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,
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Star Kingdom! Artists and singers from Kanagawa Prefecture (71–80)
Summer NudeSakurai Hidetoshi
Magokoro Brothers captivate listeners with their distinctive sound rooted in folk, rock, and pop.
Guitarist and vocalist Hidetoshi Sakurai was born in Hiroshima City and grew up in Kanagawa Prefecture.
He formed the band with YO-KING in 1989, making their major-label debut with the single “Umi.” They have earned high praise within the music industry, including being named one of the “Best 5 New Artists” at the 1995 Japan Gold Disc Awards.
The twin-vocal harmonies and call-and-response between Sakurai and YO-KING enhance the appeal of their songs, while their live performances—bolstered by support members—deliver a rich, full sound that captivates audiences.
With melodies that are simple yet profound and lyrics that sensitively depict everyday scenes and emotions, Magokoro Brothers’ music resonates deeply, making it perfect for listeners seeking a warm, comforting sound.
Each songZainichi Fanku
Kenta Hamano, the vocalist of Zainichi Funk, is from Totsuka Ward in Yokohama.
He’s appeared on variety shows doing things like dieting, and lately he’s been acting in dramas such as “Diaspolice,” so many people might not realize he’s actually a musician (lol).
to flutter with excitementNishida Hikaru
Hikaru Nishida, who hails from Tama Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, released this as her 11th single in 1991.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama Department Store! Summer Story, starring Nishida herself.
The single debuted at No.
7 on the Oricon chart, becoming her first entry into the Top 10.
Thanks to the song’s success, she also made her first appearance at the 42nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Move forward, even if you sometimes run away.Charan Po Rantan
The two-person unit Charan-Po-Rantan, formed by real-life sisters Koharu and Momo, also hails from Kanagawa Prefecture.
Centered on Koharu’s accordion, their genre-defying performance style, which incorporates a wide range of musical influences, is unique and is their greatest appeal.
At the same time, their catchy melodies and warm, gentle songs are delightful, and their popularity has spread beyond Japan as they perform internationally.
It’s also said that their stage costumes are made by their mother, designer Aki Matsunaga.
After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko
Kyoko Koizumi is from Atsugi City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and this song was released in 1985 as her 17th single.
Chosen as the theme song for Fuji Photo Film’s “Cardia” commercial, it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It remains a popular song considered essential when discussing Koizumi’s idol-era career.
The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko
Machiko Watanabe is from Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture, and this was released as her second single in 1978.
With this song, she won the Best New Artist Award at the 20th Japan Record Awards, and it continues to be sung today as one of her signature songs.
It’s also very popular at karaoke.
LAY YOUR HANDS ON MEBOOM BOOM SATELLITES
Masayuki Nakano, who handles programming and bass, is from Kanagawa Prefecture.
BOOM BOOM SATELLITES ended their activities in June 2016 because it became impossible to continue due to aftereffects from vocalist and guitarist Michiyuki Kawashima’s brain tumor.
Kawashima passed away in October that year, and Nakano reported the news.
This song was their final single, and Kawashima’s child appears in the music video.