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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,

It has also produced many popular rock bands, including [Alexandros]! I hope this article inspires you to discover more music and artists you love.

Star Kingdom! Artists/Singers from Kanagawa Prefecture (’81–’90)

OrangeSMAP

Lefty Hand Cream - Full Cover of SMAP 'Orange'
OrangeSMAP

Masahiro Nakai is from Fujisawa City, and Shingo Katori is from Yokohama.

The song “Orange” is the B-side to “Lion Heart,” and it’s very popular among fans.

It’s well known that the final lyric, “arigato” (thank you), was apparently Takuya Kimura’s arrangement.

It was originally supposed to end with “sayonara” (goodbye), but he changed it.

Just that one word really changes the nuance, doesn’t it?

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Shiny Daykawashima daria

Daria Kawashima, shiny day — your finishing touches are a bit sloppy…
Shiny Daykawashima daria

Daria Kawashima is from Kanagawa Prefecture, and this song was released in 1991 as her first single.

It was used in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat, with lyrics by Daria Kawashima and composition by Masafumi Nishida of EARTHSHAKER.

It has become one of Daria Kawashima’s signature songs.

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KISS KISSMatsuoka Hideaki

Hideaki Matsuoka is from Yokohama.

In the late 1980s, he was quite popular—he hosted a music program on NHK and, of course, pursued his own music career.

However, at one point he put his music activities on hold, and there was an exposé revealing he was working as an ordinary employee.

He is now in a band and has resumed his music career.

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Everybody GoKis-my-ft2

Wataru Yokoo, Toshiya Miyata, Hiromitsu Kitayama, and Taisuke Fujigaya—members of Kis-My-Ft2—are from Kanagawa Prefecture.

The song was released in 2011 as Kis-My-Ft2’s debut single.

It was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “You’re Beautiful.” Following the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the lyrics and tone were changed, and it was released as a song meant to light up Japan and give hope.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced many artists from Kanagawa so far! Perhaps you discovered some new artists and thought, “I didn’t know that!” Finding famous people from your hometown makes them feel more relatable, doesn’t it? For those aiming to become musicians too, I’m sure it’s encouraging.

We support each and every one of you in your endeavors!