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 (211–220)
Future Saint Fighter Ω? Saint Evolution?Anazawa Jun
Atsushi Anazawa, a member of the four-piece band Nagareda Project, is from Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture.
Nagareda Project’s debut single, “Mirai Saint Seiya Ω ~Saint Evolution~,” was selected as the opening theme for the New Cloth arc of the TV anime Saint Seiya Ω.
empty; hollow; desertedKaneki Kazuya
Kazuya Kaneki is a singer-songwriter from Shiga Prefecture.
Back when he was the band’s vocalist and guitarist, he made it to the finals of Senkou Riot in 2011.
The appeal of his songs lies in their relatable lyrics and irresistibly catchy melodies.
His work spans everything from band-style arrangements to tracks that feature programmed beats, and each showcases those strengths.
His singing voice is also highly appealing, effortlessly handling everything from gentle ballads to up-tempo rock numbers.
To the lovely city of 47AKB48 Team8
Ruka Yamamoto, who is active as a member of the idol group AKB48, is from Wakayama Prefecture.
She joined as a Team 8 member in 2014.
Her first participation in a single was “To the 47 Wonderful Towns,” included on the theater edition of the 37th single, “Kokoro no Placard.”
Bluma to LunchBLOOM VASE
BLOOM VASE is a hip-hop unit based mainly in Shiga Prefecture, made up of three MCs: Ove, JiROMAN, and RURU.
With a sound that digests everything from current mainstream American styles to trap and K-pop, they rock from TikTok to live venues.
Their lyrics, which pursue the real lives of the youth, sometimes carry no meaning and sometimes are intriguingly suggestive, hijacking your ears.
Their smooth flow and bouncy tracks are sure to hit just right both in the club and on the street.
Out of the tunnelBO GUMBOS
Bo Gumbos was formed by vocalist Dont and bassist Toshimitsu Nagai after the breakup of Rosa Luxemburg in 1987.
Their deep devotion to roots music and their formidable groove made them a hot topic among music lovers even before their debut.
This song is a classic that has continued to be covered by many artists even after the band disbanded in 1995.
Heaven’s KitchenBONNIE PINK
BONNIE PINK, known for songs like “A Perfect Sky” and “Heaven’s Kitchen,” is also from Kyoto City.
“Heaven’s Kitchen” was released in 1997 and was used as an insert song in the film “Falling Into Evening.” It was the first song she ever composed herself, and there’s an anecdote that Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.
Children praised it highly.
Baby Leaf
They were a three-piece band active mainly around Kobe.
Unfortunately, they have disbanded.
The video features the lead track from the band’s first mini-album, “When I Wither, It’s When You’re Not Here.” The straightforward guitar rock sound and emotional vocals are enough to bring you to tears.
