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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!

Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (91–100)

WHITE BREATHT.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – WHITE BREATH|Official Music Video
WHITE BREATHT.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution is the solo project of Takanori Nishikawa, who debuted as the vocalist of the visual kei band Luis-Mary.

He’s an artist whose music videos often make waves, such as WHITE BREATH, where he passionately sings in a blizzard, and HIGH PRESSURE, featuring a striking outfit wrapped in black bands while performing over the sea.

He also serves as the Shiga Prefecture Hometown Tourism Ambassador, and since 2009 he has hosted Inazuma Rock Fes, one of the largest outdoor music events in western Japan held on the shores of Lake Biwa, making him a musician brimming with love for Shiga.

Ephemeral yet eternal sorrowUVERworld

UVERworld “Fleeting Yet Eternal Sorrow”
Ephemeral yet eternal sorrowUVERworld

A rock band formed by six childhood friends from Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture.

With piercingly direct lyrics, a heated and powerful vocal, and a backing band that builds songs with meticulously calculated playing, you could say they’re a high-level group that leaves no openings.

Although the band is made up entirely of men, they’re also famous as a “band that makes men cry,” having drawn 45,000 attendees to a men-only show in 2019.

They radiate an overwhelming presence and are an indispensable force for the future of Japan’s rock scene.

To Aoki HaruWOMCADOLE

WOMCAODLE is a guitar rock band formed in Shiga Prefecture in 2011.

Centered around their home base of Shiga and Kyoto, they continued their activities and made their major debut in 2019 with the album “Reimei Plumeria.” Having taken on numerous band contests over the years, they’re truly a battle-hardened, field-proven act.

Their appeal lies in high-velocity, hard-hitting songs, fierce guitar sounds, and wild, rough-edged vocals that leave a strong impression.

Their raw, emotionally charged live performances are a must-see—highly recommended for all rock band fans.

tomorrowbaundarii

Boundary “Tomorrow” Music Video
tomorrowbaundarii

A three-piece all-girl band based in Osaka that plays straight-up rock.

Although all the members are young, their songs are high in quality and are attracting attention.

They have also won the Light Music Koshien and placed in RO69JACK.

Final Weaponzekkei kujira

[MV] Breathtaking Whale / Latest Weapon
Final Weaponzekkei kujira

This Osaka-born all-girl band won RO69JACK in just their second year together and performed on the Forest Stage at ROCK IN JAPAN.

While boldly showcasing their comedic personas, they also draw attention for their high-caliber musicianship.

gingkoAYNIW TEPO

AYNIW TEPO is a band active mainly in Nara Prefecture.

Featuring synthesizers, guitars marked by spacious effects, and folk-inspired beats, they blend the soothing qualities of ambient music with a passionate, oriental allure.

On top of this instrumental foundation, Misato’s vocals resonate beautifully.

It’s rare to come across a band that crosses so many genres, but having such bands is precisely one of Nara’s distinctive traits!

CaneléCoelacanth

Coelacanth [Canelé] Music Video
CaneléCoelacanth

Coelacanth was formed primarily by members of OVER ACTION, a rock band on CATCH ALL RECORDS that was active not only in their hometown of Nara but across Japan.

Armed with twin vocals from bassist Maato and guitarist Show, they deliver songs brimming with the catchy appeal that has been their hallmark since the OVER ACTION days.

While OVER ACTION often leaned into a melodic hardcore approach, Coelacanth has embraced a more guitar-driven rock style, resulting in many tracks you’ll want to sit with and savor over repeated listens.