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 (131–140)
HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
Did you know that the famous rock band everyone knows, L’Arc~en~Ciel, actually hails from the Kansai region? The only exception is drummer yukihiro, who is from Chiba, while hyde is from Wakayama and both ken and tetsuya are from Shiga.
Given the vibe of their music, it feels a bit unexpected, doesn’t it? They’ve been a band at the forefront since their formation in 1991.
TwilightHakubi
A three-piece rock band that commands an overwhelming presence not only in their hometown of Kyoto but across live house scenes nationwide.
Despite guitarist-vocalist Katagiri’s crystal-clear voice, the trio captivates with lyrics that lay bare her unvarnished emotions, pressing in with palpable intensity.
They’re a standout newcomer for their richly expressive sound work that seems to faithfully portray her inner world.
Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi
Quruli is a band that has relentlessly pursued the possibilities of music since forming in Kyoto in 1996.
Rooted in rock, their ever-shifting sound incorporates diverse genres such as jazz, classical, and electronica.
They made their major-label debut in 1998 with the single “Tokyo,” and cemented their popularity with songs like “Bara no Hana,” which was also the theme song for the film Josee, the Tiger and the Fish.
The poetic vocals of Shigeru Kishida and the supple bass lines woven by Masashi Sato create a truly one-of-a-kind groove—at times gently swaying the body, at times offering an intellectually thrilling excitement.
Since 2007, they have also hosted their annual festival, Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai (Kyoto Music Expo), among many other activities.
They’re the perfect band for listeners who want both the mellow sway reminiscent of city pop and Black music and the pleasures of experimental sound.
Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi
Quruli is a band that has relentlessly pursued the possibilities of music since forming in Kyoto in 1996.
Rooted in rock, their ever-shifting sound incorporates diverse genres such as jazz, classical, and electronica.
They made their major-label debut in 1998 with the single “Tokyo,” and cemented their popularity with songs like “Bara no Hana,” which was also the theme song for the film Josee, the Tiger and the Fish.
The poetic vocals of Shigeru Kishida and the supple bass lines woven by Masashi Sato create a truly one-of-a-kind groove—at times gently swaying the body, at times offering an intellectually thrilling excitement.
Since 2007, they have also hosted their annual festival, Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai (Kyoto Music Expo), among many other activities.
They’re the perfect band for listeners who want both the mellow sway reminiscent of city pop and Black music and the pleasures of experimental sound.
Millennium PlanTRACK15
TRACK15 is forging ahead in the new generation of guitar rock.
The band was formed in 2020 in Takatsuki, Osaka.
Their 2023 single “Three” reached No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly ROCK Singles Chart.
In 2024, they were selected as an Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist, and their song “Millennium Plan” was chosen as the ending theme for the MBS drama “Nice to Meet You, Hello, Please Divorce,” bringing them even more attention.
You’ll find yourself captivated by Ren’s emotional vocals and the band sound that supports them.
Alstroemeriakomsume
Contrary to what their name might suggest, komsume blast out gritty, hard-hitting rock.
They’re a girls’ three-piece band from Kobe.
Since launching their first live show in May 2022, they’ve been winning people over with vocalist Ayumi’s husky, high-octane voice and lyrics that are dark, direct, and resonate with Gen Z—the combination packs a punch.
In February 2025 they released their second mini-album, “Futaiten,” and the track “Shoudou” was picked for a Spotify playlist.
Their momentum grew even more after ranking 3rd on Nippon TV’s Buzz Rhythm 02 “These Will Blow Up in 2025! BEST 10.” If you love high-energy, no-frills rock, put them on your must-listen roster.
Alstroemeriakomsume
Contrary to what their name might suggest, komsume blast out gritty, hard-hitting rock.
They’re a girls’ three-piece band from Kobe.
Since launching their first live show in May 2022, they’ve been winning people over with vocalist Ayumi’s husky, high-octane voice and lyrics that are dark, direct, and resonate with Gen Z—the combination packs a punch.
In February 2025 they released their second mini-album, “Futaiten,” and the track “Shoudou” was picked for a Spotify playlist.
Their momentum grew even more after ranking 3rd on Nippon TV’s Buzz Rhythm 02 “These Will Blow Up in 2025! BEST 10.” If you love high-energy, no-frills rock, put them on your must-listen roster.