Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region
How familiar are you with bands and artists from the Kansai region?
In this article, we’ll be introducing lots of bands and musicians from Kansai!
Some artists proudly announce their hometown during live shows, while others usually speak standard Japanese and don’t bring up where they’re from—but are actually from Kansai!
You might also find yourself searching for Kansai bands because you want to support local artists.
From household-name musicians to up-and-coming bands we’re excited to see break out, we’ve handpicked recommended artists for you to check out.
Be sure to take a look!
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- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region
- Kansai-dialect Songs | A Kansai-born writer thoroughly explains their charm!
- [2026] A roundup of artists, singers, and bands from Hyogo Prefecture
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- Bands, artists, and singers from Nara Prefecture
- Pick up bands, artists, and singers from Wakayama Prefecture!
- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kanto region
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
- An artist and singer from Kyoto Prefecture with a distinctive personality
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Cute songs by girls’ bands [popular and classic tracks]
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (71–80)
justiceLAURELS
A girls’ band known for its powerful sound rooted in alternative rock and grunge.
Formed in 2018 in a university light music club, they are currently based in Osaka.
They debuted in 2020 with the self-produced EP “a gold star,” and released their first mini-album “BONNO” in 2021.
Their distinctive melodic lines and expressive live performances captivate audiences.
Their style blends heavy guitar tones with clean melodies, featuring edgy tracks centered on punk and melodic elements.
A must-listen for fans of alternative rock and grunge.
Youth SpiceSupurīgaru
A rising five-piece girls’ band formed in May 2024.
With the concept “singing a place where you belong, like flipping through memories,” they are active mainly at live houses in Osaka and Tokyo.
Through songs filled with down-to-earth emotions—such as Aiso o Tsukashita, themed around heartbreak, and Tanoshii Yoru ni Shite, which portrays friendship—they are steadily expanding their fan base.
Leveraging the strength that all members are either graduates of or currently attending music school and can write lyrics and compose, they tackle a wide range of genres from pop to alternative.
Their lineup featuring keyboards also broadens their expressive range.
This band is recommended for listeners seeking songs that resonate with everyday experiences and the movements of the heart.
Until this sound stopsraciku
raciku is a piano-and-guitar rock band from the Kansai region.
Centered around Yuya Hirata—who had already been active as a solo artist mainly in Nara—they started in 2017.
Their biggest draw is, without a doubt, Hirata’s overwhelming vocals.
With just one listen, his voice’s distinctive timbre pulls you in, and many listeners are captivated by his remarkable singing ability.
Even on recordings his voice is moving, but hearing it live is unimaginably powerful and beautiful.
They’ve written many songs that hit you right in the heart, so if you’re curious, be sure to experience them at a live show!
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (’81–’90)
switchyummy’g
An indie rock trio that met at a music vocational school in Osaka and formed in November 2023.
The West Coast–inspired sound woven by ASUKA, ARISA, and Tomo is a rare style in Japan’s indie scene and has been drawing attention.
They released their first music video in December 2023 and played their first live show the following January.
In July 2024, they released their debut EP, “How was it?”, with one of its tracks selected as the ending theme on Yomiuri TV, steadily building momentum.
Highly recommended for fans of breezy West Coast rock and anyone looking for a fresh new girls’ band.
O songNakamura Kaho
Singer-songwriter Kaho Nakamura, who performed the lead voice role in director Mamoru Hosoda’s film Belle and also sang both the in-film songs and the main theme, quickly became a sensation.
She was born in Kyoto Prefecture and still lives there.
In her early days, she was active mainly in Kyoto’s live-house scene.
The music born from her down-to-earth lyrics and artistic compositional sense is gentle, breathes deeply, and feels almost alive.
She’s not only a standout from the Kansai region, but is poised to become a defining artist of the Reiwa era.
Super Go!!!!!Yamatsuka Ai
Eye Yamataka, who rose from Hyogo Prefecture’s underground music scene to become a globally recognized avant-garde artist, began his career in the early 1980s noise scene and formed BOREDOMS in 1986.
With a sound that uniquely synthesizes elements of experimental, noise, and psychedelic music, he has earned high acclaim both in Japan and abroad.
He has collaborated with Sonic Youth and Nirvana, and in 2007 staged the groundbreaking “77BOADRUM” in New York, featuring 77 drum kits—continuing to pursue innovative projects without pause.
Alongside his musical activities, his ongoing expansion into visual artwork and DJing keeps captivating audiences interested in experimental music and artistic expression.
Song of ContinuationEnka
Singer-songwriter Madoka, whose translucent vocals envelop listeners, lives in Kinokawa City, Wakayama Prefecture.
She made her CD debut in 2017 with the album “Madoka no Uta,” and has since produced works including the album “Tsudzuki no Uta.” Her signature number “Kiichan in Everyone’s Hearts,” inspired by Wakayama Prefecture’s PR character, won the Special Jury Prize at the 2nd Wakauta Contest, “Let’s Make a Song of Wakayama.” She also engages in activities beyond the region, such as participating in exchange projects with Denmark to create music.
Her piano-centered acoustic sound and lyrics brimming with love for her hometown are recommended for those who want to soothe the fatigue of everyday life.