Artists from Kagoshima: From Famous Singers to Popular Bands, All in One Go
Kyushu is an area that has produced many veteran singers loved across generations and hugely popular bands.
Kagoshima Prefecture is no exception—famous artists known by everyone have taken off from here to the rest of Japan, and even to the world! From singer-songwriters and enka singers supported by a wide range of generations, to bands rapidly rising in popularity, and singers active on the J-pop scene… In this article, we’ll introduce a lineup of popular artists from Kagoshima Prefecture who can hold their own against those from other Kyushu prefectures!
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Artists from Kagoshima: A comprehensive introduction from renowned singers to popular bands (11–20)
Kitorie (UVERworld feat. Takayuki Yamada / Ai Emu)Yamada Takayuki
Takayuki Yamada, known as a chameleon actor capable of playing a wide range of roles, hails from Satsumasendai City in Kagoshima Prefecture.
While he’s best known as an actor, he’s also engaged in diverse musical activities.
He made his singing debut in 2002 with the theme song for a drama in which he appeared.
Later, he released “Choo Choo SHITAIN” as part of the unit Jintaka with Jin Akanishi, and with the band THE XXXXXX, formed with Go Ayano and Asahi Uchida, he has created poetic tracks.
As an actor, he boasts numerous accolades, including the 2004 Elan d’or Award for Newcomer of the Year, and his expressive talent shines just as brightly in the world of music.
a good personReina
Reina, whose delicate, ephemeral yet warm singing voice is so captivating, is a singer-songwriter from Kagoshima Prefecture.
Centered on modern folk while incorporating elements of rock and pop, her musical style stands out.
After winning the grand prize from among roughly 5,000 applicants in an audition, she released Boku Dake o in 2021.
In July 2022, she made her major-label debut with Kimi wo Ice.
Songs like Yoi Hito, which was used as background music on ABEMA’s popular dating show, and Wakaremi, an “inspired-by” track, have made her widely known, especially among younger listeners.
After the nightadieu
“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.
Don’t take off my sailor uniformKunikyo Sayuri
Sayuri Kokusho, a former member of Onyanko Club, has worked as an actress and TV personality since graduating from the group.
Born in Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture, she made her entertainment industry debut in 1985 as Onyanko Club member No.
8.
She then made her solo debut in 1986 with Valentine’s staple song “Valentine Kiss.” Although she graduated from Onyanko Club in March 1987, she continued to appear through the group’s year-end disbandment concert, witnessing its final moments.
Since then, she has been active primarily as an actress, especially in suspense dramas, as well as a variety show talent.
Silent EveKarashima Midori
Midori Karashima, who sings one of the classic Christmas songs “Silent Eve,” is from Kagoshima City in Kagoshima Prefecture.
She debuted with “Ame no Hi,” the song with which she won the Grand Prix at the Yamaha Popular Song Contest in 1984.
The song that significantly raised her profile was the previously mentioned 1990 single “Silent Eve.” It has been covered by a wide range of artists, male and female alike, including Junichi Inagaki and Tomomi Kahara.
She is a singer known for her beautifully poignant voice that pierces the heart.
Tree of WadatsumiHajime Chitose
Chitose Hajime, known for her signature song “Wadatsumi no Ki,” which was also her major-label debut single, hails from Amami Oshima.
In her senior year of high school, she became the youngest person ever to receive the Minyo Grand Prize at the Amami Folk Song Awards, reflecting her long-standing closeness to music.
Her singing voice, which feels like a prayer blended with nature, is truly beautiful.
She is also a member of Fukumi, a musical unit under Office Augusta.
As a singer of Shima-uta, the traditional music of the Amami Islands—where locals can recognize each other’s home island by their intonation—she works energetically to bridge folk music and pop.
[Artists from Kagoshima] A comprehensive introduction from famous singers to popular bands (21–30)
prayKinoshita Kohshi
He is a totally blind musician from Satsumasendai City in Kagoshima Prefecture, often called the “Japanese Stevie Wonder.” Although he lost his sight in childhood due to retinopathy of prematurity, he honed his skills through street performances starting in 1997, and in 1999, following media exposure, he achieved major recognition.