Pistol Takehara (born December 27, 1976), whose real name is Kazuo Takehara, is a Japanese singer-songwriter and actor from Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture. He graduated from Dohto University and is currently based in Yawata City, Kyoto. Takehara started his music career as part of the folk duo Yakozen, formed in 1999 with Hirochika Hamano, and they made their major debut in 2003 under Office Augusta. After Yakozen disbanded in 2009, he began a solo career, focusing on heartfelt acoustic songs and powerful live performances. In addition to music, Takehara has built a career as an actor, notably appearing in Kazuya Kumakiri's films and winning the Best Supporting Actor award at the 90th Kinema Junpo Awards and the Japan Academy Prize for The Long Excuse (2016). His song "Yo, Soko no Wakai no" gained wide popularity and led to his first appearance on the NHK KÅhaku Uta Gassen in 2017. In 2017, he won a composer award for the Sumitomo Life Insurance commercial song. One of his notable songs, "Anti-Hero" was on the album Swarm!! (2025), showcases his signature blend of raw emotion and acoustic rock. The following year, they released their 8th original album, FIRST CRY!!.
