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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 renowned singers to popular bands (41–50)

One Night CarnivalHoshi Guranmanie ・ Shiratori Shochikubai (Kishidan)

Kishidan / “One Night Carnival 2013” MUSIC VIDEO - short ver -
One Night Carnival Hoshi Gourmandise · Shiratori Shochikubai (Kishidan)

Kishidan is captivating with their Yank-rock style—a mix of delinquent (yankee) culture and rock—that’s remained unchanged since their formation, along with songs that just make you feel good.

When you hear their signature track “One Night Carnival,” you can’t help but hum along, right? Guitarist Hoshi Grandmarnier and bassist Shiratori Shochikubai are from Kagoshima City.

Before joining Kishidan, the two were members of a band called Whitman.

Both were influenced by Unicorn, have a strong sense of melody, and in some cases also take on vocal duties.

[Artists from Kagoshima] A comprehensive introduction from renowned singers to popular bands (51–60)

zooIguro Toshihiko

The band’s vocalist, Jinsei Tsuji, has recently become well-known through his TV appearances and other talent activities.

The band’s bassist, Toshihiko Iguro, is from Kagoshima.

In fact, he initially intended to audition as a guitarist, but he practiced bass in order to join Echoes and successfully passed the audition.

school teacherSakagami Jirō

“Jiro Sakagami” was a comedian from Kagoshima City who formed the comedy duo “Kont 55-go” with “Kinichi Hagimoto” in 1966.

He was also active as a singer and actor.

“Gakkō no Sensei” (Schoolteacher) was Jiro Sakagami’s third single, released in 1974.

It became a hit, selling approximately 300,000 copies.

Break time: 10 minutesUura Saeka

Saeka Uura is a singer from Kagoshima Prefecture who made her major debut in 2006.

In 2011, she changed her stage name to Cherie, but she reverted to Saeka Uura in 2012 and has been active under that name since.

“Kyūkei Jikan 10-fun” (10-Minute Break) is her fourth single, released in 2007.

The song, which depicts scenes during school recess, was used as an ending theme for the anime Kekkaishi.

Crimson One NightShimazu Etsuko

[Promotion Video] Etsuko Shimazu / Crimson One Night
Crimson One NightShimazu Etsuko

Etsuko Shimazu is an enka singer from Kagoshima Prefecture who debuted with King Records in 1988.

She has released many CDs and has won multiple awards, including the Yusen Music Award and the Golden Hit Award.

“Kurenai Hitoyo” is a single by Etsuko Shimazu released in 2016.

yardkawabe hiroshi (TOKYO No.1 SOUL SET)

It’s a Japanese hip-hop band formed in the early 1990s.

They made their major debut in 1994 on Edoya Records (BMG).

Hiroshi Kawanabe, the band’s DJ and trackmaker, is from Kagoshima.

Without even knowing how to loveHigashino Suminao

Suminao Higashino [Without Even Knowing How to Love] With Lyrics - Full - For Karaoke Practice - With Melody [Dreaming Karaoke Producer]
Without even knowing how to loveHigashino Suminao

A singer-songwriter who debuted with the release of “Kimi to Piano to” from Teichiku Records on April 1, 1993.

The second single, “Kimi wa Boku no Yūki,” released in July of the same year, recorded sales of 300,000 copies.

These days, they also hold the title of producer.