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

Segodon — Main Theme —Sato Anna

Anna Sato / Segodon Opening LIVE Ver.

Anna Sato is a singer from Kagoshima whose roots lie in Amami’s traditional music, shimauta.

She began learning shimauta from her grandfather at the age of three, and while keeping that spirit at her core, she delivers a unique sound that blends jazz and R&B.

After debuting in 2005 with Koishi Koishiya, she was selected in 2018 to perform the main theme for an NHK Taiga drama, bringing her powerful voice to national attention.

In addition to winning prizes at the Amami Folk Song Awards, she demonstrated her acclaimed expressive range by playing a leading role in the 2013 musical Les Misérables.

She also showcases her diverse talents as a voice actor in the game Splatoon 3.

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.

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.

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.

Indigo LizardSakaguchi Shuuichirou

Double Famous – Indigo Lizard

As a band, they are a seven-piece outfit from Tokyo, known as an “Esperanto orchestra of borderless music.” Shuichiro Sakaguchi, who plays trumpet, trombone, and percussion in the band, was born in Kagoshima.

Since 2010, he has been organizing the outdoor event GOOD NEIGHBORS JAMBOREE in Kagoshima.

Hello GoodbyeSasaminea

Ai Sasamine - Hello, Goodbye / Summer Pattern

Ai Sasamine is an idol talent and actress from Aira City who made her singing debut in 1994 under Polydor Records.

She had already made her TV drama debut in 1993 with the series “Akai Meikyū” (Red Labyrinth).

“Tokyo wa Kirai Desu” (I Don’t Like Tokyo) is her second single, released in 1994.