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
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- 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 (1–10)
Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei is a band formed by members from Wakkanai City, Hokkaido.
They formed in 2007 and, in 2008, won the inaugural championship of Senkou Riot, a contest open only to teenage artists.
In 2010, they made their major debut with the mini-album “Hanamasu no Hana” and relocated their base to Tokyo, but in 2011 they built a private studio in Sapporo and moved their base back to Hokkaido.
They gained popularity for their pop, easy-to-listen-to melodies, but ended their activities in 2016 with their first-ever concert at the Nippon Budokan.
New Treasure IslandYamaguchi Ichirō, Iwadera Motoharu, Okazaki Hidemi, Ejima Keiichi (Sakanaction)
Sakanaction is a band that always presents a fresh and enjoyable world not only through their songs but also in their staging.
Vocalist and guitarist Ichiro Yamaguchi and keyboardist Emi Okazaki are from Otaru, Hokkaido, while guitarist Motoharu Iwadera and drummer Keiichi Ejima are from Sapporo.
Incidentally, bassist Ami Kusakari is the only member from Tokyo.
The band’s name is a coined word combining “sakana” (fish) and “action.” They made their major debut in 2007 with the album GO TO THE FUTURE, captivating many fans with their diverse music and inventive performances.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
ZONE is a girls’ band formed by members from Sapporo, Hokkaido, who debuted as teenagers in 2001.
Before their debut they were a dance group, and none of the members had experience playing instruments; up through their second single, they did not perform instruments themselves.
However, starting with their third single—“secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~,” one of ZONE’s signature songs—they shifted to performing their own instrumentation.
Although they disbanded in 2005 to much regret, they re-formed in 2011 with a different lineup, only to end activities again in 2013.
Winter, againGLAY
GLAY is one of Japan’s representative rock bands.
People often think all the members are from Hakodate, Hokkaido, but while guitarist HISASHI grew up in Hakodate, he was actually born in Aomori Prefecture.
They made their major debut in 1994 with the single “RAIN” on Extasy Records, founded by X JAPAN’s YOSHIKI.
With a string of hit songs that sold over a million copies and massive EXPO concerts drawing crowds of around 200,000, they garnered huge attention and cemented their status as a band.
They attract many fans with a wide range of songs, from intense rock numbers to gentle ballads that sing of great love.
Song of the DawnYoshino Hisashi, Tamori Atsuya (iisutan yūsu)
eastern youth is a rock band formed in 1988 in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Guitar and “voice” member Hisashi Yoshino is from Obihiro, and drummer Atsuya Tamori is from Rebun.
A few years after forming, they launched their own label, Sakamoto Shoten, and expanded their activities by not only performing in Japan but also joining overseas artists on tour.
They later released music with several major record companies, and since 2015 they have been active on their independent label Hadashi no Ongakusha.
Yoshino’s role is credited as “voice” rather than “vocal” because his singing performance sometimes borders on a scream, which led to that specific credit.
The world is smiling at you.Asahi (Little Glee Monster)
Little Glee Monster, also known by the abbreviation “Little Glee” or “LGM,” is a female vocal group.
They’re known for their beautiful harmonies created by their clear, translucent vocals.
One of the members, Asahi, is from Hokkaido and attended a performing arts training school there.
Even before Little Glee Monster was formed, she boasted outstanding vocal ability, winning karaoke competitions and more.
lapis lazuliAoi Eiru
Eir Aoi is a female solo artist from Sapporo, Hokkaido, known for performing many anime theme songs.
Her debut single released in 2011, “MEMORIA,” was used as the ending theme for the anime Fate/Zero.
Although she paused her activities in 2016 due to health issues, she returned in 2018.
Her first single after her comeback, “Ryusei,” was used as the opening theme for the anime Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online.
A rock enthusiast, she energizes her own live shows with intense performances, including headbanging.