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

paradeKasai Takamichi (Amefurashi Karutetto)

Amefurashi Quartet “parade” MV

Takamichi Kasai, a native of Aomori City, serves as the vocalist and trumpeter for Amefurashi Quartet, a band rooted in swing jazz.

The lyrics and melodies he writes strongly reflect the simplicity and nostalgia of his hometown, Tsugaru.

Formed in 2004, the band made its nationwide debut with the 2007 mini-album “Yume de Aetara” (If I Could See You in a Dream).

Their ties to their home region are evident as well, such as when they provided a theme song for an Aomori Asahi Broadcasting program in 2018.

Their music—woven from his powerful singing and a trumpet tone steeped in melancholy—will resonate not only with jazz fans but with anyone seeking soulful, deeply human songs.

Because they’re important to me.Hayashi Asami

Because You're Someone Important - Asami Hayashi

Asami Hayashi is an enka singer from Rokkasho, Kamikita District, Aomori Prefecture, known as an “enka idol.” When she debuted, she broke through with a midriff-baring look on par with the Amura trend.

She has also appeared in swimsuit gravure, expanding her activities beyond the traditional enka framework.

Her hit song “Daiji na Hito Dakara” climbed to No.

77 on the Oricon chart and is a classic that likely even non-enka fans have heard at least once, portraying an endearingly cute woman.

Ultra RiderPENICILLIN

Penicillin – Ultrider.mp4

HAKUEI, a member of PENICILLIN, grew up in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture.

Their 14th single, Ultrarider, was used as the ending theme for the popular anime The Kindaichi Case Files and reached No.

23 on the Oricon charts.

Ephemeral LoveSanjo Machiko

Ephemeral Love / Michiko Sanjo – Original Singer (1949)

Ms.

Machiko Sanjo is a singer from Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture.

She performed “Tokyo Elegy” at the 2nd and 3rd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen in 1952 and 1953.

Note: Kouhaku Uta Gassen was held on New Year’s Day and on New Year’s Eve in 1953.

Considered a classic that represents the Showa era, the song was covered by Hachiro Kasuga in 1978.

With poignant lyrics that dwell on the sorrow of heartbreak and lingering feelings for a former lover, it deeply resonates with listeners.

A town I long to live inSugawara Totoko

Sugawara Totoko — The Town Where Longing Lives

Totoko Sugawara is a singer from Towada City in Aomori Prefecture, known as the very first performer on NHK’s Red and White Song Battle.

Her singing style is characterized by a distinctive vibrato.

Her huge hit “Because the Moon Is So Very Blue” is a wonderful classic that even younger generations have likely heard at least once.

It has been covered by an impressive lineup, including Yujiro Ishihara, Masako Mori, Yoshimi Tendo, Mimori Yusa, and BEGIN.

It’s a lovely song that portrays the everyday lives of lovers and their unassuming, ordinary scenery.

Cold KissYoshioka Shinobu

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

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.

TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTSSALON MUSIC

Salon Music “TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS” (Official Music Video)

Hitomi Takenaka of Salon Music is an artist from Hachinohe City.

Salon Music is a New Wave–style alternative unit, offering sounds that range from pop and techno to grunge and heavy rock.

They have garnered support from a very wide audience both in Japan and abroad, and have influenced many artists.