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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 (21–30)

Unwavering WishTamura Naomi

Many of you have probably heard Yuzurenai Negai, the anime song from Magic Knight Rayearth that became a million-selling hit.

Its powerful vocals are truly energizing.

Naomi Tamura, who is from Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture, passed the audition for the band STEP, which she formed after graduating from high school, and debuted in 1987 as SHO-TA, a member of PEARL.

Alongside her solo career, she has also written songs for others, and she is currently active as a vocal coach.

Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako

【217】Don't Give Up on Your Dreams / Takako Okamura (full/lyrics) covered by SKYzART
Don't give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako

Singer-songwriter Takako Okamura, who made her solo debut in 1985, is from Okazaki City in Aichi Prefecture.

Before going solo, she performed as part of the duo Amin, which she formed with her classmate Haruko Kato.

Even if you don’t know Takako Okamura by name, many people have probably heard their massive hit “Matsu wa.” She was diagnosed with acute leukemia in 2019, but when she appeared on the TV program “Nonstop!” in 2020, it gave me courage.

Whenever I listen to her signature song “Yume wo Akiramenai de” (“Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams”), I can’t help but hum along, and it really makes me feel determined to do my best.

Her gentle, conversational singing voice is truly wonderful.

[Nagoya] Bands, Artists, and Singers from Aichi Prefecture (31–40)

Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken

[Official] Ken Matsudaira “Matsuken Samba II” MV
Matsuken Samba IIMatsudaira Ken

Now widely beloved as “Matsuken” and “Uesama” for his dazzling samba performances, Ken Matsudaira hails from Toyohashi City in Aichi Prefecture.

He was once chiefly known as a star for older audiences and a period drama leading man, most famous for his signature role in the series ‘Abarenbo Shogun.’ In recent years, however, the nationwide, long-running hit ‘Matsuken Samba’ has come to define his image, turning him into a character adored by everyone from children to adults.

He’s also someone who gives the whole country a boost of energy when spirits are low, isn’t he?

God knows…Hirano Aya

10. God knows…/Aya Hirano ~Suzumiya Haruhi no Gekisou~
God knows...Hirano Aya

Aya Hirano is a voice actress who has appeared in a wide range of anime, including The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and DEATH NOTE.

Her activities are not limited to voice acting—she also works as a singer and an actress.

Originally from Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, she began her career as a child actor, making her debut as an actress before becoming a voice actress.

A year after her acting debut, she made her voice acting debut in the anime Angel Tales.

She has appeared in numerous major hits, and in 2006 she also debuted as a singer with Breakthrough.

Her clear, powerful vocals are striking, and in addition to her music career, she has performed in musicals, where she showcases her beautiful singing voice.

Chase the WorldMay’n

Chase the world -TV size edition- Music Video / May’n
Chase the WorldMay’n

The singer May’n, who has performed numerous anime songs, is actually from Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture! She feels like she’s been active for a long time, and no wonder—when she made her major debut in 2005, she was only 15 years old! After that, she released the duet “Lion” with Megumi Nakajima, which became a big hit.

Her sharp, powerful high notes and strong vocal ability are incredibly captivating! If you haven’t listened to her songs yet, start with her famous tracks first.

Under Control of LawOutrage

OUTRAGE – 「Under Control Of Law」MV
Under Control of LawOutrage

Outrage is a thrash metal band formed in Nagoya in 1982.

Amazingly, they started the band when they were in junior high school, and they’ve stuck to their fast and heavy style ever since.

Many people might not have known there was such a passionate band in Nagoya, don’t you think?

12th graderFunaki Kazuo

Kazuo Funaki / High School Senior
12th graderFunaki Kazuo

Kazuo Funaki, who is active as a singer and TV personality, is from Hagiwara Town, Nakashima District, now part of Ichinomiya City.

Along with Teruhiko Saigo and Yukio Hashi, who debuted around the same time, he was known as one of the “Gosanke” (the Big Three) of the era.

His debut single was “Kōkō Sannensei” (“High School Senior”), and the title track was selected for the ‘100 Selected Japanese Songs.’