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!
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Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (’81–’90)
handkerchiefKokoro Ōkushon
Formed in 2011, the band Cocoro Auction, which performed in that year’s “eo Music Try” competition and won the Grand Prix, also hails from Nara Prefecture.
In addition to appearing at local Nara events, they were in charge of the support song for Nara TV’s broadcast of the 98th National High School Baseball Nara Tournament.
While staying true to their commitment to vocal-forward songs, they also experiment with a variety of sonic approaches in their tracks.
They’re a recommended band for anyone who loves guitar rock with beautiful vocals and melodies.
Kawaramachi StationDoramachikku Arasuka
Dramatic Alaska is a rock band formed by members who attended the same high school in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.
As their profiles note with phrases like “from Kobe” and “Kobe-born,” they are a band with a strong attachment to the city.
With songs like 2016’s “Kawaramachi Station,” they expand the lyrical world through beautiful ensemble work, drawing listeners deeper until they’re completely immersed.
You could call them a leading example of classic guitar rock from Kobe.
Wake Me UpFurederikku
Frederic is a rock band known for their catchy, danceable rock sound.
Songs like “Oddloop” have an addictive quality that sticks in your head after just one listen.
And except for drummer Takeshi Takahashi, all the members are from Hyogo Prefecture: the Mihara brothers—vocals and bass—are from Takarazuka City, and guitarist Ryuji Akakabe is from Asago City.
They’re a skilled band honed in Hyogo’s live house scene—a fiercely competitive hotbed that has produced countless bands across both indie and major labels.
To that townDIALUCK
They’re a three-piece girls’ band from Neyagawa, Osaka.
The guitarist-vocalist, Haru, once worked part-time at a live music venue and apparently wasn’t fond of upbeat bands.
Their music has a soothing, pleasantly laid-back feel—in the best way.
blaring headphonesJinny Oops!
They are a girls’ band based in Osaka.
The group originally had six members, but after some members left, they became the current three-piece.
They appeared in an Indeed commercial, which boosted their recognition, and they are active not only in Japan but also overseas.
You, the world you live inPOLKADOT
They formed a three-piece girls’ band called Kurikinton and gained attention by winning the high school competition COOLKIDS and performing at COMIN’ KOBE, one of the largest free festivals.
They later changed their name to POLKADOT and continued their activities, but eventually disbanded.
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (91–100)
kaleidoscopeRagDöllz
A girls’ metal band based in Osaka, often described as dark or evil.
Their sound is heavily distorted, at times leaning into gothic and doom—a bona fide metal sound.
They’re not to be underestimated just because they’re women; this is a band with promising prospects.