RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

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! (21–30)

Fujifabric

All of the YouthKanazawa Daisu

I’m Daisuke Kanazawa, the keyboardist of Fujifabric, from Ibaraki Prefecture.

I don’t know many other details, but I think the performance skills are high, including on this track.

Having a keyboard player from Ibaraki is rare, so that alone is noteworthy.

ribbon

We promised not to say that.Hiromi Nagasaku

The idol group ribbon debuted in 1989, and one of its members, Hiromi Nagasaku, is also from Ibaraki Prefecture.

Although the group’s active period was relatively short—about five years—they left behind numerous classic songs, including “Sore wa Iwanai Yakusoku.” She is also strongly recognized as an actress, having appeared in many films and TV dramas.

However, in the group’s performances, you might see a different side of Hiromi Nagasaku than you’re used to.

I should also add that she has made use of her beautiful voice to work as a voice actress.

Roundup of artists from Ibaraki Prefecture: rock bands, singers, and rappers too! (31–40)

HuckleberryBxAxG

Local band from Ibaraki Prefecture BxAxG "Huckleberry" Music Video
HuckleberryBxAxG

We’re Huckle Berry, a six-member band with all members hailing from Ibaraki Prefecture.

We’re a local band that operates while living in Ibaraki and has a deep love for the region—handling the official support song for J2’s Mito HollyHock and creating an image song for Oarai Town, where our members are from.

We’re drawing attention for our unique lineup, which ranges from anime enthusiasts to a fisherman and a member who practices Shorinji Kempo.

Curry and riceEndō Kenji

Speaking of artists from Hitachinaka City, Kenji Endo is also well known.

He has a solid reputation for his guitar playing and has produced many hit songs, starting with this “Curry Rice.” The song shows the influence of Bob Dylan, whom he has openly said he likes.

Kuriyama Chiaki

Chiaki Kuriyama “Zero” Music Video
Kuriyama Chiaki

Chiaki Kuriyama, who is active not only as an actress but also as a singer, is from Tsuchiura City in Ibaraki Prefecture.

She has released a diverse range of songs, working with top musicians from various genres as producers, including Tomoyasu Hotei, Ringo Sheena, and la la larks.

Her vocals have a distinctive, dry texture that might just become addictive after one listen.

seriousness; earnestness (honki)Tamura Eriko

Eriko Tamura is a female idol and actress from Hitachinaka City.

She was very popular at the time, even winning the Best New Artist award at the Japan Record Awards, and she has many hit songs including this one.

She continues to be active in various fields today, such as appearing in overseas TV dramas.

Definitely! Pretty Cure (We Are Pretty Cure)Gojō Mayumi

Mayumi Gojo is a singer from Mito who debuted in 1999.

She performs anime songs for series such as Ojamajo Doremi and Pretty Cure.

“DANZEN! Futari wa Pretty Cure” is a single released in 2004.

It won the Theme Song Award at the Animation Kobe Awards.