RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

Bands, artists, and singers from Kagawa Prefecture

When you hear “an artist from Kagawa 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 the same place as you, isn’t it?

Kagawa may be the smallest prefecture in Japan, and while it’s famous for Sanuki udon, it also has a wonderful side in the arts and culture.

There are many distinctive musicians and artists brimming with charm!

While researching, I even came across some surprising discoveries that made me think, “Oh, I didn’t know that!”

I’d be happy if this could help you discover new music you like or broaden your musical horizons.

Bands, artists, and singers from Kagawa Prefecture (11–20)

COTTON BABYKawahigashi Mina (Bachicco!)

Bachicco! is an idol group born from a segment on the Setonaikai Broadcasting variety show “Bachikoi!” The show’s MC, Teppei Ariyoshi of the comedy duo Cream Stew, served as the producer, and the group was first formed in 2001.

They were mainly active in three prefectures—Okayama, Kagawa, and Ehime—and Mina Kawahigashi, who served as leader at the time of their disbandment in 2008, is from Kagawa Prefecture.

During their active years, they focused on local activities, such as appearing on regional programs and performing live at music venues.

If you’re interested, be sure to check them out!

Tokyo Boogie-WoogieKasaogi Shizuko

After the war, Shizuko Kasagi, renowned as the “Queen of Boogie,” was born in Aioi Village, Okawa District, Kagawa Prefecture—an area that is now Higashikagawa City.

Released in 1948 after World War II, her song Tokyo Boogie-Woogie became her biggest hit.

Its lyrics, expressing the sense of liberation in the postwar era, and Kasagi’s onstage performances drew widespread attention.

You can still hear it today in commercials and elsewhere.

If you want to enjoy this masterpiece of Japanese history just as it sounded back then, it’s a great idea to look for it at a record shop and give it a listen.

BELIEVIN’Higashihara Rikiya (Naniwa Ekisupuresu)

Naniwa Express is a fusion band that blends jazz as its foundation with rock and electronic music.

The drummer, Mr.

Higashihara, is from Kagawa Prefecture.

They’re a veteran band formed in 1977; although they disbanded once in 1986, they fully restarted in 2002.

They gained popularity with live performances that electrify the venue through sound alone.

Even if you’re not familiar with fusion, take this opportunity to listen to Naniwa Express and enjoy!

Ukifunetākī (GO!GO!7188)

One of the bands that energized Japan’s rock scene in the 2000s was GO!GO!7188.

The group was formed around guitarist-vocalist Yuu and bassist-vocalist Akko, and later drummer Turkey joined.

Turkey is from Mitoyo City in Kagawa Prefecture.

After the band disbanded in 2012, he has been active as a drum tech and instructor.

He also performs live frequently, including events where he takes the stage with just his drums.

If you’re a drummer from Kagawa, you might feel a special connection.

So many times until nowTakagi Yoshiki (Za Masumisairu)

The Mass Missile is a rock band that has been active since 2000.

The vocalist, Yoshimoto Takagi, is from Kagawa Prefecture, and it’s said that he was in a band during high school with Daisuke-han from Maximum the Hormone, who is also from Kagawa.

Their rugged sound carries heartfelt melodies, and their straightforward lyrics—blending the nostalgia of youth with the gritty determination to live in the present—will move you.

When you’re troubled or feeling down, their music is sure to be on your side!

Super colorfulTokuda Kenji (Sumurūsu)

Smooloose is a rock band known for its catchy, down-to-earth musical style and distinctly defined vocals.

Its frontman, Kenji Tokuda, hails from Kagawa Prefecture.

Formed in 1997 at Kyoto Seika University, Smooloose made their major-label debut in 2004.

In addition to his solo work as a singer-songwriter, Tokuda also serves as the CEO of Gahaha Co., Ltd.

in Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture.

He is someone who continues to thrive across multiple fields and genres.

Bands, artists, and singers from Kagawa Prefecture (21–30)

CoronaUCHUSENTAI:NOIZ

UCHUSENTAI:NOIZ “Corona” PV (Full Ver.)
CoronaUCHUSENTAI:NOIZ

ANGEL-TAKA and SAKU, members of the visual-kei band UCHUSENTAI:NOIZ, are from Kagawa Prefecture.

“Corona” is the band’s third single since they adopted the name UCHUSENTAI:NOIZ, released as the third installment in a five-month consecutive singles campaign.

It reached No.

60 on the Oricon Singles Chart and No.

7 on the Indies Singles Chart.