Bands and artists from Gifu Prefecture: From famous singers to up-and-coming groups, an all-in-one introduction
Located in the heart of the Japanese archipelago, Gifu Prefecture is famous for many tourist destinations like Shirakawa-go and ski resorts known for their excellent snow quality.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of bands and artists from Gifu! Because Gifu is geographically close to Aichi Prefecture, many members of bands active in Nagoya also happen to be from Gifu.
Now, let’s check out musicians from Gifu Prefecture working across diverse genres—singer-songwriters, bands, hip-hop artists, and more!
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Bands and Artists from Gifu Prefecture | A Comprehensive Introduction from Famous Singers to Rising Groups (31–40)
Altairthe Canadian Club
Formed in 2003 in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, the Canadian Club began when Shizu, who had been playing guitar in another band at a local driving school, met drummer Katsuragawa.
They’ve created theme songs—including the 60th anniversary song for Nakatsugawa’s municipal administration—composed music for commercials, hosted a regular show on FM Gifu, and are active locally as well as in the Nagoya area.
Their gentle melodies fit any kind of everyday life, and their straightforward, heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners.
Recommended for those who want to hear emotional rock!
The Pattern of LifeTakada Wataru
The legendary folk singer Wataru Takada hails from Kitagata, Gifu Prefecture.
His style—delivering socially topical lyrics over the sound of an acoustic guitar with a reflective touch—captured the hearts of many fans.
“Seikatsu no Gara” (A Way of Life) is also one of Takada’s signature songs.
From the south, from the southMihara Junko
Junko Mihara, a lyricist and singer who debuted in 1939 with “Kaerō Kaerō Hankō” (Let’s Go Home to Hankou).
She was born in Shirakawa Village, Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture.
Four years after her debut, she married fellow singer Shigeo Kusunoki.
Mihara’s song “Minami kara Minami kara” (From the South, From the South), released in 1942 during the early stages of the Pacific War, featured a bright melody that became a source of comfort for people at the time and went on to be her biggest hit.
In 1959, three years after the death of her husband, she passed away at the young age of 38.
Even today, Mihara’s works continue to be cherished and listened to with care.
Cherry Blossom RainMori Haruyoshi (absorb)
Haruyoshi Mori, who serves as the vocalist for the acoustic band absorb, is also from Gifu Prefecture.
He’s a singer with a wonderfully gentle and warm-sounding voice.
In addition to his work with absorb, Mori has also been active as a Vocaloid producer under the name halyosy.
“Sakura no Ame,” which was posted on Niconico in 2008, is a piece he produced and had Hatsune Miku sing.
He later self-covered it with absorb, and it has since become such a staple graduation song that it’s now sung as a choral piece at graduation ceremonies.
MAYDAY feat. Ryo from Crystal LakeSugi（coldrain）
Sugi, the guitarist of the loud rock band coldrain formed in Nagoya in 2007, is from Gifu Prefecture.
Because Gifu is close to Aichi, quite a few members of bands active in Nagoya are from Gifu.
coldrain is now a band with worldwide popularity, and Sugi has been an original member since the band’s formation.
Sugi mainly handles rhythm guitar and also contributes with backing vocals and shout parts.
Bands and Artists from Gifu Prefecture | A Comprehensive Introduction from Famous Singers to Buzzworthy Groups (41–50)
In a dreamHisatomi Takashi (BO GUMBOS)
Takashi Hisatomi, known as Dont, from the hugely popular late-1980s to 1990s band Bo Gumbos, was born in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture.
He sadly passed away in 2000 at the young age of 37.
This video shows footage from the band’s farewell concert in 1995.
OrangeLittle Corgi Club
Little Corgi Club is a three-piece rock band formed in Gifu Prefecture in 2020.
Shortly after they began performing, they won ROJACK for COUNTDOWN JAPAN 20/21, drawing attention for their talent.
Their biggest appeal lies in their music: a driving, exhilarating sound paired with the gentle vocals of Hirotaka Ota.
Starting with their 2020 self-produced CD Orange, their music conveys warmth within its raw energy—once you hear it, it grabs your heart and won’t let go!