[2026] Summary of bands, artists, and singers from Hiroshima Prefecture

homelessSera Masanori & Tsuisto

"Homeless" Masanori Sera & Twist

Formed around Masanori Sera from Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Sera Masanori & Twist was a band that dominated Japan’s rock scene from the late 1970s to the early 1980s.

In 1977, they won the Grand Prix at Yamaha’s Popcon and the World Popular Song Festival with “Anta no Ballad,” and their debut album reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Sera’s wild vocals and flamboyant performances brought a fresh wind to Japan’s rock world.

They produced hit songs such as “Yadonashi,” “Dezamutoru (Trigger),” and “Moero Ii Onna,” becoming pioneers in bringing Japanese rock into the mainstream.

In 2016, they celebrated the 40th anniversary of their debut with a special live concert.

Their music continues to be loved by many fans—be sure to give it a listen.

Endless LoveD-SHADE

D-Shade – Endless Love (PV)

A four-member visual kei rock band formed in and based out of Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Founded in 1994 mainly by high school classmates, they earned strong acclaim from their indie days and drew media attention, even being featured on music programs at the time.

They made their major debut in April 1998 with the single “BELIEVE,” and that summer they became a hot topic with a TV drama tie-in song.

Rooted in melodious beat rock and boasting a broad musical range that transcended the visual kei framework, they won the hearts of many fans.

Their live performances—where bittersweet melodies fuse with a powerful sound—were breathtaking, and the band still enjoys a devoted following today.

A Boy Riding a DolphinShiro Michiru

A Boy Riding a Dolphin / Michiru Jō

Michiru Jo, a star of the popular music world from Ondo Town, Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, won the Nippon TV audition program “Star Tanjō!” in 1973 and made his singing debut with Toshiba EMI.

His debut single sold over 500,000 copies, propelling him to stardom as one of the “New New Big Three.” In 1974, he won the New Artist Award at the 16th Japan Record Awards, and in 1975 he performed as Japan’s representative at the Okinawa Ocean Expo, steadily expanding his range of activities.

In October 2015, he achieved the remarkable milestone of giving his 1,000th goodwill performance at senior care facilities, and in 2019 he released his first new song in 44 years on the album “LOVE THE LIFE.” We hope fans of kayōkyoku will enjoy the classic hits of the 1970s, where he captivated audiences with his fresh looks and vocal talent.

Dancing All Nightmonta yoshinori

Monta & Brothers - Dancing All Night

Yoshinori Monta, whose husky voice is captivating, is an artist originally from Hiroshima who grew up in Kobe.

He debuted as a solo singer in 1971 but didn’t find much success, and in 1980 he made a comeback as Monta & Brothers.

Their first single became a massive hit, winning awards such as the Gold Prize at the 22nd Japan Record Awards, and they also performed at the 31st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Monta is also well known for having written Hideki Saijo’s song “Gyarandō.”

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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The hottest summer in the worldKishitani Kaori

Princess Princess 'The Hottest Summer in the World'

Kaori Kishitani, a member of PRINCESS PRINCESS, a pioneering girls’ band, is from Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

Her charm lies in her cute voice that soars effortlessly and pleasantly.

She also serves as the vocalist for a band called Unlock the girls.

In addition to her singing career, she is active as a composer, having written Seiko Matsuda’s “Precious Heart” and Takeshi Tsuruno’s “Love Letter.”

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sasashina

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KARATENakamoto Suzuka

BABYMETAL – KARATE (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Suzuka Nakamoto, a native of Hiroshima Prefecture, has achieved global success as SU-METAL of BABYMETAL.

Formed in 2010, BABYMETAL drew attention with its unique sound that fuses heavy metal and J-pop.

They made their major debut in 2014 with the album “Babymetal,” and followed up with consecutive hits, “Metal Resistance” and “Metal Galaxy.” By appearing at major festivals overseas, they have become an act watched by audiences worldwide.

In 2023, they released their latest work, “The Other One,” marking further evolution.

With a powerful yet translucent voice and an overwhelming stage presence, she is a captivating artist who suggests new possibilities in music.

Strings of TearsOda Masaru

Strings of Tears

Masaru Oda, who pursued a vigorous musical career as a member of Tonomama Kings and worked across a wide range of genres from comic songs to enka, formed the band in 1967 and went on to release numerous million-selling hits during its active years through 1990.

Together with Atsushi Nagata, Osamu Miyaji, and Sobei Tada, he continually sought new forms of popular music.

Although they began as a comic band, they later shifted to mood kayō.

Combining an excellent sense of variety with solid musicianship, they won support from a wide audience.

Their songs have even been featured in the manga Chibi Maruko-chan, earning love across generations.

They are recommended for anyone looking to explore the nostalgic allure of classic kayōkyoku.