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)

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Makimura Mieko

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Makimura Mieko

Watch “companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly) Makimura Mieko” on YouTube

Mikimura Mieko, known as the enka songstress representing Hokkaido, made her debut as an enka singer in 1974 and soon released songs that became major hits.

From the late 1970s to the early 1980s, she left a significant mark on the enka world with her emotionally rich vocals and delicate expressiveness.

In 1979, she received the Long Seller Award at the 21st Japan Record Awards, and in 1981 she made her long-awaited first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

She excels in lyrics and melodies imbued with passion, and her distinctive style—preserving enka’s traditions while incorporating a contemporary sensibility—continues to captivate many fans.

She is highly recommended for anyone who wants to fully savor the appeal of enka.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Iida Kaori (Tanpopo)

Dandelion -05 Maiden Moved by Pasta

Iida Kaori (Tanpopo)

As a spinoff unit from Morning Musume, Tanpopo gained tremendous popularity.

Back then, these four were just too cute, and they were the idols every elementary school kid looked up to.

The looks, the dance, the melodies, the lyrics—everything was wonderfully put together.

Member Kaori Iida, like fellow Morning Musume member Natsumi Abe, was born in Muroran, Hokkaido.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

2gMONKEYZ

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

2gMONKEYZ

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!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Miyoshi Erika

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

Miyoshi Erika

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

Satoda Mai (Pabo)

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

Satoda Mai (Pabo)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Shizuki Kaori

Shining Star bless (subs esp)

Shizuki Kaori

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

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.