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!
- Recommended bands, singers, and artists from Osaka Prefecture
- 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
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- 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 (101–110)
Become the windtsuji ayano
A singer-songwriter from Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, known for their bespectacled look and singing while playing the ukulele.
They shot to fame with the theme song “Kaze ni Naru” for Studio Ghibli’s film The Cat Returns, and have had various songs featured in commercials, as well as providing music to other artists.
Sly womanhatake
Hatake, the guitarist and leader of Sharam Q—a rock band that became emblematic of the 1990s J-pop scene thanks to major hits like “Single Bed” and “Zuruik Onna” (“Sly Woman”)—is from Wakayama Prefecture.
Known for a wide-ranging musical palette spanning kayōkyoku, hard rock, and enka, he is also recognized for his broad musical activities beyond the band, including writing songs for and producing numerous artists.
At the same time, when arranging the band’s music, he often gives the guitar parts a metal-like edge, resulting in arrangements that match his look and give the songs a truly one-of-a-kind finish.
He is also an energetic artist who records and performs sessions with musicians from overseas.
Diet Songyamashita rina
Rina Yamashita is a singer-songwriter from Nara Prefecture.
If you’re from Osaka, you may have seen her performing street lives around Osaka Station.
She’s been very active as an officially recognized MUSIC BUSKER IN UMEKITA artist! What’s more, her song “Diet no Uta” was used in a TuneCore Japan YouTube commercial, drawing lots of attention.
Her energetic personality and her beautiful yet powerful voice are a must-hear!
Don’t lose your passionUinzu Hirasaka
Yoshihisa Hirasaka, leader of the rock band WINDS Hirasaka, which is mainly active in Wakayama Prefecture, is a native of Wakayama.
The group originally performed under the name WINDS and was especially well known in the Kinki region as the artist behind Joshin Denki’s commercial song “Don’t Lose Your Passion.” After transitioning from a band to a duo, since 2009 the act has continued as a band with only Yoshihisa Hirasaka as the official member.
He is also known for having supported singer-songwriter Yasuhiro Yamane in parallel with his band activities.
In 2018, he received the Hashimoto City Cultural Encouragement Award, and he remains an artist expected to stay active on the front lines.
Banzai ~ So glad I loved you ~Tōtasu Matsumoto
Tortoise Matsumoto of the band Ulfuls has a strong image as a Kansai-born musician—something you can tell from his lyrics in songs like “Eenen.” With a track titled “Osaka Strut” and stories about performing in Juso, Osaka during their indie days, it’s easy to assume he’s from Osaka.
However, he’s actually from Hyogo Prefecture—specifically Kurodashō Town in Taka District, which is now part of Nishiwaki City.
With so many landmarks and songs related to Osaka, it’s understandable that people get the wrong impression.
Bands, Artists, and Singers from the Kansai Region (111–120)
Go awayMōmō Rurugyaban
Mowmow LuLu Gyaban is a band formed in Kyoto in 2005.
Founding members Tsuyoshi Yajima and Tomohide Maruyama met in Doshisha University’s light music club and started the band.
After several lineup changes, the group now performs as a trio: Tsuyoshi Yajima on drums and vocals, Tomohide Maruyama on bass, and Yukka on keyboards.
Tokyo beautyNakazawa Yuko
Yuko Nakazawa, who hails from Fukuchiyama in Kyoto Prefecture, was an original member of Morning Musume and the group’s first leader.
During her time in the group, she also debuted as an enka singer.
Her song “Karasu no Nyōbō” is still sung by many people in various settings today.
She graduated from the group in 2001 and is now active as a TV personality while also being a mother of two.