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 (181–190)
Free NowORESKABAND
They are a girls’ ska-rock band formed mainly by classmates from the school brass band when they were in their third year of junior high.
At the time of their debut, all members were high school students.
They are a girls’ band active not only in Japan but also overseas, and they have received high acclaim internationally.
phantomPOM（can/goo）
POM, the leader of the music band can/goo, is from Shiga Prefecture.
can/goo’s first single, “Maboroshi,” was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Sister Princess RePure.
POM is also active as a solo artist, having released “Wasurenai,” as well as “re/Birth” under the name Takanobu Honda ‘POM’.
Roller CoasterRED BACTERIA VACUUM
An alternative rock girls’ band formed in Osaka that was active not only in Japan but also overseas.
They performed at BIG DAY OUT, Australia’s largest rock festival, and garnered attention from abroad.
The band is currently on hiatus.
body pillowSEKIRARA
This is an all-girl band formed in Osaka around guitarist-vocalist Yukari Onami.
Within a year of forming, they performed at NAON no YAON, the girls’ rock festival, were selected as the winning artist in RO69JACK, and also appeared at the major winter festival COUNTDOWN JAPAN, making them a band to watch.
Look that waySwimy
Swimmy is a rock band from Shiga Prefecture formed in 2011.
Their signature song “Acchi Muite” was used as the theme for the anime Gintama°, so many of you may have heard it.
Until drummer Mikke left the band in 2017, the group featured a distinctive triple-vocal setup with guitarist Takumi and bassist Mao.
Since then, leveraging their mixed male-female twin vocals, they have produced a wide range of music—from danceable, catchy tracks to songs with a fantastical atmosphere.
SummerTwinkle Twinkles
Formed in Osaka around guitarist-vocalist Nana, they are a girls’ indie pop band active between Japan and the UK.
They have performed with many overseas artists and are gaining attention not only in Japan but also internationally.
AGAINYELLOW MACHINEGUN
Formed in Osaka, this all-girl band delivers an intense hardcore sound.
Despite their appearance, their live shows are remarkably powerful, earning high praise in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom and drawing attention not only in Japan but also overseas.