Do any of your favorite artists come from Fukui Prefecture?
That said, you might not be able to think of many artists from Fukui in the first place.
So in this article, we’ll introduce bands, singers, idols, and more from Fukui all at once!
There are actually many popular artists from Fukui Prefecture—we just may not know their hometowns.
We hope this gives you a chance to listen to their music and helps you discover a new favorite artist.
- A classic song that celebrates Fukui. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Bands, artists, and singers from Kagawa Prefecture
- Bands, artists, and singers from Shikoku
- YUI's famous and popular songs
- Artist Kingdom: Artists, Singers, and Idols from Fukuoka
- A collection of touching masterpieces sung by Masaharu Fukuyama, featuring his warm and captivating vocals.
- Kyushu-Otoko Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Bands, artists, and singers from Tokushima Prefecture
- Recommended breakup songs by male artists for the Yutori generation
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-Pop Artists Among High School Students [2026]
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
- Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Who's your oshi? A roundup of popular underground and live idols
Bands, artists, and singers from Fukui Prefecture (1–10)
Sayonara ColorTakeuchi Tomoyasu, Ikeda Takafumi, Sawada Shuichi (SUPER BUTTER DOG)
The five-piece funk band SUPER BUTTER DOG left a vivid impact with their funky rhythms, melodies, and lyrics.
Tomoyasu Takeuchi handled guitar, Takafumi Ikeda played keyboards and did backing vocals, and Shuichi Sawada was on drums.
When the film Sayonara COLOR, directed by actor Naoto Takenaka, was released in 2005, the classic song of the same title gained widespread recognition.
In 2008, they made their first and only live appearance on TV Asahi’s Music Station, performing Sayonara COLOR—an unforgettable moment for me personally!
memoriesŌtsuki Maki
Maki Otsuki, a native of Takefu City in Fukui Prefecture, is known as the artist who sang theme songs for the anime One Piece.
Her 1999 debut single “memories” was used as the ending theme from the start of the broadcast up to episode 30, and her third single, “RUN! RUN! RUN!,” released in 2000, was the longest-running ending theme.
In the 2016 feature film One Piece Film Gold, she returned after about 15 years to perform the main theme song “Destiny.”
MURASAKIAoi Shota
Shouta Aoi, who is active across a wide range of fields such as voice acting, singing, and stage acting, is from Fukui Prefecture.
He began with his artist debut as SHOWTA., worked hard to fulfill his wish to be involved in anime and games, and that led to his current standing as an artist.
His androgynous appearance and high voice are major draws, and, in line with his own policy, he seems to embody expression that transcends gender.
He is a captivating entertainer who pursues richly varied forms of expression.
Summer GoddessShachō (SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS)
Shacho, a member of Japan’s leading club-style jazz band SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS, is from Takefu City in Fukui Prefecture.
In the band, he serves as the agitator who connects the stage and the audience—a key role in getting the crowd fired up.
He has also appeared as himself in the TV drama “Hungry!”, which featured many musicians.
SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS is an instrumental band that showcases cool sounds and high-energy performances grounded in solid jazz technique.
They’re great for first-time instrumental listeners too, so definitely give them a listen!
43102Kawamoto Makoto
Makoto Kawamoto made her major-label debut in 1996 with the single “Ai no Sainō” (The Talent for Love).
A native of Fukui City in Fukui Prefecture, she graduated from the local high school and from the piano program in the music department at a local university, making her a highly skilled artist.
In 1997, she released “1/2,” which was chosen as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story, and it became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon singles chart.
Her image of singing while playing an acoustic guitar left a strong impression and went on to greatly influence later female singer-songwriters who perform with acoustic guitar.
Chikumagawa RiverItsuki Hiroshi
Singer Hiroshi Itsuki hails from Mihama, Mikata District, Fukui Prefecture.
His vocal prowess is such that actor Hiroki Matsukata, who studied singing alongside him, is said to have given up on becoming a singer because Itsuki was just too good.
Although he made his first debut in 1964, he didn’t score any hits, and under the name Hiroshi Itsuki he effectively debuted in 1971 with the smash hit “Yokohama Tasogare.” Spurred by the success of this song, he performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, where he was often the final act, and he holds the all-time record for consecutive appearances.
While rooted in enka and mood kayō, he has pursued a flexible career, including collaborations with DA PUMP and releasing J-pop cover albums.
As of 2022, he continues to steadily release new songs and host the “Hiroshi Itsuki Theater” as its lead, making it impossible to take your eyes off his ongoing achievements.
Truly, he is a legend of the Japanese music scene who continues to define the times.
UNDOCOOL JOKE
COOL JOKE is a rock band formed in Fukui Prefecture, where its three members are from.
They made their indie debut in 2003 with the single “COOL JOKE,” taking the live scene in Hokuriku by storm with Fukui as their base.
In 2004, they made their major debut with the single “UNDO,” which was selected as the opening theme for the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
Their appeal lies in a simple, hard-hitting sound that conveys the rock ’n’ roll at their roots.