Star Kingdom! Artist and singer from Kanagawa Prefecture
When you hear “artists from Kanagawa,” do any come to mind right away?
Even when it’s about your favorite artists, it can be surprising to realize, “Oh, they’re from there!”
From venerable legends to idols and that hugely popular musician…
Finding artists from your own hometown gives you a little thrill, doesn’t it?
Kanagawa has produced many nationally beloved artists like Southern All Stars, Yuzu, and Ikimono-gakari,
Star Kingdom! Artists/Singers from Kanagawa Prefecture (1–10)
You are the star.Sazan Ōrusutāzu
When you think of people from Kanagawa Prefecture, the first that come to mind are probably Southern All Stars.
Keisuke Kuwata is from Chigasaki, and his wife, Yuko Hara, is from Yokohama.
Many of Southern’s songs include place names from Kanagawa, don’t they?
It’s okayRADWIMPS
This rock band, which took on all the insert songs and theme songs for the 2016 mega-hit film Your Name., enjoys nationwide popularity that goes far beyond support from younger generations.
Their songs—born from lyrics with overwhelming expressive power, versatile arrangements that bring out 120% of the lyrics’ appeal, and melodies that linger in your ears—grip the hearts of listeners of all ages, not just rock fans.
Something CertainOda Kazumasa
Even if you don’t recognize his name, many people have probably heard his songs.
He gives off the image of a gentle-voiced older man.
He originally served as the vocalist and leader of the band Off Course.
He’s now active as a solo artist, with signature songs including “Kira Kira” and “Love Story wa Totsuzen ni.”
wishsumika
Sumika is a four-piece rock band that has released numerous happy songs.
They’ve been known for tracks that make listeners feel excited, but now their range has expanded, showcasing many sides—from ballads and pop songs to intense rock numbers.
They’ve also had impressive tie-ins, so it’ll be exciting to see what they do next.
A cloudy night sky with a forecast of rain.SHISHAMO
SHISHAMO, who have performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and were entrusted with composing the required piece for the NHK National School Music Competition, are broadening their scope of activities.
The vocals of Miyazaki, who is also the frontwoman, are charmingly feminine—matching her looks—but when fused with rock, they immediately overwhelm you with their world.
Liberated zoneASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
They’re a front-running presence that you can’t leave out when talking about the Japanese rock scene since the 2000s.
Their meticulous sound work shows love for predecessors and peers who play various forms of “rock”—from alternative rock like Oasis, Foo Fighters, and eastern youth to power pop elements like Weezer and Teenage Fanclub.
Coupled with Japanese lyrics that, despite not using simple words, clearly depict scenes and emotions, they’re a four-piece rock band that has had a major impact on the Japanese rock scene since 2000.
HAN-KUN、SHOCK EYE、RED RICE
Shonan no Kaze is a reggae group formed by four members, three of whom are from Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Their distinctive members weave together a unique musicality that leads the reggae scene.
Since their debut in 2003 with the album “Shonan no Kaze ~Real Riders~,” their songs—rooted in reggae while blending a wide range of genres such as J-POP and rock—have gained widespread popularity.
Each member has also achieved notable success individually: HAN-KUN won MTV’s Best Reggae Video Award in 2010 for a solo track; SHOCK EYE published the book “The Small Habits I Cherish as Someone Called a Walking Power Spot,” drawing media attention; and RED RICE is active beyond music, sharing golf content on his YouTube channel “Red Rice TV.” Experience the sound nurtured by the sea breeze of Shonan for yourself.