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

Blueberry Nightshattori (makaroni enpitsu)

Macaroni Empitsu 'Blueberry Nights' MV

Macaroni Enpitsu has gained popularity with catchy melodies and emotionally piercing lyrics.

Hattori, who serves as the band’s vocalist and guitarist and is the central figure in songwriting and composition, is a musician from Kagoshima Prefecture.

After making their major-label debut in November 2020, the songs he crafted were successively chosen as theme songs for TV dramas and commercials, spreading the band’s name.

The following year, at the 63rd Japan Record Awards, they won the Best New Artist award.

Their sound—an exquisite fusion of pop sensibilities and rock’s fiery intensity—is remarkably diverse, ranging from heartrending ballads to upbeat tracks that unite audiences at live shows, and it continues to captivate a wide array of fans.

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

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.

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.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

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.”

After the nightadieu

adieu [ After the Night ] (α7C Creative Journey Edition)

“adieu” is the stage name actress Moka Kamishiraishi uses for her music activities, and she’s also from Kagoshima Prefecture.

She applied to the Toho Cinderella audition that her older sister, Mone Kamishiraishi, had entered, and winning the Grand Prix herself became the catalyst for her debut in the entertainment industry—she was 10 at the time.

She later moved to Tokyo in her second year of junior high, and in 2017, at age 17, she began her music career under the name adieu.

Her charm lies in her clear, beautifully rounded vocal tone.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

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.