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 (1–10)
The song about letting things that come from the right flow to the leftMūdi Katsuyama
Moody Katsuyama, hailing from Kusatsu City in Shiga Prefecture, took the nation by storm with his unique melodies while dressed in a white tuxedo.
Around 2006, he broke through with comedy songs that set everyday occurrences to mood kayō (moody enka-style) music, charming households across Japan.
His signature number, “The Song of Letting What Comes from the Right Flow to the Left,” became a phenomenal hit, surpassing 2.1 million downloads on mobile platforms.
On the musical side, he also appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen as a chorus singer for Kiyoshi Maekawa.
If you want to enjoy a performance where music and comedy blend perfectly, don’t miss him!
Next-door flowerKōga-ryū Ninja! Ponpoko
Ponpoko is a tanuki ninja VTuber based in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture.
She began independently in February 2018 and has been sharing unique content with the hope of energizing her hometown of Koka.
Her planning skills are a major draw, seen in her duo activities with her partner Peanuts-kun and in projects like the 24-hour streaming event “Ponpoko 24.” She has also released many original songs, including “Hana Tonari” and “Kafka.” She’s the perfect creator for anyone who wants to explore the possibilities of entertainment.
RIVER10-FEET
Kyoto Daisakusen has become a hallmark of summer in Kyoto.
The event is organized by 10-FEET, a band highly trusted by fellow artists.
The music video for this song was filmed on the famous Kamo River in Kyoto, the hometown of the three members of 10-FEET.
It is one of the band’s most popular tracks.
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (11–20)
Open your heartKamino Yua (SARD ANDĀGURAAUNDO)
Yua Jinno, the vocalist of SARD UNDERGROUND who carries on ZARD’s music, hails from Shiga Prefecture.
The band began activities in 2019 and gained many fans through covers imbued with deep respect for ZARD.
Their music was even selected as an ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan, so many of you may recognize her voice.
In September 2024, she transitioned to a solo project, taking a new step by writing lyrics and more.
Be sure to let yourself be captivated by her pure, straightforward singing voice.
AliceKAREN（LUV K RAFT）
KAREN of the twin-vocal unit LUV K RAFT hails from Yasu City in Shiga Prefecture.
Her true forte lies in her multifaceted creative work, which goes beyond vocals and lyric writing to include art direction and video design.
LUV K RAFT drew attention in 2016 with the ending theme for the TV program “Kyuuun!”, and in 2019 they provided theme songs for the anime “When the Flower of Courage Blooms: The Story of Takashi Yanase and Anpanman” and the film “Koukoku Gaisha, Danshiryō no Okazukun.” Their total social media views exceeding 100 million exemplify what makes them a next-generation unit—one that controls both sound and visuals themselves.
It’s spring.Ninagawa Beni
Beni Ninagawa, who has been familiar with Tsugaru shamisen since childhood, has built a brilliant track record in the world of traditional music.
In 2013, she joined Wagakki Band and helped establish an innovative musical style that fuses rock with traditional music.
The band made its major-label debut in 2014 with the album Vocalo Zanmai, drawing significant attention for its covers of famous Vocaloid songs.
In 2015, they won the Japan Record Awards Planning Award, and their album Yasou Emaki reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts, opening up new possibilities for the fusion of traditional instruments and rock.
Their powerful performances and dazzling staging are recommended not only for those interested in traditional music, but for all music fans seeking new forms of expression.
signpostYamanishi Akari
Akari Yamanishi, who was active as the lead vocalist of the enka girl group MIZMO, hails from Arida City in Wakayama Prefecture.
After the group disbanded, she made her solo debut in June 2022 with the single “Dear, Land of Oranges.” Filled with love for her hometown, this longing-for-home enka showcases her powerful voice and fresh, expressive delivery.
A proven talent who competed in NHK’s “Nodo Jiman” Grand Champion Tournament in high school, her singing ability—honed under her mentor Hideo Mizumori—comes with an impeccable reputation.
In July 2025, she will release “Michishirube” digitally, produced by Noritake Kinashi with lyrics and music by George Tokoro.
She is an artist we hope not only enka fans but everyone seeking songs that resonate in the heart will listen to.