅. Genres: Psychedelic rock, New Age, Instrumental, Electronic music, Traditional music, Progressive rock, Electronic rock, Rock music, Music of Japan, World music, New-age music and Folk music.
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Masahiro Kawasaki
Masahiro Kawasaki (September 15, 1949 Kitakyushu-May 4, 2006 Inage-ku, Chiba) a.k.a. Kawasaki Masahiro, 川崎 雅文, Kawasaki Masafumi, 川崎 真弘, Masafumi Kawasaki, かわさき まさひろ or かわさき まさふみ was a Japanese musician and composer.
His most important albums: Gokinjo Monogatari Gokinjo CD Tsushin Part I - Original Soundtrack Vol.1 and .
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Yashiki Takajin
Yashiki Takajin (October 5, 1949 Nishinari-ku, Osaka-January 3, 2014 Kansai region) also known as Takajin, たかじん, 家鋪 隆仁 or やしき たかじん was a Japanese singer-songwriter and tv personality.
He first gained prominence as a singer in the 1970s, with hits such as "Woman's Heart", "Sora kara Koboreta Story" and "Jinsei ga Iroiro Aru Kagiri". Throughout his career, he released over 30 albums and became known for his powerful and emotional vocals.
In addition to his music career, Takajin was also a well-known television personality in Japan. He hosted several TV shows, including his own talk show "Takajin no Sokomade Ikuzo!" and appeared as a judge on popular talent competition show "Star Tanjo!".
Takajin was widely admired for his charitable work, particularly his efforts to support communities affected by natural disasters. He was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government in 1999 in recognition of his contributions to the country.
Despite his success and popularity, Takajin's personal life was marked by tragedy. He experienced the loss of his father and brother at a young age, and his wife and son both died from illness in 2001. Takajin himself passed away in 2014 at the age of 64, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His legacy as a talented musician and beloved personality in Japan continues to be celebrated to this day.
Takajin was born into a family with a musical background, as his mother was a jazz singer and his father was a drummer. He began his music career in the late 1960s as a drummer in a rock band before transitioning to become a solo artist. Takajin's music was known for its mix of rock and pop influences, and he often incorporated social commentary and personal experiences into his lyrics.
In addition to his music and television work, Takajin also authored several books, including an autobiography and a book about his experiences with cancer. He also established a charity organization called the Takajin Fund, which supports children with cancer and their families.
Takajin's contributions to Japanese music and entertainment continue to be recognized, and he is often cited as an inspiration by younger generations of artists. His music has also been covered by various artists and featured in several television dramas and films.
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Fumiaki Miyamoto
Fumiaki Miyamoto (November 3, 1949 Minato-) also known as Miyamoto Fumiaki, 宮本文昭 or みやもと ふみあき is a Japanese oboist. His child is Emiri Miyamoto.
Discography: .
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Mariko Takahashi
Mariko Takahashi (March 6, 1949 Japan-) is a Japanese singer.
Her albums include Couplet, Monologue, 目を見て語れ 恋人たちよ, No Reason 2 ～もっとオトコゴコロ～, Pretend, Tip Top, Musée, Two for Nine, Songs for you… and Method. Genres she performed include Pop music and Jazz.
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Shigeru Matsuzaki
Shigeru Matsuzaki (November 19, 1949 Tokyo-) also known as Shigeru Matsuzaki or Matsuzaki, Shigeru is a Japanese actor and singer.
Discography: Matsuzaki, Shigeru -Best One-, Twin Best 松崎しげる and 松崎しげる.
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