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[Artists from Akita Prefecture] A comprehensive showcase from famous popular singers to up-and-coming bands
When you hear “an artist from Akita Prefecture,” who comes to mind? Finding a favorite band or singer-songwriter from your hometown gives you a little thrill, doesn’t it? Akita is home to many artists who deliver heartwarming works, led by Yu Takahashi.
It’s also known for exciting music festivals like the Akita CARAVAN MUSIC FES and the Oga Namahage Rock Festival.
In this article, we’ll introduce artists born in Akita along with their signature and popular songs.
Artists from Akita Prefecture: From Famous Popular Singers to Up-and-Coming Bands, All in One Go (1–10)
Tomorrow will surely be a good day.Takahashi Yuu
Yu Takahashi, a singer-songwriter known for songs like “Ashita wa Kitto Ii Hi ni Naru” (“Tomorrow Will Surely Be a Good Day”), is an artist from Yokote City in Akita Prefecture.
His trademarks are his round glasses and big, expressive eyes.
He captivates listeners with a passionate style that conveys experiences many can relate to, the various feelings we carry in everyday life, and the preciousness of dreams.
After being scouted while performing street shows, he debuted in 2008 with “Subarashiki Nichijou” (“Wonderful Everyday”).
Alongside his powerful messages, his lyrics also shine for their gentle, embracing warmth, as heard in songs like “Fukuwarai.” Since 2016, driven by a desire to energize his hometown, he has organized and hosted the Akita CARAVAN MUSIC FES.
Black-Haired Strangerkarasu
Karasu is a rock band from Akita Prefecture, formed in 2001.
After lineup changes, as of 2022 the band operates as a duo: Junichi Konno on guitar and vocals, and Shuta Chiba on drums.
They made their major-label debut in 2009 with the single Yume.
Their sound is rock ’n’ roll grounded in an emo-inspired style.
Their signature song is Sudachi, which was used as the theme for the TV drama Yamikin Ushijima-kun.
They pour out a poignant worldview and pain with passionate intensity.
Even so, many of their melodies are catchy, and they have accessible tracks like Kurokami Stranger that incorporate jazzy elements.
Konno’s charismatic vocals are seriously cool!
I can’t be honestTHE SxPLAY (Sugawara Sayuri)
Singer Sayuri Sugawara is from Yokote City in Akita Prefecture.
After passing an audition for For Life Music, she made her major debut in 2009 with the mini-album “Kimi ni Okuru Uta.” Many people of that generation may remember frequently listening to her via downloads like “chaku-uta.” Since 2014, she has been active under the artist name THE SxPLAY.
In addition to the delicate ballads that were her hallmark, she has also released energetic tracks such as “Mikansei Canvas.” She incorporates a variety of styles without being bound by genre, and her beautifully resonant voice is truly wonderful.
Her song “Kimi ga Nokoshita Sekai de” from the music game app Deemo 2.4 became a big hit in China, and since then she has been vigorously expanding her activities in the Greater China region.
Before anything else, from atop the roadYanagiba Toshirō (Isseifubi Sepia)
Toshiro Yanagiba, affectionately known by his nickname “Giba-chan,” is from Daisen City in Akita Prefecture.
The younger the generation, the more likely they are to think of him as an actor rather than a singer.
He has graced numerous classic dramas and films, including his role as the taciturn Shinji Muroi in the Bayside Shakedown series.
His performances are compelling, especially the contrast with his suave looks.
After applying to the audition program Star Tanjō!, he joined the Himawari Theatre Group and later became part of the street performance troupe Gekidan Zero Shinkai, which led to his singing debut with the group Issē Fūbi Sepia.
Their powerful performances captivated audiences, and many people have probably heard the shouted refrain from Zenryaku, Michi no Ue Yori in commercials and elsewhere.
Yanagiba also has a bright personality—he’ll crack a joke and laugh at it himself—and he’s been active on variety shows, making the contrast with his mature, rugged charm all the more appealing!
Life is scat.T.O.C.A
A three-piece band from Akita City, active mainly in the Tohoku region.
Combining the catchiness of J-pop with the edge of rock, they began their activities in 2014 and released their first single, “3838,” in 2016.
They’ve also made their mark locally, with one of their songs chosen as the theme for an NHK Akita news program.
Their performances at music festivals have received high praise, and they were selected as the opening act for the Oga Namahage Rock Festival.
It’s a band whose playful spirit coexists with a robust sound—a style that’s truly captivating.
OMG!!ViryKnot
A music producer and guitarist from Akita City.
Rooted in rock yet centered on hip-hop, he is a solo creator who provides tracks to acts in Japan and abroad.
After responding to a call on X and contributing to a popular rapper’s project, his talent gained recognition, and he has been building a full-fledged career since the 2021 EP “AKATSUKI.” His appeal lies in sound design that stays firmly “rapper-first” while skillfully fusing aggressive, rock-derived guitar.
The style—sharp guitar riffs cutting into hip-hop beats—is perfect for those seeking stimulation that transcends genre boundaries.
FlagFREE CROSS
Billed as a melodic emotional band, FREE CROSS hails from Akita City.
Formed in 2011, they’ve gone through several member changes, but guitarist-vocalist Kyotaro has remained.
Their sound blends elements of melodic hardcore, rock, and pop—melancholic yet bright in atmosphere, with a gently resonant quality—and I think it will appeal to fans of ELLEGARDEN.
Their dynamic energy is also a major draw; with tracks like My message, a tie-in song with the Akita Sakigake Shimpō, and Flag, which embodies the spirit of the Oga Namahage Rock Festival, they’re a band that lets you feel the heat of Akita.