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 (11–20)
The Life Is Simple And BeautifulLIKKLE MAI
Likkle Mai, a native of Miyako City in Iwate Prefecture, is one of Japan’s proud reggae singers.
She is also known as the vocalist for the dub-reggae band DRY & HEAVY, and has been active as a solo artist since 2005.
She toured Hawaii in 2008 and 2009, gaining popularity locally as well.
Her 2009 album “mairation” earned first place in the reggae category of Music Magazine’s Best Discs and has become a classic of contemporary reggae albums.
trainLOST IN TIME
Daisuke Umikai, the vocalist of LOST IN TIME, a three-piece rock band formed in 2001, is from Iwate Prefecture.
In 2002, they released their first album, “Fuyuzora to Kimi no Te,” and in the same year participated in the compilation album “Ichigo Ichie ~ Sweets for my SPITZ,” covering songs by Spitz alongside artists such as Tamio Okuda, Ringo Sheena, and Yumi Matsutoya.
In 2018, marking the 15th anniversary of their debut, they held a solo concert at Shibuya Sakura Hall.
Path of the Lily of the ValleyOosawa Momoko
Momoko Osawa is unusual among female enka singers in that she is also a singer-songwriter who writes both the lyrics and music for her own songs.
She became a disciple of Takeshi Terauchi, known as the “God of the Electric Guitar,” and made her debut in 1998 with her first single, Musume Enbushi.
She serves as a “Hometown Ambassador” for her birthplace, Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, and has also been appointed a “Tourism Ambassador” by Hiraizumi Town in Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture.
She has an official blog as well, which she updates energetically every day.
GLORIAYoh (Matenrou Opera)
Formed in 2007, the visual kei band Versailles Opera’s bassist, Yo, hails from Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture.
With the band concept of “a fusion of the modern and traditional beauty,” they have released many works centered on symphonic metal.
The five-piece lineup includes keyboards, and vocalist Sono’s soaring high notes shine like light piercing through darkness.
With each lineup change, Matenrou Opera evolves—enjoy comparing their older and newer works!
shooting starmiyazato kana
The enka singer who made her major-label debut in 2012 with the single “Kazeminaru Minato” (Windy Harbor) is Kanade Miyasato.
Her stage name combines a play on her real name with her hometown, Miyako City in Iwate Prefecture—shortening “Miyako ga furusato” (Miyako is my hometown) to “Miyasato.” While still in high school, she won the Grand Prix at the Michinoku Kayō Festival held in 2009, and the following year she represented Iwate Prefecture at the Japan Karaoke Studio Awards, where she also took the Grand Prix.
Her debut single “Kazeminaru Minato” earned her the Cable Broadcast Association Award at the 45th Japan Cable Awards.
In 2018, she announced her retirement, concluding roughly six years of activity as a singer.
Dear Sir/Madam,Satou Kenichirou (teto)
Teto is a rock band known for its straightforward, explosive sound.
Bassist Kenichiro Sato hails from Iwate Prefecture and was reportedly inexperienced with instruments when the band was formed.
In 2016, they self-released their first EP, “Pain Pain Pain,” and sold out the initial pressing in about a month.
In 2018, they performed at major outdoor events such as ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2018 and RUSH BALL 2018.
In 2022, they changed their band name to the dadadadys and released their first and last live DVD as teto.
Bands, artists, and singers from Iwate Prefecture (21–30)
full moonMatsuzaka Akiko
Akiko Matsuzaka is a singer-songwriter from Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture, and this song was released in 1994 as her fourth single.
It was used as the ending theme for the ABC/TV Asahi Tuesday Drama League series “Yukemuri Joshi Daisei Sōdō,” and her taut, powerful vocals drew attention.