A roundup of artists from Ibaraki Prefecture: rock bands, singers, and rappers too!

Memories, My FriendŌmori Maho

[MV full] My Friend, the Memory / AKB48 [Official]

Maho Omori, a native of Hokota City in Ibaraki Prefecture, began her idol career after being selected fifth by Team B at the 2018 AKB48 Group Draft.

Beloved by many fans for her bright personality and hard-working attitude, she has been chosen for the lineup in seven singles so far and participated as an All Stars member on “Color-Contacts Wink,” released in March 2024.

She also has the skills to back it up, having reached the finals of a singing contest, and she continues to be active in various fields, including the release of her first photo book in December 2024.

She’s perfect for anyone who wants to watch an idol’s growth journey up close.

TOKYO TRIPNagasuma Reo

7ORDER 「TOKYO TRIP」Music Video

Reo Nagatsuma, born in Ibaraki Prefecture, serves as the vocalist and keyboardist of the artist group 7ORDER.

With his sweet looks and tall stature, he’s adored by many fans as a “prince-like” presence.

After gaining experience at Johnny & Associates, he restarted in May 2019 as part of the 7ORDER project and made his major debut in January 2021 with the album “ONE.” In addition to music, he’s active as a member of a self-produced entertainment collective involved in stage productions and video creation.

His athletic versatility and bright, energetic personality are also part of his charm.

As the youngest member of the group, he showcases solid vocal skills and keyboard performances, making him highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy a wide range of entertainment!

oldies (nostalgic pop songs)Chino Takahiro

GOOD ON THE REEL / “Natsumero” Music Video

GOOD ON THE REEL is a rock band formed by members who met at a vocational school in Tokyo.

Takahiro Chino, known as the band’s vocalist and primary songwriter, is also from Ibaraki Prefecture.

He discovered music while attending junior high school in Ibaraki and decided to pursue a career as an artist.

Many of their songs have a driving, fast-paced feel, making them great for lifting your mood.

Another appealing aspect of Takahiro Chino is that he offers many opportunities to interact with fans, such as live streams.

You might feel closer to him than to other artists.

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Stray bulletWatanabe Rika

Nagaredama by Sakurazaka46

Rika Watanabe, born in 1995 in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a J-POP idol who passed the first-generation audition for Keyakizaka46 in 2015 to debut in the idol world, and continued her activities as a member of Sakurazaka46 until 2021.

Although she was the oldest in the group, her airheaded and gentle personality left a strong impression.

Affectionately known by nicknames like “Pee-chan” and “Berika,” she stood out as a front member in the group’s early songs.

In 2017, she drew further attention for her work beyond idol activities, such as being appointed a regular model for the fashion magazine LARME, leveraging her unique aura and striking beauty.

If you’re drawn to fashion sense and expressive power that transcend the idol framework, she’s still well worth checking out now!

Oh, early summer rainWatanabe Risa

Sakurazaka46 'Samidare yo'

Risa Watanabe, born in July 1998 in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a multi-talented entertainer active across a wide range of fields, from idol group member to actress and model.

She entered the entertainment industry in 2015 as a first-generation member of Keyakizaka46 and served as a front member for their debut single, “Silent Majority.” She went on to play central roles in songs such as “Fukyouwaon” and “Kaze ni Fukaretemo,” contributing to the group’s numerous accolades, including the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Gold Disc Award.

With her neat, cool charm and assured expressive power, she has captivated many fans.

Since graduating in 2022, she has shifted her focus to acting while continuing to work across diverse fields.

She’s an artist well worth following for anyone interested in idol culture or the acting world.

blue filmAoi Sakurai

cali≠gari – Blue Film [MV]

As a guitarist from Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Ao Sakurai has continued to leave a distinct mark on Japan’s visual kei scene.

Since forming cali≠gari in 1993, his career spanning over 30 years has pursued an innovative sound that fuses diverse genres such as experimental rock, post-punk, and noise rock.

From the album Dai 1 Jikkenshitsu to 16, he has released numerous ambitious works, and even after the band’s hiatus in 2003 and reunion in 2009, he remains highly active.

Under the concept of “Erotic Grotesque,” Sakurai showcases multifaceted talents across lyric writing, composition, art direction, and stage production.

His music is a must-listen for fans seeking expressions that transcend the conventional boundaries of rock.

KNOCKIN’ ON YOUR DOORKurosawa Kenichi, Kurosawa Hideki

KNOCKIN’ ON YOUR DOOR/L⇔R

In the rock band L⇔R, the vocalist and guitarist are both from Hitachi City.

This group has many hit songs besides this one, so it’s fair to say they’re well-known in Ibaraki Prefecture.

I think many people still sing their songs at karaoke.