Artist Kingdom: Artists, Singers, and Idols from Fukuoka

Raspberry PiNakanomori Ayako

[MV] Nakanomori BAND / Raspberry Pie (full ver.)

Ayako Nakanomori, a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture who drew intense attention, stunned the music industry by winning the Grand Prix at the 2000 Starlight Audition.

With Nakanomori BAND, formed in 2004, she delivered a pop-rock sound infused with Western influences and a powerful husky voice, securing numerous tie-ins with TV dramas and commercials and quickly rising to mainstream popularity.

She won the New Artist Award at the 47th Japan Record Awards in 2005 and the Gold Award at the 48th Japan Record Awards in 2006.

The band also released the album “OH MY DARLIN’ – Girls having Fun –,” cementing their status as a formidable all-female band.

Although the group disbanded in 2008 to much regret, Nakanomori has continued as a solo artist, consistently releasing songs themed around love and courage, marked by down-to-earth lyrics and an expressive vocal presence.

Calling YouNakajima Takui (TAKUI)

Akogi Taku I - Memory Playback - "PUNK ~ Calling You"

He is a Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer, and arranger.

He formed the rock band MAGGIE MAE in 1994, which disbanded in 1998.

In 1999, he made his solo debut as TAKUI with the single “Triangle.” He continues to gain support for his colorful musical style that spans guitar rock, punk, rock ’n’ roll, funk, and soul, along with pop-infused vocals and highly entertaining stage performances.

Festival somewhere every day!!LinQ

[MV] Festival Somewhere Every Day!! / LinQ

LinQ is a female idol group based in Fukuoka, formed from 33 members selected in an audition in February 2011.

Their history began on April 17 of the same year at IMS Hall.

Centered on J-pop, they incorporate a wide range of musical styles such as anime songs, disco, and funk.

Their use of Hakata dialect in lyrics and locally flavored songs is one of their charms.

In 2013, they made their major-label debut with Warner Music Japan and ranked high on the Oricon Weekly Chart, proving their strong abilities.

Holding titles such as one of the “Big Four Local Idols” and being inducted into the “Local Idol Hall of Fame,” they have earned high praise for their community-based activities.

Through collaborations with local companies and roles as ambassadors for sports events, LinQ continues to promote the appeal of Kyushu nationwide—momentum you won’t want to miss.

KawaiiSPIRITUS

SPIRITUS – Kawaii (Official Music Video)

SPIRITUS is a sister duo from Fukuoka with Swiss and Japanese roots.

Grounded in hip-hop and club music, they deliver songs that portray strong women who value their individuality, earning passionate support from Gen Z.

Since launching their career in 2023, they’ve been bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene, starting from their activity on social media.

A major draw of SPIRITUS is the unique world of female rap woven by the elder sister IFE and younger sister MIA.

As of May 2024, their tracks on SoundCloud have surpassed 1.4 million plays, captivating many listeners with powerful messages and catchy sounds.

They also appeared in a cypher project hosted by Red Bull, demonstrating solid skills as up-and-coming artists.

If you like hip-hop, rap, or club music, they’re artists you should definitely check out.

balloonizumi makura

Makura Izumi “balloon” (Official Music Video)

Izumi Makura, a hip-hop MC based in Fukuoka Prefecture, is a rapper known for her whispery, husky voice.

She began her music career in 2011 and debuted in 2012 on the label Jetsnoah (Subenoana).

While rooted in hip-hop, she has built a unique world that incorporates elements of pop and electronica.

Her music has drawn strong media attention, appearing as insert songs on the TV show Terrace House and in Shiseido web videos; she also won Gold and Bronze at the 2016 ACC CM Festival.

Her artwork is created by Tomoko Oshima, whose melancholic girl illustrations visually express Makura’s delicate musical sensibility.

Portraying everyday scenes and emotions from a young woman’s perspective through her distinctive timbre and lyrics, Izumi Makura’s music is perfect for those who want to spend a calm, quiet time.

VividFuruya Ran, Maekawa Ruki

MAZZEL / Vivid -Music Video-

As members of the skilled dance and vocal group MAZZEL, Ran Furuya from Kumamoto Prefecture and Ruki Maekawa from Fukuoka Prefecture are drawing intense attention.

Debuting under BMSG in May 2023, the eight-member group counts these two as core figures, each hailing from Kyushu—Kumamoto and Fukuoka, respectively.

With over 14 years of dance experience, Furuya boasts numerous championship titles in dance competitions, while Maekawa leads the group with the vocal prowess he honed at EXPG Fukuoka.

After showcasing their abilities on audition programs such as THE FIRST and iCON Z and refining their skills as BMSG trainees, the pair display distinct personalities across a wide range of genres, from pop and R&B to hip-hop.

They are highly recommended for music fans seeking fresh entertainment born from the fusion of Kyushu spirit with dance and vocal performance.

Unrequited loveNakao Mie

Mie Nakao Unrequited Love

When it was released, I was in the midst of unrequited love; now it sounds like something that brings back memories of that time.

Maybe it’s the flavor that comes with Mie-san’s years.

Mie-san always sings with clear, careful diction—her pop songs were great too, but I’d love to hear her sing something like this again.