Artist Kingdom: Artists, Singers, and Idols from Fukuoka
When you hear “an artist from Fukuoka,” does anyone immediately come to mind?
Even with artists you love, there are times you realize, “Oh, really? They’re from there!” and learn something new.
From legendary, household-name artists to singers who’ve been making waves recently among music fans…
Finding an artist from your own hometown gives you a little thrill, doesn’t it?
Fukuoka is home to many hugely popular artists, starting with famous names like Ayumi Hamasaki!
I hope this not only helps with your research, but also gives you the chance to discover new music and artists you’ll love.
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[Artist Kingdom] Artists, Singers, and Idols from Fukuoka (Ages 21–30)
Riverside HotelInoue Yosui
A singer-songwriter from Kahō District, Fukuoka Prefecture.
In 1969, he recorded “Kandre Mandre” at his home and sent it to the radio program Smash!! 11, where it was aired; this led to his debut with “Kandre Mandre.” At the time, he performed under the name Andre Candre.
He later changed his name to Yosui Inoue and made his re-debut with “If I Could Live Twice.” Since then, he has produced numerous famous songs, including “Shōnen Jidai” (Boyhood) and “Riverside Hotel.”
The Bride SambaGō Hiromi
Hiromi Go, who thrived in the 1970s as one of the “New Big Three” male idol singers alongside Hideki Saijo and Goro Noguchi.
He hails from Kasuya District in Fukuoka Prefecture and was actually a former Johnny’s talent.
He made his debut as a singer in 1972 with “Otoko no Ko Onna no Ko,” and went on to perform numerous hit songs such as “Ni-oku Yon-senman no Hitomi – Exotic Japan -” and “Ienai yo.” He continues to shine with his cool presence, thanks to his vocals and jacket play.
On the flip side, he has a playful side too—he’s particular about the number 5 because of his surname “Go,” and he often chants “Go! Go! Go!”
foreignerTokunaga Hideaki
A singer-songwriter born in Yanagawa, Fukuoka Prefecture, and raised in Itami, Hyogo Prefecture.
He debuted in 1986 with the album “Girl” and the single “Rainy Blue.” Subsequent releases such as “Yume wo Shinjite” and “Kowarekake no Radio” also became well known.
Starting in 2005, he released the album series “VOCALIST,” featuring covers exclusively of songs originally sung by female vocalists.
The “VOCALIST” series continued to be released from time to time thereafter.
Shadows of Youthchūrippu
Even though I listen to it from time to time, it struck me again that it truly is a song that lives up to its title.
Over a long journey, a man and a woman grow out of sync in their hearts.
The way the song carefully reflects on that is heartbreaking.
It’s a piece that makes you feel how much both singing and listening to the same song can change between youth and after you’ve lived a little longer.
Swan’s TearsHideto Maki
As expected, pop suits someone from the GS scene.
Back in the GS days this song was a cool “song to watch,” but hearing Maki-san sing it now, with the years behind him, I imagine a bittersweet first love, tinged with nostalgia.
It makes me feel like the song itself has aged gracefully, too.
To Marie on Fifth AvenueTakahashi Mariko
Love songs are great, but isn’t this the only person who can sing and capture the vibe of Fifth Avenue so naturally? When I listen to this song, Fifth Avenue—where I’ve never even been—and the dramas within it rise up as vivid images.
They can sing anything well, but this suits them best.
I want to listen to it together with “A Message to Johnny.”
Street Corner of BetrayalKai Band
I like how young Kai candidly and freely put his youthful heartbreak into words.
That’s why the tough image matches the lyrics so well.
The title and the dramatic melody even evoke a sense of melancholy.
Feelings that don’t try to overreach always seem to give rise to wonderful songs.