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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!

[Artists from Kagoshima] A comprehensive introduction from famous singers to popular bands (21–30)

Midnight Schoolaoringo

[Repost] Midnight School / Aoringo (Music Video)
Midnight Schoolaoringo

Aoringo is a singer-songwriter from Kagoshima Prefecture.

She is based in Fukuoka, and as the Grand Prix winner of Road to MCT 2018, she’s a young artist to watch.

This song is said to be her very first music video.

She created it while reminiscing about her childhood—don’t the lyrics give you a sense of nostalgia?

Close My EyesFAT PROP

FAT PROP “Close My Eyes” Official Music Video
Close My EyesFAT PROP

FAT PROP is a rock band that features a prominent piano sound.

The band was formed by students in a university music club in Kagoshima and hails from Kagoshima.

Before their debut, their 2006 single “Blue Beach,” released exclusively at Tower Records Kagoshima, became a hit, topping the store’s overall chart for four consecutive weeks.

They made their major debut in 2008 with the mini-album “CHANGE THE FUTURE.” Their piano sound, which stands out without being overshadowed by the rock instrumentation, is particularly striking.

One Meets Herwowaka (Hitorie)

Hitorie “One Meets Her” MV / HITORIE – one-Me two-Hearts
One Meets Herwowaka (Hitorie)

Wowaka, who also performed as the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Hitorie, was from Kagoshima Prefecture.

He originally gained popularity by releasing original Vocaloid songs on sites like Niconico, with representative tracks including “Ura-Omote Lovers” and “Rolling Girl.” He began activities with Hitorie in 2011 and made his major-label debut in 2014 with the single “Senseless Wonder.” The blend of Vocaloid-like technical elements with rock sound was particularly striking.

However, he passed away suddenly in 2019, and many mourned his untimely death.

It’s not me unless it’s mechan MARI (Gesu no Kiwami Otome.)

The band Gesu no Kiwami Otome, known for its distinctive musical sensibilities, has been gaining attention.

Their keyboardist, Chan Mari, is from Kagoshima Prefecture.

In addition to Gesu no Kiwami Otome, she is active in the jazz piano trio Crimson, the instrumental band ichikoro, and as a solo artist under the name FUKUSHIGE MARI.

In 2014, she made her major debut as a member of Gesu no Kiwami Otome with the mini-album “Minna Normal.” The band gained popularity, even performing at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Since 2017, she has ramped up her solo activities, and when working under the name FUKUSHIGE MARI, she single-handedly handles every aspect, including songwriting and composition.

calm downGORAKU the function

GORAKU the function – calm down [MV]
calm downGORAKU the function

A three-piece rock band from Kagoshima Prefecture, they have been active in Tokyo since forming in 2012.

While rooted in rock, their distinctive sound weaves in diverse elements such as pop, alternative, emo, and progressive.

2017年、彼らは渋谷のclub乙で初の自主企画イベント「LOVE the function」を開催し、同年にミニアルバム『YU-GI addiction』をリリースした。

Kojiro Akaboshi, who handles drums and vocals, delivers a stunning performance that commands rhythm and melody simultaneously, with complex rhythmic structures, irregular time signatures, and meticulous arrangements that never let listeners lose interest.

Their lyrics are also notable for their literary and philosophical qualities.

Fortune Cookie in LoveKashiwagi Yuki

[MV full] Koi Suru Fortune Cookie / AKB48 [Official]
Fortune Cookie in LoveKashiwagi Yuki

AKB48 has been active since 2005 with the concept of “idols you can go meet.” Their songs aren’t just for idol fans—starting with “Koisuru Fortune Cookie,” they have many tracks that people of all ages can enjoy together.

Yukirin, the nickname of third-generation member Yuki Kashiwagi, hails from Kagoshima Prefecture.

She has also held concurrent positions in NMB48 and NGT48 in the past and is active in many areas.

Known as the “Handshake Queen,” her gentle personality has brought comfort to many.

As a solo artist, she was the first in AKB to hold a concert, and with her outstanding achievements, she continues to be deeply loved.

Wonderful worldMurayama☆Jun (FLOWER FLOWER)

FLOWER FLOWER 'Wonderful World (Live at SHIBUYA CLUB QUATTRO 2013.10.07)'
Wonderful worldMurayama☆Jun (FLOWER FLOWER)

This is a band formed when YUI, who had been active as a solo singer-songwriter, took a hiatus in 2012 and reached out to artists she respects.

Jun Murayama from this band is from Kagoshima and is also active as a member of the rock band Venomstrip.