I can't think of any male as to they tend to focus strongly on the instrumentals.Which isn't bad though.

Anyways,I say try Chitose Hajime as well.

Remioromen & B'z :D

hm male... I like some songs from Kobukuro.
Mr. Children & Hirai Ken are pretty popular too.

Those are some great recommendations!
I've already started listening to Shiina Ringo and Ayaka, and I like what I hear.
I'm going to check out Onitsuka Chihiro, because both Hikki and Shiina Ringo seem to like her.

They're all female though, which is great, but I bet there are some male singer-songwriters out there too.

Rie fu you might also wanna try Shiina Ringo, Onitsuka Chihiro, YUKI and Salyu

Whisper
Hope for the Hopeless
Stood Up
- A Fine Frenzy

this is my top 3 song form her
but try all of her song... she has 2 ablums

I dont really listen to Japanese music other than Utada. I listen to her everyday... If I'm not, I usually listen to rock, techno and the like. But I really like Ayaka. She has a strong and beautiful voice but currently taking a break from her singing career due to an illness.

I've been listening to a lot of Japanese music, but most of it is soulless and hollow pop.
I like Utada's music because it is artistic and creative and has emotion and a spirit to it. She independent writes her own songs, instead of just writing the lyrics or getting help in writing the music.
So, like, the only other one I can think of is Shiina Ringo who is creative like Utada.
What are some singer-songwriters? They don't even necessarily have to be Japanese.