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 (21–30)

SHOKICHI（EXILE）

EXILE / Ki・mi・ni・mu・chu

SHOKICHI（EXILE）

Famous for being featured in a Suntory beer commercial, this is the group’s 47th single overall.

Unusual for EXILE, it’s a feel-good track with cute, easy-to-dance choreography and a catchy melody.

SHOKICHI, the vocalist and member, is from Tomakomai in Hokkaido and was reportedly a baseball kid in his hometown.

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Nomiya Maki

Maki Nomiya – Tokyo at 7 PM [Maki Nomiya and Shaolin Brothers] Produced by Yasuharu Konishi

Nomiya Maki

Maki Nomiya, known as the third lead vocalist of Pizzicato Five, is from Onbetsu, Shiranuka District in Hokkaido, which is now Onbetsu, Kushiro City.

Even if you’re not familiar with the band, many of you have probably heard “Tokyo wa Yoru no Shichiji” (Tokyo at 7 p.m.).

In 2018, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the song’s release, a cover version credited to “Maki Nomiya and the Shaolin Brothers” was released.

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Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido (31–40)

FOLKS

FOLKS　『Everything is Alone』

FOLKS

A five-member male band based in Eniwa City.

Formed in 2013 around former Galileo Galilei members Fumito Iwai and Kazumasa Noguchi.

They gained popularity with their delicate, sophisticated sound and made their major debut in December 2014.

If you like stylish tracks, give them a listen.

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Mizutani Yutaka

Yutaka Mizutani "California Connection"

Mizutani Yutaka

When you think of Yutaka Mizutani, you picture him as an actor in shows like the Aibou series, but there was a time when he sang songs like this! I was really surprised when I first saw him singing on TV.

His sexy, gentle voice is soothing, and he’s cool and wonderful no matter how old he gets.

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UMEIRO

[MV] UMEILO – High Sky

UMEIRO

UMEILO is a brilliantly talented young band with an average age of 18 in 2019.

Their strengths lie in a classic guitar-rock sound and striking lyrics delivered with a clear, translucent voice.

From Hokkaido, which has produced many famous musicians, a new star may be about to emerge once again!

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Murakami Shinpei

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TRIPLANE

TRIPLANE / Monologue

TRIPLANE

A rock band formed by four members from Hokkaido.

Their beautifully crafted, literary lyrics have won wide popularity.

Often described as a “beautiful-melody rock band,” they’re known for catchy tunes that linger in your ears after just one listen.

The gentle vocals are wonderful, too.

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AnnieZūkaraderu

Annie

AnnieZūkaraderu

Zutomayodel, a three-piece rock band from Sapporo, Hokkaido, captivates many fans with lyrics that delicately depict everyday scenes and a pop-leaning sound.

The group began in 2015 under the name “Takanobu Yoshida and Zutomayodel,” then changed to their current name with the release of their September 2017 mini-album Live Forever.

The approachable melodies and empathetic lyrics crafted by Takanobu Yoshida were recognized when the band won first place in the Japanese music category of Tower Records’ “Tawake Recommen Award Artist of the Year 2018,” proving their talent.

Influenced by BUMP OF CHICKEN and Quruli, Yoshida’s songs are a perfect fit for music fans who value sincerity in their emotions.

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