[Artists from Akita Prefecture] A comprehensive showcase from famous popular singers to up-and-coming bands

blue skyŌkawa Chisato

Blue Sky / Chisato Okawa Full ver. Weather filler song for Nissan Satio Akita

A singer-songwriter who turns her own experiences into songs and stays close to listeners’ hearts.

Born in Akita Prefecture in 1998, she picked up a guitar at 15 and began her career.

Despite overcoming serious illnesses—leukemia, a cerebral infarction, and higher brain dysfunction—she delivers warmly textured music, centered on acoustic solo performances.

A work released in February 2025, filled with gratitude to her mother and her own feelings about becoming a mother, deeply moved listeners.

Her straightforward, urgent lyrics born from a lifetime of medical struggles, along with her gentle voice, are the core of her appeal.

Her visits to facilities to promote understanding of disabilities reveal a quiet, compassionate presence.

She is an artist you should experience if you’re seeking music that supports those facing hardship.

Ibuki [Prod. BERABOW / Dir. Kazuyuki Kushima]Rakan

Rakan / Breath [Prod. BERABOW / Dir. Kazuyuki Kushima]

Rapper Rakan from Gojome, Akita Prefecture.

He began his career in 2005 and was selected as the opening act for U-Kasaka-G’s live show in 2014.

He also wrote and performed songs for commercials, including Sushiro in 2016 and Sunstar in 2021.

With an approachable, gentle flow and comfortable rhymes, his music is easy to listen to even for those unfamiliar with rap.

Born from dialogues with junior high school students, “Ibuki,” which sings of the beauty of the four seasons and his hometown, is a must-hear masterpiece.

Beyond his music, he’s a beloved artist who supports his local community through cultural activities such as giving lectures.

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marbleHOLLOWS

[MV] HOLLOWS – Marbles

A three-piece rock band based in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, formed in February 2018.

Having come together after a previous band, they were known from the outset for their mature musicality.

They play pop, catchy guitar rock dubbed “shonen rock,” releasing the EP Bokurano in 2018 and Ochiru Bida in 2019.

The vocalist Pō’s clear, boyish voice—often praised with comments like “has his voice even changed yet?”—is a truly one-of-a-kind charm.

Their music will resonate with listeners who love fast-paced guitar rock and airy, transparent vocals.

The boy alwaysichibun no yon

Ichibun no Yon – The Boy Is Always [MV]

A four-piece band from Akita City delivering emotional guitar rock, bringing a fresh breeze to the local music scene.

Working steadily in the indie realm, they consistently produce heartfelt releases such as the single “Thinking of Someone” and their 1st EP “Living With You as My Staple.” In February 2024, they even held a release tour for the EP in their hometown of Akita, steadily growing their fanbase through live performances.

Their greatest appeal lies in their emotionally rich lyrics—written in down-to-earth, relatable words—paired with a straightforward band sound.

If you love direct, Japanese-language rock or want to support a hometown band on the rise, they’re a perfect fit.

Flash BackNEVER FADE

NEVER FADE – Flash Back [Official Music Video]

The band NEVER FADE, hailing from Akita Prefecture, was formed by classmates from junior high school.

Among them, vocalist ko-sk, vocalist D.A.1, and guitarist Akitomo are from Oga City.

Although their appearance was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had been set to perform in 2021 at the local Oga Namahage Rock Festival, which they had previously attended as audience members.

Their vocal style, which conveys a powerful message over a mixture rock sound, is reminiscent of UVERworld.

With rock sounds that race freely in every direction and vocals that balance both coolness and passion, they’re a very impressive band.

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Heart SakeFuji Ayako

Heart Sake

Ayako Fuji is an enka singer born in 1961 from Akita Prefecture.

Even if many younger people aren’t very familiar with enka singers, I bet quite a few still know Ayako Fuji.

She’s known as a cooking enthusiast and often shows off her skills on variety shows; her dignified look in kimono is beautiful, and she’s also famously a huge rock fan.

And above all, in 2019 she adopted two rescue cats and posts their photos on social media, which seem to go viral regularly (lol).

She gives a strong impression of being active and well-known not only as an enka singer, but in many different fields.

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Majestic CatastropheSasaki Riko

Rico Sasaki “Majestic Catastrophe” (TV anime “Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest with Destruction Civilization” opening theme song)

Hailing from Akita City in Akita Prefecture, she is active in a dual career as both a voice actor and an artist.

Her roots trace back to being selected from about 9,000 applicants to play the lead in the musical Annie during her childhood, an experience that set the stage for her work blending singing and acting.

Her expressive range—capable of delivering everything from pop to dark rock with a soulful voice—is a major draw.

She made her major debut in 2014, and in 2023 she simultaneously released two concept mini-albums, Dawn and Dusk, themed around light and darkness.

On these works she showcased her versatility by writing and composing her own songs and contributing a game theme song.

For listeners who seek music rich in storytelling, the world she creates is sure to be irresistibly captivating.