Minoru Niihara

Minoru Niihara, born on March 12, 1960, is a Japanese singer known primarily for his work in the heavy metal genre. He gained prominence as the lead vocalist of the influential Japanese metal band Loudness, which was formed in the early 1980s. Niihara's powerful voice and dynamic stage presence helped Loudness achieve both domestic and international recognition during the 1980s and beyond.

Throughout his career, Niihara has been associated with the development of Japanese heavy metal and has contributed significantly to the genre's popularity in Japan. He has also pursued solo projects and collaborated with other musicians, maintaining an active presence in the music scene.