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[Nagoya] Bands, artists, and singers from Aichi Prefecture

When you think of artists from Aichi Prefecture, who comes to mind?

Whether you like bands, idols, or hip-hop, there are popular artists from Aichi in every genre!

Nagoya in particular is home to many live houses and clubs, and for a long time it has been a hotbed for bands, idols, and hip-hop, producing numerous popular artists.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of artists from Aichi Prefecture, regardless of genre.

They’re all full of charm, so be sure to check out plenty of their songs.

[Nagoya] Bands, Artists, and Singers from Aichi Prefecture (11–20)

Heart ThrobsNori da Fanki Shibiresasu, DJ MITSU (nobodyknows+)

nobodyknows+ delivers a one-of-a-kind sound that blends J-pop and hip-hop.

Their 2004 release Kokoro Odoru became a hit and led to an appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

DJ MITSU, one of the members, launched the music label $TAX Records, which brings works by artists from Nagoya to audiences across Japan.

They’re a music group known not only for their passionate, cool tracks, but also for supporting their local community.

SCARLET feat. AfrojackIwata Takanori (Sandaime J Soul Brothers from Exile Tribe)

Gunner Iwata, a dancer from the dance-vocal group Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, is from Nagoya.

A well-rounded individual, he graduated from Keio University and was selected as a candidate for Japan’s national lacrosse team in high school.

He is also active as an actor, showcasing his talents in multiple fields.

By the way, fans call him “Gan-chan.”

Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanīzu

Flower Companyz “Midnight Highway (25th Anniversary Mix)”
Midnight ExpresswayFurawā Kanpanīzu

A four-piece rock band affectionately known as Furacan—Flower Companyz—who boldly proclaim, “No lineup changes! No hiatuses! No hit songs!” (laughs).

All four members are from Nagoya: vocalist Keisuke Suzuki, bassist Great Maekawa, and drummer Mr.

Konishi were classmates in junior high school, while guitarist Kenichi Takeyasu was Great Maekawa’s classmate in high school.

It’s a band formed by schoolmates.

Though they jokingly introduce themselves with “No hit songs!”, their signature track Shinya Kousoku (Midnight Highway) is a deeply memorable smash that virtually anyone who loves rock has heard.

START IT AGAINAK-69

AK-69 – START IT AGAIN REMIX feat. YZERR(Official Video | 360 Reality Audio ver.)
START IT AGAINAK-69

AK-69, who began his music career in 2003, is also strongly recognized as an artist from Aichi Prefecture.

Thanks to the hit “And I Love You So,” he’s widely known even among people who don’t usually listen to hip-hop, and he’s one of the artists representing today’s domestic hip-hop scene.

In 2016, he signed with the Japanese branch of Def Jam Recordings, a label that has produced numerous hip-hop artists in the United States, and he has since collaborated with international hip-hop stars.

Doubt itRIKU

【MUSIC VIDEO】Doubt it/ RIKU
Doubt itRIKU

RIKU (Riku Hirano) is a multi-talented artist from Aichi Prefecture.

His older brother is Shiyoh Hirano from Number_i, and he prides himself on a rhythm sense honed on the streets.

His signature lies in a unique style that fuses a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, and electronic.

Passionate about music since childhood, he has established his own musical identity while exploring diverse genres.

He made his major debut in 2024.

Beyond music, he also works as an actor and as an apparel entrepreneur and designer, pursuing expression from multiple angles.

You won’t want to take your eyes off RIKU as he continues to expand his possibilities!

like; to like; fond ofSonar Pocket

Formed in 2005, Sonar Pocket is a three-member male group whose members are all from Nagoya.

Overcoming challenges such as a hiatus due to a member’s hospitalization, they continue to work energetically.

True to the group name—chosen to mean “songs that stay close to your heart and can be carried in your pocket anytime”—their music is characterized by beautiful vocals and harmonies.

[Nagoya] Bands, artists, and singers from Aichi Prefecture (21–30)

StarlightMOAMETAL(BABYMETAL)

Formed in 2010, BABYMETAL operates with the concept of fusing metal and idol culture.

Among the members, MOAMETAL, who handles the screams, is from Aichi Prefecture.

Speaking of BABYMETAL, their new style of performance—combining the ultra-authentic metal tracks by the Kami Band with the members’ vocals and dance—has become a hot topic.

This high-quality performance has gained popularity overseas as well, earning them spots at major international festivals and drawing attention from around the world.