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

Moon and MoonJonan

Moon and Moon / Minami Kizuki — from the original album “Toutoganashi”

Like her compatriot Chitose Hajime, she traces her roots as a singer to Amami shimauta.

With a vocal style that incorporates the distinctive guin phrasing and a clear, pure voice, she is a highly skilled singer who captivates listeners.

She is also well known for appearing on TV Tokyo’s “The Karaoke★Battle,” where she has scored a perfect 100.000 three times, attesting to her acclaimed vocal technique.

Don’t leave me alone.Nishida Ai

Ai Nishida "Don't Leave Me Alone" Music Video

Since 2010, she has also served as a “Hometown Ambassador” for Aira City in Kagoshima Prefecture, where she is from.

It seems that from elementary school she had a personality that liked being in front of people and held a vague admiration for Morning Musume, who were popular at the time.

She originally focused on pop music, but appears to have shifted to kayōkyoku (Japanese popular ballads) due to her vocal quality and overall aura.

Go Your Own WayShizukusa Yumi

Go Your Own Way by Yumi Shizukusa

Yumi Shizukusa is a singer-songwriter from Kagoshima Prefecture who made her major debut in 2003.

She is also active as an actress and painter.

“Go Your Own Way” is Yumi Shizukusa’s 10th single, released in 2008.

It was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan.

calm downGORAKU the function

GORAKU the function – calm down [MV]

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.

Just the way you areazusa

Just the way you are

Azusa is a singer-songwriter from Yamato Village in Oshima District who debuted in 2004.

She debuted as a member of the three-person vocal unit Sparkling☆Point, but has been active as a solo artist since 2008.

“Kimi no Mama de” is Azusa’s second single, released in 2010.

Tokyo girlsakura tamako

[Tokyo Girl] Tamako Sakura, 1976

Tamako Sakura is a singer from Kagoshima Prefecture who made her record debut with Minophon Records in 1976.

“Tokyo Musume” is her second single, released in 1976.

It became a hit, selling about 400,000 copies.

The song is a remake of “Tokyo Dodonpa Musume,” originally sung by Mari Watanabe.

LavenderRadiant Melancholy

Radiant Melancholy “Lavender” Music Video

Radiant Melancholy is an entertainment rock band from Kagoshima that captivates listeners with catchy melodies and a touch of nostalgia.

They began as a high school band in 2017, disbanded once, and relaunched in 2020.

Their track “Escape” was featured in a local TV commercial, showcasing their talent early on.

In 2022, they pulled off the ambitious feat of releasing singles for 12 consecutive months—an impressive display of creativity.

You can’t take your eyes off their continued growth as they move their base from Kagoshima to Fukuoka, and now to Tokyo.