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
- 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 (141–150)
A Love Song Even a Monkey Could Understandsekkusu mashiin
When asked about bands from Hyogo Prefecture, many people probably think of Sex Machine first.
The band’s biggest appeal is, without a doubt, their attitude toward rock.
I’m sure many men have been moved by their straightforward lyrics and melodies that don’t fuss over the details.
Their songs feature very unique lyrics, so be sure to check out their albums.
Hiroyuki Noritake
Hiroyuki Noritake is one of Japan’s foremost drummers.
A native of Kawanishi, Hyogo Prefecture, he has won the Japan Gold Disc Award in the Jazz category ten times.
His prowess as a drummer is truly top-tier.
In addition to orthodox jazz, he takes on contemporary and experimental pieces as well, so be sure to check out his albums.
YOKAZEHentai Shinshi Kurabu
Did you know that the buzzworthy genre-defying trio, Hentai Shinshi Club, are also from Kansai? The members hail from Osaka and Hyogo.
By bringing out each member’s strengths to the fullest, their down-to-earth, free-spirited vibe really grabs today’s youth and keeps delivering smash hits.
Their snappy live pacing and laugh-inducing MCs showcase that unmistakable Kansai energy, making their shows a blast! They’ve also put out plenty of videos, so if you’ve been curious, be sure to check them out!
Special Kissoonishi ryusei
Naniwa Danshi is an idol group that is currently enjoying tremendous support from young people.
One of the members, Ryusei Onishi, is from Hyogo Prefecture.
Although he’s on the younger side within the group, he already has a well-defined persona, and he’s making a strong impression not only through their songs but also on variety shows.
The members of Naniwa Danshi have solid fundamentals not just as artists and an idol group, but also as all-around talents, so keep an eye on their future success.
INCREDIBLEDENIMS
DENIMS is a four-piece band from Osaka that lays down feel-good sounds! Their music is rooted in funk and blues, yet it’s characterized by a delightful mash-up that pulls in hip-hop and city pop as well.
Since releasing their first nationally distributed mini-album “Daily use” in 2015, they’ve been on a remarkable roll.
In 2020, their track “I’m” was chosen for FM802’s heavy rotation, and in 2019 they provided a song for Coming Century—proof of their solid credentials.
They’ve even drawn 800 people to their own festival, ODD SAFARI.
Their sound somehow feels loose and earthy yet stylish, and it might be perfect if you’re looking for music that gently fits into your everyday life.
I’ve been waiting impatiently.mizuki mai
Mizuki Mai is an enka singer from Aichigawa (now Aisho), Echi District, Shiga Prefecture.
In 2013, she was appointed a Shiga Prefecture Hometown Traffic Safety Ambassador.
In 2014, she released the single “Machiwabite,” with “Biwa-ko Shuko no Uta” included as the coupling track.
EnchantedSaucy Dog
Saucy Dog is a band that in recent years has earned strong support even from listeners who don’t typically like rock bands.
The members come from different regions: vocalist Shinya Ishihara is from Shimane Prefecture, bassist Kazutaka Akizawa is from Kochi Prefecture, and drummer Yuika Seto is from Nara Prefecture—meaning two-thirds are from outside the Kansai area.
However, the band was formed when Ishihara and Akizawa were attending a technical college in Osaka, and they have been active mainly in the Kansai region since their early days.
In addition to their wistful vocals and soft, pleasant band sound, the relatable, down-to-earth lyrics penned by Ishihara are likely what captivate so many listeners.
