Hi all,

I want to listen to more Japanese music, but I only like certain kinds. I'd really like to find Japanese musicians that are similar in sound to John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Iron and Wine, and/or basically something you could call indie folk rock (though it's hard to categorize like that...) If anyone can help I'd appreciate it!

Thanks

shugo tokumaru,
asian kung fu generation?
ogre you leprechaun

The last 2 arent really acoustic, your best bet would be last.fm-s similar artists. Just search and try, you will find some for sure.

Well, I know 'the pillows' is sometimes called the Japanese "Beatles" for their similarity in music.

Their earlier albums are very jazzy but their middle (and later) albums are more rock-ish.

Not really what you want but I'll take this opportunity to plug Tetuzi Akiyama:

Get yourself a copy of Pre-Existence and Terrifying Street Trees/Don't Forget to Boogie for the complete experience.

I DON'T like yui anymore but perhaps you'll like her. i guess sshe's good if you're just beginning japanese since her lyrics are boring like that.

アニソン

in other word smy last.fm
http://www.last.fm/user/howtwosavealif3

はっぴえんど

曽我部恵一

Maybe not folk rock, but definitely a guitar and great too:

(Miyavi)

rigol Wrote:Maybe not folk rock, but definitely a guitar and great too:

(Miyavi)

That guitarist is trying WAY too hard to be cool.

So old guys end up looking cooler than him.

(Skip to about 1 minute and 40 seconds into the video. He does some silly intro)

Not sure if this is what you're looking for, but there's a little known artist named
Aosora Ruka. She has a few albums out. You can purchase them at http://www.miracleforest.com.

Homepage:
http://aosora-ruka.miracleforest.com/

Sample mp3:
http://aosora-ruka.miracleforest.com/mp3...ekai_s.mp3

Not Folk Rock, more like Jazz/Bossa/Choro, but it's acoustic guitar.
Maybe you or someone will like it:

Choro Club:

[and, btw, if you liked the sound, you'll probably like the manga; it has the same atmosphere]

Talking about Iron, Iron Maiden's last album's last 3 songs are awesome.

Awesome thanks for the responses everyone!

Can't believe I forgot to mention Kazuki Tomokawa, by the way.

Canny Ann

I've actually met her because she knows some of my friends.
She performs at live houses in Tokyo and even did a little performance for us.

Here is her official blog:
http://ameblo.jp/canny-ann/

友川かずき Tomokawa Kazuki

三上寛 Mikami Kan

Found some great stuff by 山崎まさよしand 三人の侍. Lots of great live music as long as you don't mind the mediocre (youtube) sound quality.