Bands, artists, and singers from Iwate Prefecture
Do you know any artists from Iwate Prefecture?
You might not immediately think of many artists who actively promote that they’re from Iwate, but in fact, the prefecture has produced a lot of outstanding musicians.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of artists from Iwate all at once!
We’ve selected from a broad spectrum of ages and genres, from solo singers and bands to veteran enka performers.
Take this opportunity to give the music of artists from Iwate a listen.
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Bands, artists, and singers from Iwate Prefecture (1–10)
In those days of summer, weHideshi Segawa (Hooper)
Hooper is a band formed by composer Eishi Segawa, a native of Iwate Prefecture who is active mainly in commercial songs and soundtracks.
They made their major debut in 1995 with the single “Ano Koro no Natsu ni Bokura wa.” The band later changed its name to Fleming Pie and continued its activities, but disbanded in 2002.
After the breakup, Tomoko Nakajima, who served as the vocalist, pursued a solo career and has performed songs such as film theme songs and insert songs for anime.
I want to see you.sawada chikako
Singer-songwriter Chikaco Sawada hails from Ashiro Town, Ninohe District, Iwate-gun, Iwate Prefecture.
Before her debut, she began performing at live music clubs, and in 1987 she made her debut with “Koibito to Yobasete.” “Aitai,” a single cut from her 1990 album I MISS YOU, became a major hit.
Her sweet singing voice carries a sense of loneliness that pairs perfectly with the heartrending lyrics.
Beyond “Aitai,” try searching for other tear-jerking masterpieces and find the perfect song for those moments when you want to let your emotions out!
ESCAPESasaki Osamu (MOON CHILD)
The band fronted by Osamu Sasaki from Iwate Prefecture is MOON CHILD.
They debuted in 1996 with the single “Brandnew Gear,” and the following year their single “ESCAPE” was chosen as the theme song for the drama FiVE, becoming a huge hit.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart, catapulting them to popularity.
Although they were a much-talked-about band, they sadly announced their breakup in 1999.
Later, reunion concerts were held in 2013 and 2017, which became a hot topic.
Bands, artists, and singers from Iwate Prefecture (11–20)
LAY YOUR HANDS ON ME（Short Ver.）Kawashima Michiyuki (BOOM BOOM SATELLITES)
The rock unit BOOM BOOM SATELLITES, affectionately known as “Bunsate,” featured guitarist-vocalist Michiyuki Kawashima, who was from Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture.
Formed in 1990, they debuted in 1997 on Belgium’s R&S Records, a label regarded as hugely influential in the techno scene.
Their distinctive fusion of techno and rock earned acclaim both in Japan and abroad, expanding their reach.
In 2016, Kawashima sadly passed away at the young age of 47, and the following year Bunsate ended their activities.
Even so, their blend of uplifting beats and immersive band sound still sounds incredibly cool today!
Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji
Kenji Niinuma is an enka singer from Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, and this song was released in 1976.
The lyrics were written by Yū Aku and depict the views on marriage of a simple young man from the countryside.
With this song, he made his first appearance at the 27th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, and it became a major hit, winning the New Artist Award at the 18th Japan Record Awards and the Broadcast Music New Artist Award at the 7th Japan Kayō Awards.
Surrounded By EnemiesSurrounded By Enemies
Surrounded By Enemies is a band formed in 2018, with all members hailing from Iwate Prefecture.
Despite being independent, they’re a group that’s drawing attention across genres, from the melodic punk scene to the loud rock scene.
Their charm lies in the exquisite balance between a thick, powerful sound and delicate nuances, as well as down-to-earth lyrics that make you feel closer to the band.
The more you listen, the more you’ll fall in love with their world! We’re excited to see them with their upcoming releases and on tour!
DistanceLONG SHOT PARTY
LONG SHOT PARTY is an innovative alternative rock band with a dazzling brass section.
The guitarist, Shuichi, hails from Oshu City in Iwate Prefecture.
Formed in Sendai in 1998, they successfully completed a nationwide tour of 53 venues in 2002.
Their major-label debut single, “distance,” released in 2008, was used as the theme song for the TV Tokyo anime Naruto Shippuden.
They were active internationally, including a performance at JAPAN EXPO 2010 in France, but, much to fans’ regret, they disbanded after their 2010 solo concert “THANKS 2010.”