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[Bands and Artists from Aomori] A comprehensive introduction from veterans to up-and-coming talents

When you hear “an artist from Aomori,” who comes to mind? It’s a little exciting when you discover that a favorite band or singer-songwriter comes from your hometown or the same region, isn’t it? Aomori is a wonderful place with delicious apples and rich natural scenery.

It’s also a region that has produced many distinctive artists.

In this article, we’ve highlighted artists from Aomori and bands with members who were born and raised there.

Check it out and find your favorite from Aomori!

[Bands and Artists from Aomori] A comprehensive introduction from veterans to rising talents (51–60)

Mountain Pilgrimage Climbing Festival Musickuuki koudan

Kuki Kōdan “Oyama Pilgrimage Climbing Festival Music” (Official Music Video)
Mountain Pilgrimage Climbing Festival Musickuuki koudan

Yukari Yamazaki of Kuuki Koudan is a singer-songwriter from Aomori Prefecture and the leader of Kuuki Koudan.

Kuuki Koudan is a pop-rock band known for its soft, warm, and comforting band sound.

Their 2014 release “Oyama Sanke Tozan Bayashi” is a cover of the “Tozan-bayashi” from Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, and it’s beautifully and gently arranged in Kuuki Koudan’s signature style.

Over the RainbowRuike Shinpei & Yamada Takako

Beyond the Rainbow [Over the Rainbow] Shinpei Ruike & Takako Yamada Duo
Over the RainbowRuike Shinpei & Yamada Takako

Shinpei Ruike, a jazz musician (trumpet) from Hachinohe City in Aomori Prefecture, was born in 1976.

After leaving the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, he took up jazz and later made his major debut.

In this video, he performs the classic tune Over the Rainbow with jazz pianist Takako Yamada.

Gari-Gari-kun SongShinya Tama

"Gari Gari Kun Song" PV / Pokkasca Jan
Gari-Gari-kun Song Tama Shinya

Shinya Tama is a folk singer from Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture.

He is also the vocalist-guitarist on the right side of the comedy trio Pokaskajan.

Their arrangement of the well-known Garigari-kun jingle, titled ‘The Garigari-kun Song,’ was released on CD as Pokaskajan.

Incidentally, Shinya Tama also serves as a tourism ambassador for Aomori City.

Cold KissYoshioka Shinobu

ICE BOX / Cold Kiss ~Reiwa Year One Ver.~
Cold KissYoshioka Shinobu

Shinobu Yoshioka, the vocalist of COSA NOSTRA, is a singer from Aomori Prefecture.

She continues to create classic tracks with a cool sound in COSA NOSTRA to this day.

She also performed in a special commercial-only unit for Morinaga’s ICE BOX.

ICE BOX was a four-vocalist unit featuring Satoshi Ikeda, Keizo Nakanishi, and Hiromasa Ijichi.

For those who spent their youth in the ’90s, this lineup is a nostalgic one.

Chiekko YosareKishi Chieko

Enka song “Chie-kko Yosare / Chieko Kishi” Sung by: Shamisen & Shakuhachi Girl
Chiekko YosareKishi Chieko

Chieko Kishi, a singer from Ikariyaseki Village in Minamitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture (now Hirosaki City), is best known for her hit “Chiekko Yosare,” released in 1985.

With her distinctive singing style, she was often impersonated on mimicry shows and was a singer beloved by many.