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

Over the rainbowKonuma Yōsuke

Yosuke Onuma - Over the Rainbow

He is now one of Japan’s top jazz guitarists, Yosuke Onuma.

He is from Noshiro City in Akita Prefecture and grew up in a family environment where his father, a guitarist, and his mother, an Electone instructor, would jam together.

In the video, he performs a well-known jazz standard using just a single guitar.

As you wishŌma Jirō (Ofukōsu)

As You Wish / Off Course

Off Course was a group that was active mainly from the 1970s through the 1980s.

Their drummer, Jiro Ohma, is from Kosaka Town in Kazuno District.

Known for his dynamic sound and drum work that complements each song, he formed the band The Janet in his senior year of high school, then began contributing to Off Course from 1976 by helping with recording sessions and live performances.

He officially became a member in 1979.

After Off Course disbanded, he has been very active in his home prefecture of Akita, producing the amateur music festival “Ponpokoyama Music Festival” since 2001 and performing in various groups, including Soul & Beat TEN-CHI-JIN and A.B.C.

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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.

One lifeZeleive

Zeleive – One life (Official Music Video)

This is a rock group based in Akita City that calls themselves a “V² Mixture Rock Band.” Their hallmark sound blends the vintage feel of ’80s–’90s J-ROCK with the expressive power of visual-kei rock.

In March 2018, they released their first nationally distributed maxi-single, followed by releases including the mini-album “Soul Journey.” Their music features heavy, low-end-driven sound with catchy melodies, and lyrics that move from negative to positive, resonating deeply with listeners.

A unique episode is that their drummer, Napiko, was selected for “Atsushi Tamura’s London Boots No.

17” in December 2020.

Another draw is their cohesive live performance, thanks in part to the guitarist and drummer being actual siblings.

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.