[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: From veterans to rising talents, an all-in-one introduction (21–30)
PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen Official) Pen-Pineapple-Apple-PenPikotarō
The one and only, well-known Piko Taro.
Piko Taro is an artist (?!), originally from Aomori City in Aomori Prefecture.
His 2016 release PPAP became a worldwide hit.
It was viewed over 100 million times, and he was even invited to the banquet during President Trump’s 2017 visit to Japan.
No matter how many times you listen, it’s a funny song that makes you chuckle.
The sound is meticulously crafted, and—surprisingly (pardon me!)—it’s actually pretty cool.
Aomori Rock ’n’ RollTMC
TMC is a rock band formed in 2023 by junior high school classmates from Tsuruta, Aomori Prefecture.
The leader, Manpei Maronbarca, returned to his hometown after pursuing music in the city and formed the band through a call on social media.
Their working style is quite unique, creating music online while the members live apart in Aomori, Sendai, and Tokyo.
Their hallmark is local rock that straightforwardly expresses the everyday life and hometown pride of Aomori.
One of their signature tracks, which has a music video filmed at a local apple orchard, has steadily gained attention, surpassing 10,000 views on YouTube.
[Bands and Artists from Aomori] From veterans to rising talents—all in one go (31–40)
Blue ThunderYoake Mae
Yoakemae is a four-piece guitar rock band formed in a university club in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture.
As the second artist from Youth Records—the label that brought andymori to prominence—they drew attention on the indie scene.
They ramped up activity in 2013, releasing the mini-album “Souvenir EP” exclusively at Tower Records in March 2014, followed by the double A-side single “Sprite! / Good Day Sunshine” in October of the same year.
Their exhilarating, fast-paced band sound earned high praise live, energizing crowds of around 500 at events in Tokyo.
Although they disbanded in December 2014, their brilliance has never faded.
RomanceHAKUEI
HAKUEI, the lead vocalist of the prominent visual-kei band PENICILLIN, is an artist who grew up in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture.
Their signature song, Romance, is a romantic and catchy ’90s classic that almost everyone has probably heard at least once.
It still sounds incredibly cool even today.
I’ll be the one to say goodbye.JIGGER’S SON
Formed in Sendai in 1988 around Satoru Sakamoto, who hails from Nanbu, Aomori Prefecture, the band is JIGGER’S SON.
They made their major debut in 1992.
“Sayonara wa Boku ga Iu,” released in 1995, has heartbreakingly intense lyrics that are very memorable.
Farewell BluesAwaya Noriko
Noriko Awaya was born in 1907 as the daughter of a wealthy merchant family in Aomori Prefecture.
She moved to Tokyo with her mother and younger sister and entered what is now Tokyo College of Music, initially enrolling in the piano department.
She later transferred to the vocal department to learn the fundamentals of classical music with the aim of becoming an opera singer.
Subsequently, as she couldn’t make a living with classical music, she turned to singing popular songs.
It is said that, in order to sing “Farewell Blues,” she lowered her vocal range to alto and went into the recording session after drinking alcohol and smoking.
It seems her feelings seep through the song.
Turning TurningVOLA & THE ORIENTAL MACHINE
Daiki Nakahata of VOLA & THE ORIENTAL MACHINE is a drummer from Aomori Prefecture.
He became an official member following the breakup of Syrup16g, with whom he played until 2008.
His tight beats and guitar sound are pleasing.
The 2014 release Turning Turning features pop, catchy lyrics that match the band’s elusive worldview.