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

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.

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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.

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.