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

Akita Ondo (Akita Folk Song)Satō Mariko

Folk Song Rock - Mariko Sato (Marico Sato), Akita Ondo (Akita Folk Song)

Singer Mariko Sato is from Odate City.

In 1974, she formed the group Apples with Kayo Hatayama and Yuko Ishikawa and made her debut.

After the group disbanded, she returned to Odate and established a unique style known as “minyo rock.” Her arrangements of traditional folk songs such as Akita Ondo and Donpan-bushi, along with the messages conveyed through her singing, have drawn attention, and she has appeared at many events across Japan that energize local communities.

In addition to her powerful, richly expressive vocals, her energetic performances make full use of her experience as a stage dancer.

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stayKishigami Norio

Stay Norio Kishigami

Norio Kishigami, a musician who formerly handled guitar and vocals for Dutch Training and is now active as a solo artist, hails from Akita City.

This song was used as an insert track in the 2000 drama “Mona Lisa no Hohoemi” (Smile of the Mona Lisa).

His clear, transparent vocals resonate with the heart.

twilight syndromeHold Out Hope

Hold Out Hope – twilight syndrome 【MUSIC VIDEO】

A band that started in November 2015, delivering their sound from Akita City to the whole country.

While rooted in easycore and pop-punk with a female vocalist at the front, their hybrid style also incorporates piano and EDM elements, which is seriously cool.

In September 2018, they released their first nationally distributed mini-album, “AM.” In July 2017, they were selected as the opening act for the OGA NAMAHAGE ROCK FESTIVAL.

Their appeal lies in a style that blends intense metalcore-like breakdowns with irresistibly sing-along pop melodies, and a clear, transparent singing voice that blooms like a single flower amid their loud sound.

PainJoelle

Pain（Joelle official audio from Alstroemeria）

A singer-songwriter raised in Akita City who expresses a wide range of worlds with a crystal-clear singing voice.

Born in the United States and immersed in music from childhood, she showed her talent early on, becoming the first scholarship student at the Yamaha Music Academy.

She made her major debut in 2006 with the theme song for the film Trick: The Movie 2, which reached No.

2 on the digital charts.

She’s also known for her work with the fantasy music collective Sound Horizon and her participation in the game FINAL FANTASY XIII-2.

Her appeal lies in a steady, resonant vocal quality and strong English skills that beautifully support grand narratives.

Highly recommended for those who love story-rich music and transparent, breathtakingly beautiful vocals.

One HeartMating Rhythm

Mating Rhythm: One Heart - Official Fight Song of Akita Northern Bullets R.F.C -

Formed in May 2010, they are a six-piece ska band based in Akita Prefecture.

Known for their cheerful performance style, they released their first full-length album, “Minamikaze Swallow,” nationwide in November 2015, followed by their first single, “Tooku Handclap,” in April 2017.

Their strong commitment to their local community is also a hallmark of the band; in 2016, they provided music for a TV commercial as part of an Akita Prefecture initiative.

Their irresistibly bright and powerful band sound is energizing just to listen to.

If you want to get fired up at a live show, this is a band you should definitely check out.

Just AliveYuka

[Singing with Guitar] Just Alive [Yuka Original]

A singer-songwriter who also holds a teaching license.

Hailing from Daisen City in Akita Prefecture, she has been highly regarded for her vocal ability since childhood and made her debut in 2011 with the theme song for the game series Haki.

If you’re a game fan, the tunes may ring a bell.

Grounded in J-pop, she expresses a wide range of styles from acoustic solo performances to full band sounds.

Her song “Nee” was chosen as the theme for Daisen City’s official tourism PR video, and “Bokura no Ashioto” was selected as the theme song for a TV drama on Akita Broadcasting—proof of her heartfelt connection to her hometown.

Be sure to experience her clear, luminous voice that gently seeps into the heart.

rayFujiwara Motoo

BUMP OF CHICKEN「ray」

Motoharu Fujiwara, the vocalist of the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN—known for their highly narrative world-building that resonates with many listeners—was born in Akita City, Akita Prefecture.

He writes and composes nearly all of the band’s songs, and their distinctive musicality has won widespread support.

After starting out independently in 1999, the band went on to rack up hits, and in 2013 they dominated the charts with two best-of albums.

They have won numerous awards, including at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC AWARDS, and their richly narrative songs have resonated with many visual works, such as anime theme songs.

Their creative style of waiting for the moment a song is born may be what leads to universally affecting songs that speak straight to the heart.

Fujiwara’s voice—ranging from urgent high tones to gentle whispers—could be called the beating heart of the band.