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

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

Dan Mitsu

Dan Mitsu: “You are the side dish.” Akita Komachi commercial, “Rice Bowl” version

The video is a commercial for Akita Komachi rice, featuring a celebrity.

It looks like we can expect great things from their future activities.

From what I’ve looked into, they seem to be involved in various projects, and I imagine many local people are already familiar with them.

Let’s build momentum together through a synergistic effect!

GO TO JIGOKUCikah

Cikah / GO TO JIGOKU (Official Music Video)

R&B soul singer Chiah.

Born in Akita Prefecture, she began making music at age 13 and enrolled in the Music Department at Osaka University of Arts.

In 2015, she was selected for Shikao Suga’s “Hitori Sugar Tour” and also embarked on her own tour in New York, performing under the name Sasaki Chika.

Aiming for a global career, she changed her stage name to Cikah in 2020.

“GO TO JIGOKU,” which confronts invisible slander and defamation on social media, delivers a powerful message by expressing its lyrics through comments.

While incorporating elements of Black music that influenced her in childhood, her sound remains catchy—an artist who captivates with highly addictive grooves and a silky voice.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

Spring, a step latetonbochan

A Spring That Arrived a Step Late / Tonbo-chan

Tonbo-chan, the folk duo of Toyonori Ito and Yoshimitsu Ichikawa active in the 1970s, were classmates at Akita Prefectural Noshiro High School.

They debuted in 1974.

This song is their second single.

After the duo disbanded, Ichikawa returned to his hometown of Akita and now runs an event company.

The Old Man’s SeaMuraki Kenkichi

Oyaji no Umi by Muraki Kenkichi

Enka singer Kenkichi Muraki is from Kazuno City in Akita Prefecture.

The intro features a shakuhachi and spirited calls, then moves into the A verse and B verse over acoustic guitar.

It’s a powerful song reminiscent of a folk singer, and one that I think will satisfy his fans.

How about watching this video to practice and giving it a try at karaoke?

Make a toast in your armsochiai hiromitsu & wakayama kazusa

♫ Cheers in Your Arms - Hiromitsu Ochiai & Kazusa Wakayama

Hiromitsu Ochiai, who made his mark in professional baseball history as a “genius hitter” with three career Triple Crowns, hails from Oga City in Akita Prefecture.

During the off-season, he released records and CDs every year, and this song was released in 1997 as a duet with enka singer Kazusa Wakayama.

Winter has gonehalos

halos – Winter Has Gone MV

Halos is a rock band from Akita that made their album debut in 2006.

They feature an indie rock-style sound, are popular in their hometown of Akita, and are a band rooted in the local community.

They’ve also been featured in tie-ins for Akita television commercials.