A roundup of artists from Ibaraki Prefecture: rock bands, singers, and rappers too!
If you hear “an artist from Ibaraki,” does anyone immediately come to mind?
You might be thinking, “No one!!” — and you wouldn’t be alone.
But among artists from Ibaraki Prefecture, there are surely some you already know.
While Ibaraki is often associated with a strong lineup of rock bands and other niche acts, the prefecture has produced a wide range of artists—from veteran household names to idols.
I hope this article helps you discover new music and artists to love.
A roundup of artists from Ibaraki Prefecture: rock bands, singers, and rappers too! (1–10)
cobalt blueYamada Masashi
THE BACK HORN is a rock band known for creating many tie-in songs for popular TV shows.
Their vocalist, Masashi Yamada, is also from Ibaraki.
While THE BACK HORN is known for all its members graduating from a vocational school in Tokyo, Yamada reportedly lived in Ibaraki through his high school years.
His intense, shout-like singing is sure to stir your heart.
He also releases music as a solo artist, so be sure to check that out as well.
Night FlightIshizaki Hyuui
Huwie Ishizaki is a singer-songwriter from Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
Many people may know him for his numerous collaborations with actor and artist Masaki Suda, for whom he has provided many songs.
Ishizaki himself is also active as an actor, making his film debut as the co-star opposite lead actress Yu Aoi in the 2016 movie Azumi Haruko Is Missing.
He has worked on many tie-ins for TV programs and animated commercials, and his representative songs include Sayonara Elegy and Niji with Masaki Suda.
Romantic FlightIshii Tatsuya
Tatsuya Ishii, also known as Carl Smoky Ishii, the vocalist of Kome Kome Club formed in 1982, hails from Kitaibaraki City in Ibaraki Prefecture.
The group released massive hits such as “Kimi ga Iru Dake de” and “Roman Hikō.” Kome Kome Club’s appeal lies in their unique sound that blends a wide range of musical styles—from funk to mood kayō—along with highly entertaining live performances.
Beyond music, Ishii is active as a multi-artist who showcases his sensibilities in stage design, spatial production, costumes, and other fields.
Light of the fireflyravianrōzu
La Vie en Rose is a rock band from Ibaraki Prefecture.
Since their formation in 1994, they have worked across a variety of genres.
The band’s concept has also evolved over time—depending on the period, they have been a heavy metal band or a visual kei band.
I hope you’ll explore the group’s history and enjoy those changes.
Overall, they have many straight-ahead tracks characterized by a robust, hard-hitting sound.
Their performances can get even more intense—be sure to enjoy them together with the live footage.
Lazy Morningorenji supainikurabu
Orange Spiny Club is a rock band from Ibaraki Prefecture.
They’re known for refreshing vocals and a lyrical sound, and they’ve produced many hit songs.
To immerse yourself in their world, I recommend their full album “Shougeki” and the track “7997,” which was used as a TV drama ending theme.
Also, when it comes to Orange Spiny Club, their performances at joint-band live shows are a hot topic.
I hope you’ll enjoy those as well.
You can also get a feel for the members’ personalities from their talk segments.
tonightTOSHI-LOW
TOSHI-LOW, the vocalist of BRAHMAN—a band that has continued to deliver its unique hardcore sound from the loud rock movement of the 1990s to the present—is from Ibaraki Prefecture.
In addition to his musical activities, he made headlines with a bento recipe book for the children he has with his wife, actress Ryo.
He has also been involved in running an apparel brand in the past, showcasing his talents in various fields.
the way downFACT
A rock band that was energetically active not only in Japan but also overseas from the time of their debut, with their debut album even being released overseas first.
Blending diverse styles such as metal, hardcore, and electronica, their uniquely unpredictable songs—whose structures shift irregularly within a single track—were one of a kind.
Even after disbanding in 2015, they continue to be spoken of as a legendary band by many others.
