[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!
- Beloved voices and music! Singers and artists from Tohoku
- [Songs of Aomori] A collection of local songs depicting the grandeur of nature and the warmth of its people.
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Folk Songs, Children's Songs, and Nursery Rhymes of Aomori: Japanese Songs from Tsugaru and Hachinohe that Resonate with the Heart
- Masculine Allure: Artists and Bands with Husky Voices
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- [2026] A must-see for music lovers! Up-and-coming artists to watch
- [2026] A lineup of next-generation artists! Autumn songs we want people in their 20s to hear
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- The genius who created YOASOBI! Ranking of Ayase’s most popular songs
- Singer-Songwriter/Artist Rankings of the 1980s [2026]
- A roundup of regional enka songs: classic hits that feature places from all across Japan in their lyrics.
[Bands and Artists from Aomori] A comprehensive introduction from veterans to rising talents (1–10)
The Fiend with Twenty Facesningen ishi
Aomori-born trio with a long career formed in 1987, whose band name comes from the master detective novelist Edogawa Rampo.
While rooted in ’70s-style hard rock and heavy metal, their sound also shows influences from progressive and psychedelic rock, standing shoulder to shoulder with overseas bands as the real deal.
At the same time, their vocals delivered in the Tsugaru dialect, the eerie yet uniquely humorous atmosphere, and the lyrical world crafted by members well-versed not only in traditional Japanese culture but also in world literature give them overwhelming originality.
Since the 2010s, they’ve been “rediscovered” by overseas fans and have become a band active on a global stage.
If you love metal or rock and are looking for something out of the ordinary, this band unleashes a singular, otherworldly brand of heavy rock that I can wholeheartedly recommend!
I’m going to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo
When you think of Aomori Prefecture, this is the man who comes to mind: Ikuzo Yoshi.
He’s a singer-songwriter from Kanagi, Kitatsugaru District, Aomori (now Goshogawara City).
He’s amazing not only at enka but also at pop music! Among his many hit songs, “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda” is known as a classic.
The kind of uniqueness that makes you want to playfully nitpick the lyrics—that’s part of Yoshi’s charm, too.
Ringo starŌrin (Ringo Musume)
Ourin, who speaks Aomori’s Tsugaru dialect, is active on many variety shows.
While she’s often seen working hard solo on these programs, she’s actually a member of the idol group Ringo Musume, which is based in Aomori Prefecture.
Born in Hirosaki, Aomori, she entered a Hirosaki actors’ school at age nine aiming to become a model, which marked her start in entertainment.
She is actually the second person to use the stage name “Ourin” as a member of Ringo Musume.
She also appeared on the TV show Last Idol; although she lost, she later joined Good Tears, a unit formed as second-chance idols.
Her unadorned, genuine self is a major part of her charm!
Bands and Artists from Aomori: From Veterans to Rising Talents, All at Once (11–20)
Let’s pick up the pace.Yano Akiko
Akiko Yano is a genius artist who spent her childhood through junior high school years in Aomori Prefecture.
With her distinctive voice and brilliant songwriting, she has produced numerous mega-hits such as “Harusaki Kobeni” and “Gohan ga Dekita yo.” The song featured here is quintessential Akiko Yano—an upbeat, punchy track that’s an energizing masterpiece.
Spirit Of LoveSing Like Talking
Sing Like Talking is a rock band formed in 1985 that debuted in 1988.
All three members—vocalist Chikuzen Sato, keyboardist Chiaki Fujita, and guitarist Tomohiko Nishimura—are from Aomori Prefecture.
Sato and Nishimura have been friends since nursery school, and Fujita was Sato’s classmate in high school.
They have released numerous high-quality works that incorporate elements from a variety of musical genres, including the 1995 release “Spirit Of Love.”
The invisible sky is always blue.Yokoyama Yui (moto AKB48)
Yui Yokoyama, who was active as a member of AKB48, is also from Aomori Prefecture.
She began her career as an idol in 2014 and, even during her time in the group, stood out with her exceptional dance skills.
Her ability was regarded as No.
1 among the members.
Many people were surely charmed by the contrast between her Tsugaru dialect–tinged talk and her performances.
Her sharp, captivating stage presence could be called her trademark.
Since graduating from the group in November 2021, she has been pursuing a career as an actress.
Tappi Misaki LighthouseNishio Yuki
Yuki Nishio is an enka singer from Hirosaki City.
Also active on impression/impersonation TV shows, she has leveraged her strong vocal and expressive abilities to release music across various genres, including performing the opening theme for the 2008 remake of Yatterman.
In 2013, she released “Tappizaki Lighthouse,” composed by fellow Aomori native Ikuzo Yoshi.
The track, which opens with Tsugaru shamisen, is cool, refined, and deeply moving.