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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- Shonan no Kaze’s classic and popular songs
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- Songs I'd love to hear on acoustic guitar! Reiwa-era masterpieces perfect for sing-alongs
Star Kingdom! Artists/Singers from Kanagawa Prefecture (1–10)
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.
Only Oneiri
A newcomer based in Zushi, Kanagawa, who just debuted in 2016 from Victor’s Colorful Records.
Even before her debut, she sang at a long-established jazz bar where she worked part-time—something that makes perfect sense given her soulful voice and captivating melodies that grab your ears and won’t let go.
She’s a singer-songwriter to watch, poised to work on a global stage with these strengths as her weapons.
Forever SongHata Motohiro
A singer-songwriter from Yokohama.
With the 2014 release of “Himawari no Yakusoku,” the song’s quality—along with its film tie-in—led to an explosive hit.
Hata Motohiro’s voice quickly spread across the world, moving listeners everywhere.
His gentle vocals, completely free of any sharp edges, captivate those who hear them.
As a male singer, he is truly one of a kind; his exceptional artistry can encourage people at times and bring them to tears at others.
We simply can’t take our eyes off Hata Motohiro going forward.
Star Kingdom! Artists and singers from Kanagawa Prefecture (11–20)
Flash backTegoshi Yūya
Yuya Tegoshi had drawn attention since his Johnny & Associates days for his exceptional vocal ability.
He debuted in 2003 as a member of NEWS and has captivated many fans with his strong personality and performance skills.
In June 2020, he went independent and launched a full-fledged solo career, opening up new horizons as an artist.
While rooted in J-POP, he showcases his talent across a wide range of genres, including rock and ballads.
Since his solo debut in July 2021, he has actively taken on nationwide tours and festival appearances, and has continued to pursue musical challenges such as writing and composing his own songs.
Starting in 2012, he also served as the main host for the FIFA Club World Cup for seven years, demonstrating his multifaceted talent.
With an open, free-spirited musicality influenced by his Yokohama, Kanagawa roots and solid skill, he continues to win over new audiences.
BAD HOP
BAD HOP, a hip-hop crew born in Ikegami-cho, an industrial district of Kawasaki, Kanagawa, is an eight-member group whose story is a miraculous success tale.
Formed in 2014 around twin brothers T-Pablow and YZERR, they chose a self-produced path without relying on a major label.
Following their first nationwide release, the 2017 album “Mobb Life,” their fame quickly spread across Japan.
In 2019, they went to Los Angeles and created the EP “Lift Off” with world-renowned producers like Murda Beatz and Metro Boomin, bringing a fresh breeze to Japan’s hip-hop scene.
Up to their final concert at Tokyo Dome in February 2024, BAD HOP remained a beacon of hope for young people.
Their music, rooted in real-life experiences and powerful messages, continues to move the hearts of many listeners.
Imitation RainKouchi Yugo, Morimoto Shintaro
SixTONES, the Johnny’s group that made headlines by debuting with the song “Imitation Rain” provided by X JAPAN’s YOSHIKI in 2020! Among its members, leader Yugo Kochi and Shintaro Morimoto are from Kanagawa.
Before debuting with SixTONES, Yugo Kochi was active in NYC boys, while Shintaro Morimoto built his career by appearing in stage productions such as Takizawa Enbujō.
You can’t take your eyes off SixTONES with these two in the lineup!
stay goldSasaki Ayaka, Takagi Reni, Tamai Shiori
Shiori Tamai is loved by fans and members as everyone’s little sister.
She’s also known for having a big appetite that you wouldn’t expect from her slender figure.
Ayaka Sasaki is the youngest in Momoclo, yet she’s sexy and cute, and her strong professionalism has earned her the nickname “Sasaki Pro.” Reni Takagi is the oldest in Momoclo and has versatile talents, able to handle anything from variety shows to more.
You can’t help but fall for the gap between her playful side and the way she sings.
