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 (51–60)

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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sasashina

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Midorikawa Shobō

Midori-kawa Shobo – Apple Girl

An unconventional singer-songwriter who calls himself a “rogue of the J-POP scene.” His strengths are catchy melodies that make you hum along, a pleasantly smooth voice, and a unique worldview that delves into the darker sides of society and human nature—seemingly at odds with the sound.

Once you hear it, you’re sure to be hooked.

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Shimokawa Mikuni

Mikuni Shimokawa - South Wind

Mikuni Shimokawa is a familiar name among fans of anime songs.

With her clear, resonant voice, she has performed many anison tracks.

She hadn’t released new music since 2011, but in 2018 she announced a new album, “Kokoro Oto.” She remains a popular female singer-songwriter to this day.

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Satō Masaki (Mōningu Musume. ’19)

"Hatsukoi Cider" (Masaki Sato from Morning Musume, Karin Miyamoto from Juice=Juice, and Yumeno Kishimoto from Tsubaki Factory)

Hello! Project’s Morning Musume 10th-generation member Masaki Sato is apparently from Hokkaido, too! Her emerald green image color also evokes the grandeur of Hokkaido’s vast land.

Whether you’re from Hokkaido or not, let’s look forward to her performances and future success!

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Murakami Shinpei

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Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido (61–70)

Chiba Ryohei, Ogata Ryuichi (w-inds.)

Paradox PV

It was a group that was quite popular when I was a student.

Dancer/chorus members Ryohei Chiba and Ryuichi Ogata are from Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Vocalist Keita Tachibana, with his beautiful features and girlish voice, delivers mature lyrics flawlessly.

That slightly off-kilter feel is addictive.

Now his voice has deepened and he looks much more grown-up, but his success remains undiminished.

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kawada mami

[Mami Kawada] 16th Single “Contrail ~Kiseki~” Preview MV (TV Anime ‘Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm’ Opening Theme)

Mami Kawada, known as a vocalist for I’ve, a music creator team based in Sapporo.

She is also from Sapporo and performed theme songs for many anime series, including Shakugan no Shana and A Certain Magical Index.

Although she retired in 2016, her distinctive, commanding vibrato continues to influence the next generation of anisong singers.

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the blondie plastic wagon

the blondie plastic wagon “JUST ONE MORE KISS!!” Live Ver

Formed in 1999 in Muroran, they are a rock band known for a rhythm section that lays down powerful dance beats and a one-of-a-kind singing voice.

Although they once went on hiatus, they resumed activities in 2015 after launching their own independent label.

Their songs are striking—addictive and unforgettable after just one listen.

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