When you hear “an artist from Ishikawa Prefecture,” what kind of artist comes to mind?
It’s always a little exciting when you discover that a band or singer-songwriter you love is from your hometown, isn’t it?
Ishikawa is famous for its scenic spots and seafood, and through this research I also felt there are many artists who shine behind the scenes, playing supportive roles like unsung heroes.
I’d be happy if this helps you discover the charms of Ishikawa as well as new favorite music and artists you’ll love.
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Artists from Ishikawa Prefecture <bands, idols, singer-songwriters, musicians> (1–10)
Hikari’s DiscoNakata Yasutaka, Koshijima Toshiko (CAPSULE)
Both Yasutaka Nakata and Toshiko Koshijima of CAPSULE—known for their distinctive electric, shimmering sound—are from Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Yasutaka Nakata is a famous producer who has also produced for Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Perfume.
His partner, Toshiko Koshijima, is the vocalist of CAPSULE.
The two met in their hometown and made their major debut in 2001 with the single “Sakura.” While Nakata generally handles everything from songwriting to jacket design, there are some songs for which Koshijima wrote the lyrics.
The group’s name was originally styled in lowercase as “capsule,” but it was changed to uppercase in 2013.
My Neighbor TotoroInoue Azumi
Azumi Inoue, known for singing songs from various Studio Ghibli works such as My Neighbor Totoro and Carrying You, hails from Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture.
From a young age, she appeared in numerous singing contests and audition programs.
She made her idol singer debut in 1983 under the name Azumi Inoue with the single STAR STORM.
Between 1986 and 1990, she performed many songs for Ghibli productions, all of which gained popularity.
Inoue’s vocals are noted for their gentle, warm quality that appeals to children.
Beyond Ghibli, she has sung for various anime series and has also participated in albums by Janne Da Arc and Sound Horizon, demonstrating a wide range of activities.
Miracle of BlueMamiko Noto
In addition to working as a voice actress and narrator, Mamiko Noto has also been active as a singer and is from Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture.
She doesn’t have many songs released under her own name, but she has performed numerous character songs as a voice actress, so focusing on those lets you experience her gentle singing voice.
Her greatest trait is her soft tone, which can seem like a whisper voice; when that pure voice becomes song, it can feel otherworldly.
It isn’t simply gentle, nor is it inorganic—there’s a mysterious charm contained in her voice.
GliderŌmori Yōhei
Yohei Omori is a singer-songwriter from Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, known for his gentle, embracing vocals.
He debuted in 1996 with the single “Kanojo,” and in 2004 he took part in the tribute album “BLUE: A TRIBUTE TO YUTAKA OZAKI.” His 2004 song “Glider” was featured as an insert song in the 2005 film “1 Litre of Tears.” From 2013, for four consecutive years, his music was selected for commercials by Fukuoka Financial Group, a major comprehensive financial group in Kyushu, drawing significant attention.
We’ll meet again…Ataka Miharu (KIX-S)
Miharu Ataka, the guitarist of KIX-S, a music group that plays hard rock with extensive use of synthesizers, is from Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Said to be Japan’s first female solo guitarist, Ataka won the Grand Prix at the FromA Band Contest in 1988 as a member of the all-girl band The Groopies.
She debuted in 1990 as a solo guitarist with the single “Kodoku no Runaway,” produced by B’z.
The following year, she formed KIX-S and made a major-label debut with the album KIX-S.
After KIX-S effectively disbanded in 1998, she has been working as a music school instructor since 2005.
answerYasuda Nao
This is singer Nao Yasuda from Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
As a child, Yasuda attended an actors’ school while in elementary school.
She won the GIRLS AWARD DAM★Tomo audition held in 2010, which led to her major debut the following year.
Her notable works include Midnight Sunbeam, used as an insert song in the drama “Hungry!”, and Kotae, the theme for a Mynavi Wedding commercial.
Her unadorned singing voice is truly wonderful.
She is currently retired from her singing career.
seagullAsakawa Maki
Singer Maki Asakawa, known for her distinctive low, flavorful voice, was born in Mikawa Town, Ishikawa District, which is now Hakusan City in Ishikawa Prefecture.
After moving to Tokyo from her hometown, she performed as a singer at U.S.
military camps and cabarets.
She released the single “Tokyo Banka/Amen Jiro” in 1967, and made her official debut in 1969 with “Yoru ga Aketara/Kamome.” From 2000, she performed regular live shows at jazz clubs and continued her singing career, but passed away in 2010 at the age of 67.
Her voice, adept at jazz and blues, garnered popularity not only in Japan but also overseas.