Artists from Kagoshima: From Famous Singers to Popular Bands, All in One Go

Wandering Love SongNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Wandering Love Song

We mustn’t forget this artist from Kagoshima! Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, born in Hioki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, made major headlines with an all-night live concert on Sakurajima in Kagoshima in 2004.

After debuting in 1977 with the single “Ame no Arashiyama,” he spent some time working as a folk singer, gaining popularity with songs like “Junrenka” and “Junko.” From around the 1980s, he gradually began singing more rock-oriented songs, scoring hits with tracks such as “Tonbo” and “Kanpai.” His passionate, masculine style also won him many fans.

In 1983, he made his acting debut—landing the lead role—on the drama The Family Game.

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Before anything else, from atop the roadaikawa sho

Issei Fubi Sepia “Dear Sir/Madam, From Above the Road” [Official]

Sho Aikawa, known as the king of V-Cinema, hails from Kanoya City in Kagoshima Prefecture.

His career began with music as a core member of the performance unit Issē Fūbi Sepia, which made its record debut in 1984.

After drawing attention with their rugged performances, he also pursued a solo career.

His powerful, rock-inflected vocals—showing influences from Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi and Eikichi Yazawa—are truly impressive.

While he has garnered numerous awards as an actor, including the 1998 Japan Film Professional Awards, his passionate presence as a singer is equally captivating.

hydrangeaMatsuda Ayumu (Rikon Densetsu)

Rikon Densetsu – Hydrangea (Official Music Video)

Ayumu Matsuda, the vocalist of Divorce Densetsu—a band drawing attention for its soulful singing—is from Kagoshima Prefecture.

Their pop sound, rooted in soul and R&B while retaining the nostalgic familiarity of classic kayōkyoku, is truly appealing.

After launching their activities in 2022, they steadily gained buzz through word of mouth and made their major-label debut in 2024.

Their first album, “Rikon Densetsu,” won the Blue Grand Prize at the 17th CD Shop Awards 2025.

They have also received honors selected by radio industry professionals, earning high praise from those on the front lines.

Their playful spirit is charming too—Matsuda describes their own aesthetic as “uncool yet cool.”

ANTIFRAGILEMiyawaki Sakura (LE SSERAFIM)

LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) ‘ANTIFRAGILE’ OFFICIAL M/V

Sakura Miyawaki, whose journey from launching her career as an idol in Japan to spreading her wings on the global stage is truly captivating, hails from Kagoshima City in Kagoshima Prefecture.

She debuted in 2011 as a member of HKT48, and in the AKB48 Group General Election, she rose from an initial ranking of 47th to a career-high of 4th, becoming an irreplaceable presence in the hearts of fans.

After participating in a Japan–Korea joint project, she flourished as a member of IZ*ONE, and in 2022 she redebuted with LE SSERAFIM.

Their debut EP, FEARLESS, became a global hit and generated widespread buzz.

Breaking away from the conventional idol image and even venturing into songwriting, her ever-evolving music is sure to resonate with many people who are pursuing their dreams.

MotherMori Shinichi

1971 Ofukuro-san

Shinichi Mori, known for his distinctive husky singing voice, was born in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture, and raised in Kagoshima Prefecture.

He debuted in 1966 with the single “Onna no Tameiki” (A Woman’s Sigh), and the melancholy conveyed by his characteristic voice won widespread popularity.

He worked as an enka singer for a time, releasing numerous hits such as “Minatomachi Blues” and “Ofukuro-san.” However, after releasing “Erimo Misaki,” composed by Takuro Yoshida, in 1974, he gradually changed his image, presenting a somewhat different impression from other enka singers through songs like “Fuyu no Riviera.”

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Love SongGO!GO!7188

Koi no Uta / GO!GO!7188

GO!GO!7188, the band that gained popularity with Koi no Uta, a song depicting aching young love, features guitarist-vocalist Yumi Nakashima and bassist-vocalist Akiko Hamada, both from Kagoshima City in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Their band life began when the two high school classmates formed the predecessor to the group.

In 1999, after appearing at YAMAHA’s TEENS’ MUSIC FESTIVAL, they formed GO!GO!7188, which led to their debut.

A year later, in 2000, they made their major-label debut with Taiyo, the song they had performed at the festival.

They held tours not only in Japan but also in the United States, but disbanded in 2012 to the regret of many.

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Blank FlowerTomita Nanaka (≠ME)

≠ME Nanaka Tomita / Blank Flower [MV full] (Not Equal Me)

Nanaka Tomita, who hails from Kirishima City in Kagoshima Prefecture, serves as the immovable center of the idol group ≠ME produced by Rino Sashihara.

She also has experience performing as a local idol.

≠ME made their major debut in April 2021 with the mini album “Super Express to ≠ME,” and she has taken the center position for most of the group’s title tracks.

Her pure, straightforward, and resolute singing voice is a key charm—so much so that the producer once said her voice was the decisive factor in choosing the center.

During the tour in October 2022, she thrilled fans by performing the song “Shy Short” while unveiling her long-awaited short haircut.