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 (41–50)

Ao

Ao “Blessings to You” Music Video

A rock band formed in 2003.

Through energetic activity, they gained popularity mainly in Hokkaido and made their major debut in 2009.

With beautiful melodies and a clear, transparent singing voice, they create a one-of-a-kind world.

They cannot be easily categorized into genres like rock, metal, or punk.

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Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido (51–60)

OH!! Maikīzu

Oh!! My Keys “Say Hello Teens” music video

Formed in September 2013 around vocalist Masato Kondo and bassist Tetta Watanabe, both based in Sapporo.

They gained attention by participating in Senkou Riot 2014 and advancing to the Sapporo third-round screening.

Their appeal lay in straightforward lyrics and melodies that resonate with the heart.

They disbanded in 2018 to much regret.

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Saka Tomohisa

Tomohisa Sako 'Getta Banban' Short Ver.

It’s a single released on April 29, 2015, and it was used as the opening theme for the anime Pokémon XY.

Its fast-paced lyrics and melody match the anime’s vibe perfectly, making it an uplifting song.

It’s also notable that the first verse includes words that evoke Pokémon moves.

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Sakata Osamu

Beyond the Rainbow by Osamu Sakata

In 1996, Osamu Sakata wrote and composed this song, and it was performed by Kentaro Hayami, who was the “Uta no Oniisan” at the time, and Ayumi Shigemori, who was the “Uta no Oneesan.” It’s a refreshing piece themed around a rainbow after the rain, and it’s still loved today as an uplifting, energizing song.

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Hashimoto Nanami, Kitano Hinako (Nogizaka Forty-Six)

Nogizaka46 'There's Someone I Want to Talk to Now' Short Ver.

Nanami Hashimoto, a selected member, hails from Asahikawa City in Hokkaido.

This is Nogizaka46’s 13th single, surging in popularity to the point of even overtaking AKB.

Its lyrics gently ignite a light in those who carry loneliness, and surely many have been saved by them.

Also pay attention to the members’ acting in the story-driven music video.

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Hanaoka Ryota (NORD)

Starlit Sky / NORD

Ryota Hanaoka is an actor, singer, TV personality, and former reader model who is active in many fields.

He is a member of NORD, a boy group formed by eight people chosen through Sapporo Television’s audition program “Aotagai Gakuen.” Even as an amateur, he was highly regarded for his vocal ability, winning excellence awards and grand prix titles in various contests.

Be sure to keep an eye on him!

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