Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido
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.
- A rock band from Hokkaido, born and based there! Ranking of KALMA’s most popular songs
- Beloved voices and music! Singers and artists from Tohoku
- [The Legend of Heisei and Makuhari] GLAY’s Best Collection of Popular Songs and Hidden Gems
- [2026] Masterpieces that sing of Hokkaido: the heart of a beloved homeland passed down in song
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- A trio of artists [A resonant ensemble from a group and three-piece band]
- Recommended love songs sung by male artists for the yutori generation
- A lineup of buzzworthy artists! Ranking of MAISONdes' popular songs
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Popular Songs Ranking of Saburo Kitajima [2026]
Singers, Bands, and Artists from Hokkaido (11–20)
La La LaDaikoku Maki
Maki Ohguro is a cool, no-nonsense, inspiring singer-songwriter who makes you want to call out “Big sis!” without thinking.
Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, she worked as a chorus singer for ZARD and B’z and also as a composer before her debut.
She made her major debut in 1992 with the single “STOP MOTION.” She went on to release timeless hits like “Natsu ga Kuru” and “La La La,” gaining widespread popularity.
Although she took a break from performing due to illness, her powerful voice has never faded, and she continues her career while also serving as a part-time instructor at a music vocational school.
A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu
Chiharu Matsuyama is a folk singer from Ashoro, Ashoro District, Hokkaido, known for his expressive, soaring vocals.
Before his debut as a singer, he first appeared in the media on a segment of a Hokkaido radio program.
A year after that media debut, in 1977, he made his record debut with “Tabidachi.” That same year, he gained popularity after becoming a host on the radio show All Night Nippon.
He went on to serve as a host on many other radio programs while releasing numerous hit songs, including “Oozora to Daichi no Naka de” and “Nagai Yoru.”
THE BOYS&GIRLS
Formed in March 2011, they are a four-member rock band from Hokkaido based in Sapporo.
On April 22, 2015, they released their major debut album, expanding their name nationwide.
Deeply passionate about Hokkaido, they have continued to base their activities in Sapporo even after their debut.
festivalKitajima Saburō
Speaking of people from Hokkaido, we mustn’t forget this man! Saburo Kitajima, affectionately known as “Sab-chan,” is an enka singer from Shiriuchi, Hokkaido.
He debuted in 1962 with Bungacha-bushi and went on to release hit songs such as Matsuri, Hakodate no Onna, and Kyodai Jingi.
Under the pen name Gen Hyoji, he has also written songs for other enka singers and worked on stage scripts.
As a racehorse owner, he has owned many horses; when his most celebrated horse, Kitasan Black, won races, he often performed his own song Matsuri to celebrate.
Yoshimura Hideki, Imoriya Yuu, Komatsu Masahiro (bloodthirsty butchers)
This is a band that began activities in 1986 with members who were classmates at Rumoi Technical High School in Hokkaido.
They released a major-label album in 1994, which marked the full-scale start of their career.
In 2003, Hisako Tabuchi, formerly of Number Girl, joined the band.
Many rock bands have openly stated that they were influenced by them.
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
Takashi Hosokawa, an enka singer who has also drawn attention thanks to Razor Ramon RG’s impersonations, hails from Makkari Village in Abuta District, Hokkaido.
Before moving to Tokyo, he performed in Sapporo’s Susukino district, where his activities caught the eye of a Tokyo production company, prompting his move to the capital.
In 1975, he made his major debut with “Kokoro no Kori,” immediately garnering attention by winning numerous awards right out of the gate, including the Broadcast Music Newcomer Award at the Japan Kayō Awards and the Best New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards.
Since then, he has appeared on variety shows, earned a Level 1 Ski Badge Test certification thanks to his skiing skills, and even gained attention as a devoted Hello Kitty fan.
Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido (21–30)
NAMENOISEMAKER
A four-piece rock band formed in Sapporo.
Armed with a sound that blends richness and speed and a piercing, heartfelt vocal style, they’ve earned support for their highly free, genre-crossing music.
Their live performances are absolutely stunning!