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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- Kansai-dialect Songs | A Kansai-born writer thoroughly explains their charm!
- [2026] A roundup of artists, singers, and bands from Hyogo Prefecture
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- 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]
Kansai-born bands, artists, and singers (151–160)
Requiem: Lark in the Wheat FieldOkabayashi Nobuyasu
Nobuyasu Okabayashi is a musician from Omihachiman City in Shiga Prefecture who made his record debut in 1968.
Known as the “God of Folk,” he earned strong support—especially among young people—as a leading figure of protest songs.
He also had a close relationship with the Showa-era songstress Hibari Misora and contributed songs to her, among other collaborations.
Wandervogelkururi
An experimental rock band born from a university club in Kyoto.
Quruli made their major debut in 1998 and, while rooted in rock, has shaken up the music scene with a wide-ranging sound that transcends genres, including classical and techno.
They ventured into alternative rock with the album “THE WORLD IS MINE,” and achieved a fusion with classical music on the album “Tanz Walzer.” Their distinctive musicality and cultural activities earned them the Kyoto City Cultural and Artistic Merit Award in 2021.
Since 2007, they have hosted the music festival “Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai” in Umekoji Park, Kyoto, contributing to the promotion of local music culture.
Continually pursuing new forms of musical expression beyond genre boundaries, Quruli’s music is perfect for fans drawn to experimental sounds and poetic lyrics.
Wandervogelkururi
An experimental rock band born from a university club in Kyoto.
Quruli made their major debut in 1998 and, while rooted in rock, has shaken up the music scene with a wide-ranging sound that transcends genres, including classical and techno.
They ventured into alternative rock with the album “THE WORLD IS MINE,” and achieved a fusion with classical music on the album “Tanz Walzer.” Their distinctive musicality and cultural activities earned them the Kyoto City Cultural and Artistic Merit Award in 2021.
Since 2007, they have hosted the music festival “Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai” in Umekoji Park, Kyoto, contributing to the promotion of local music culture.
Continually pursuing new forms of musical expression beyond genre boundaries, Quruli’s music is perfect for fans drawn to experimental sounds and poetic lyrics.
switchyummy’g
An indie rock trio that met at a music vocational school in Osaka and formed in November 2023.
The West Coast–inspired sound woven by ASUKA, ARISA, and Tomo is a rare style in Japan’s indie scene and has been drawing attention.
They released their first music video in December 2023 and played their first live show the following January.
In July 2024, they released their debut EP, “How was it?”, with one of its tracks selected as the ending theme on Yomiuri TV, steadily building momentum.
Highly recommended for fans of breezy West Coast rock and anyone looking for a fresh new girls’ band.
In time for the end creditstricot
Vocalist Ikkyu Nakajima and guitarist Motifour Kida are from Shiga Prefecture, while bassist Hiromi Hirohiro is from Kyoto Prefecture.
The band was formed in September 2010 and has been active mainly in the Kansai region, centered around their hometowns of Shiga and Kyoto.
Influenced by groups like Number Girl, they leverage their high level of musicianship and trickily structured, richly unfolding melodies to perform not only in Japan but also across Europe.
Nakajima, who also handles the design of their merchandise, is well known as a member of Genie High.
They made their major-label debut in the first year of Reiwa with the single “Afureru.”
Z is in great formPAN
PAN’s live performances, which leapt from Osaka’s underground scene to the national stage, captivate with a unique worldview where music and comedy blend in perfect harmony.
Since forming in 1995, they’ve fused elements of rock, punk, and alternative, continually enthralling audiences with humorous lyrics and high-energy shows.
They made their major debut in 2000 with the album “Takoyaki,” and solidified their reputation as a formidable band with achievements like winning the TEEN’S MUSIC FESTIVAL two years in a row.
Backed by the commanding stagecraft honed through over 100 shows a year—and playful touches like handing out bread to the crowd—they radiate an unmistakably singular presence.
They’re the perfect band for music fans seeking a fusion of fiery rock sound and laughter.
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (161–170)
A Love Song to My Ancestorssekkusu mashiin
Sex Machine!! is a rock band from Kansai that brilliantly fuses music and comedy.
Formed in 1998 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, they’re known for high-velocity songs rooted in ’70s British rock and Japanese punk.
They kicked things off with the 2002 mini-album “Iihito Domari” and have since released numerous acclaimed records, including “Love Comedy” and “Furare Kibun no Rock ’n’ Roll.” In 2018, marking their 20th anniversary, they produced a re-recorded best-of album titled “I Want to Change the Band Name.” Their distinctive stage performance—featuring fingerless work gloves and custom distressed jeans—has won over dedicated fans.
With warm lyrics and a powerful sound, their music delivers messages that sometimes spark laughter and other times stir the heart, making it a perfect pick-me-up for music fans looking for an energizing listen.