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 (221–230)
HURTSHomecomings
We are a four-piece band based in Kyoto.
Since our formation in 2012, we have been actively performing, including collaborations with various international artists and appearances at the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL.
In April 2018, we provided the theme song for the film ‘Liz and the Blue Bird,’ steadily increasing our recognition.
KIBA、TOSHI
The vocalists of Gargoyle, KIBA and TOSHI, are from Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture.
When shows in Kobe ran late, they would joke in their MCs with a local gag: “If the Shintetsu crowd (meaning the Kobe Electric Railway) doesn’t head home soon, the trains will stop running,” which got the audience laughing.
KING BROTHERS
This song has an insanely cool, emotional sound.
It’s a track by KING BROTHERS, a rock band whose two members are both from Nishinomiya City in Hyogo Prefecture.
The song in the video is included on their 2010 album “THE FIRST RAYS OF THE NEW RISING SUN.” They’re also known for their intense live performances.
KNOCK OUT MONKEY
Formed in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, the Japanese rock band KNOCK OUT MONKEY is known for its unique sound that fuses a wide range of genres.
They incorporate elements of reggae, hip-hop, metal, emo, and more, and are recognized for their dynamic song development.
They made their debut in 2012 with the single “HOPE,” and have released numerous works since.
In 2014, they successfully completed their first nationwide headlining tour, backed by their debut album “INPUT ∝ OUTPUT.” Their live performances also have a strong reputation, captivating audiences with energetic stages.
They’re a perfect band for anyone who wants to enjoy diverse musical styles.
StarlightLOCAL CONNECT
We are LOCAL CONNECT, a five-member rock band from Kyoto.
We made our major debut in 2015, and our 2017 release Starlight was selected as the ending theme for TBS’s Arita Generation.
“Show me the way”Lead
Akira Kagimoto, who is active as a member of the male dance-vocal group Lead, is from Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture.
With their second single, “Show me the way,” they won the New Artist Award at the 44th Japan Record Awards.
The title track was used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Sunday Japon.”
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (231–240)
landscapeLow-Pass
They are an instrumental band formed in Kyoto.
Many of their songs center around post-rock and emo, drawing you into a unique world.
Their sound is notably beautiful with dynamic contrasts.
They’ve performed alongside a wide range of artists both in Japan and abroad, making them one of the standout bands from Kyoto.