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.
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- [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 (21–30)
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.
Ashikaze PassMori Konomi
Konomi Mori is a powerhouse enka singer known from a young age as a leading figure in the folk music world.
Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, her vocal prowess gained nationwide acclaim, and in sixth grade she became the youngest-ever winner of the Esashi Oiwake National Competition’s youth division.
She debuted as an enka singer in 2013 with Shamisen Wataridori and won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards that same year.
With her clear voice and richly expressive singing, she released a string of hits, earning the Japan Composers’ Association’s Encouragement Award at the 2017 Japan Record Awards for Nokon no Tsuki.
While inheriting the traditions of folk music, she has also received high praise for songs that incorporate contemporary arrangements.
Even after marrying sumo wrestler Akira Takayasu, her unchanging vocal brilliance continues to captivate music fans seeking new allure in traditional music.
Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido (31–40)
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.
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.
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!
BUGY CRAXONE
Formed in 1997 in Sapporo, this band has established its own unique world with a sound that incorporates a variety of genres.
Despite multiple lineup changes, they have continued their activities and achieved their second major-label debut in 2017.
SOULHEAD
A sister R&B duo from Hokkaido, consisting of YOSHIKA and TSUGUMI.
Their dynamic, translucent harmonies and spot-on R&B melodic sensibilities are top-notch.
They drew attention immediately after their debut, making a strong impact on dedicated hip-hop and R&B fans.