RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

Band, musician, and singer from Gunma Prefecture

When people think of Gunma Prefecture, many might picture hot springs and nature-rich sightseeing spots, but in fact, it has produced a large number of musicians.

From up-and-coming talents to seasoned veterans, skilled artists active across a wide range of genres have taken flight from Gunma.

In this article, we’ll introduce singers, artists, and bands from Gunma Prefecture, digging into the appeal of their distinctive musical styles and expressive power.

You might make some surprising discoveries—or find a new favorite!

Bands, musicians, and singers from Gunma Prefecture (11–20)

-Step-cali≠gari

Hidehito Ishii, the vocalist of the visual kei rock band cali≠gari, is from Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture.

As their major 4th single, they released “9 – To – Edition” and “9 School Zone Edition,” achieving their personal best of No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

P.N.K!!ALiCE

This is ALiCE, a singer-songwriter from Gunma Prefecture.

Sparked by a 2004 audition, she joined the music group BeForU and made her debut with “KI-SE-KI.” Even during her time in the group, she showcased her talent with her self-composed song “Matenrō” (Skyscraper), and in 2008 she transitioned to a solo career.

Her activities have continued to expand, from providing music for the stage production Ikemen Sengoku THE STAGE to performing with the band Usagi Dash, which she formed in 2013.

If you love catchy melodies and high-octane, fast-paced tracks, you’re sure to be drawn into her unique world!

Days Called LoveNakamura Shunsuke

Shunsuke Nakamura, also known as the second lead actor in Fuji TV’s Asami Mitsuhiko series, hails from Kusatsu Town in Gunma Prefecture.

While he’s best known as an actor, he’s actually active as a singer as well.

He began his music career in 1997 with the single “Shikai Ryōkō” (Clear Visibility) and has performed J-pop songs that reflect his sincere personality.

In 2000, his song “Ai” (Love), for which he wrote the lyrics, was selected as the ending theme for the TV program Takeshi no Dare Demo Picasso.

It became a turning point that brought his singing to a wider audience.

If you only know Nakamura as an actor, be sure to give his music a listen!

HowlingŌgami Mio

[Original MV] Howling [hololive/Okami Mio]
HowlingŌgami Mio

Mio Ookami, who is active with the VTuber agency hololive, debuted in December 2018.

While she’s gained popularity through game streaming, she’s also devoted herself to music.

Her vocals span an impressive range—from gentle ballads that feel close and comforting to powerful rock that fires you up.

In 2021, she released the uptempo rock track “Howling,” marking her full-fledged start as a singer.

She reached 1 million YouTube subscribers in 2022, and on her album “Night walk,” she even took on songwriting and composition herself.

The contrast between her soothing persona and her serious musicality is part of the appeal! She has also stated on stream that she’s from Mount Akagi in Gunma Prefecture.

My beloved little demonHoshino Kazunari

Kazunari Hoshino “My Beloved Little Demon” Music Video
My beloved little demonHoshino Kazunari

Kazunari Hoshino, better known as Hoshino Disco and a familiar face as a member of the comedy duo Paar, hails from Numata City in Gunma Prefecture.

He also performs as an artist under his real name, debuting with a digital single in April 2022 and releasing the EP “Hoshino Disco EP” later that same year.

While he’s a proven comedian who reached the finals of King of Conte 2017, his music showcases a stunning three-octave high register.

He can even sing songs originally performed by female vocalists in their original keys, with a voice that carries no hint of comedy.

For those who know him as a comedian, that contrast may be exactly what wins their hearts.

Look up at the stars in the nightIino Tomohiko

Miagetegoran Yoru No Hoshi Wo (1992 Re-Recording)
Look up at the stars in the nightIino Tomohiko

Tomohiko Iino, who long served as the lead tenor of the Duke Aces—a group that shines in the history of Japanese choral music—was born in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture.

A true virtuoso, he studied vocal performance at Tokyo University of the Arts and learned bel canto singing in Italy.

In 1991, he joined the group under fateful circumstances following the sudden passing of his predecessor.

His solid technique enriched the group’s musicality, from jazz to pop.

Although he passed away in 2009, his voice remains as vibrant as ever.

For those who want to experience beautiful harmonies that transcend genres, his singing is not to be missed.

Bands, musicians, and singers from Gunma Prefecture (ages 21–30)

BUCK-TICK

Flowers of EvilSakurai Atsushi, Imai Hisashi, Hoshino Hidehiko

Atsushi Sakurai, Hisashi Imai, and Hidehiko Hoshino of the rock band BUCK-TICK are from Fujioka City, Gunma Prefecture, while Yutaka Higuchi and Toll Yagami are from Takasaki City.

Their third single, Aku no Hana, topped the Oricon monthly chart for February 1990.