Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Can you think of any artists from Hokkaido?

If we’re talking enka singers, there’s Saburo Kitajima; for bands, GLAY; and I’m sure a few other names come to mind as well.

In this article, we’ll introduce a whole range of popular musicians from Hokkaido all at once!

In fact, there are many artists from Hokkaido, and among them are some surprising names that might make you say, “What? They’re from Hokkaido too?!”

We’ve picked a wide selection across genres and generations—from famous veterans to up-and-coming artists—so discover lots of musicians, and once you find a favorite, take your time listening to their songs.

Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido (81–90)

2gMONKEYZ

Live syncl ’13 -1022- 2gMONKEYZ “Party People”

A three-piece band formed in 2006.

They’re a popular rock band, hosting a regular show on a local radio station and headlining solo concerts at one of Hokkaido’s top live venues, PENNY LANE24.

Their live performances have a strong reputation and get the crowd going every time!

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MELL

Live MELL Red Fraction

The oldest member and leading songstress of the music creators and sound team “I’ve.” She has a wide range of songs she can perform and excels at English, so when they were choosing the vocalist for “Red fraction,” it was decided that she was the only one who could pull it off.

“Red fraction” is the opening theme for the TV anime “BLACK LAGOON.” The lyrics were written by MELL, and the music was composed by Kazuya Takase.

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sasashina

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Miyoshi Erika

Erika Miyoshi (v-u-den) – Hogging You (Biyuuden Legend IV).

Erika Miyoshi, a former member of Hello! Project and the unit v-u-den, is one of the many idols hailing from Sapporo, Hokkaido.

She has since left her idol group and is now a mother of one.

She continues to be active, mainly in her hometown of Hokkaido.

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Murakami Shinpei

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The coridras

The coridras “Smoke” MUSIC VIDEO

A rock band formed in Sapporo in 2005.

Since 2016, they have been based in Tokyo, further expanding the scope of their activities.

Their musicianship and the world they create are nothing short of breathtaking.

With elements of guitar rock and post-punk, they’re a band that excites and captivates listeners.

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Satoda Mai (Pabo)

[PV] Mai Satoda with the Goda Family – Don’t leave me HQ

An idol group that originated from the quiz show “Hexagon II” broadcast on Fuji TV.

Their costumes and musical style, inspired by the Showa-era idol group Candies, are also memorable.

Member Mai Satoda is from Sapporo, Hokkaido, and was active as part of Country Musume.

It’s said that she and her husband, Major League pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, hit it off and eventually married because they were from the same hometown.

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Shizuki Kaori

Shining Star bless (subs esp)

Singer-songwriter Kaori Utatsuki is from Sapporo.

From 2002 to 2013, she was a member of I’ve, a music creator team based in Sapporo that produces many theme songs for games and anime, and she participated as a vocalist in numerous tracks.

While she is known for her clear, soaring high tones, her charm also shines in her guitar and piano solo performances.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a wide range of singers and bands from Hokkaido all at once.

From hugely popular bands like Sakanaction to legendary performers everyone knows, you might have been surprised to learn, “Wait, they’re from Hokkaido too?!” The genres are diverse as well—artists are active across the spectrum, from rock and enka to pop.

If you found a favorite, be sure to check out their other songs beyond the ones featured in this article—they’re wonderful too.