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 (21–30)
SuperCaliTsurubou Shion (JO1)
Shion Tsurubo, a core performer of the global boy group JO1, has roots in Shiga Prefecture.
After appearing on an audition program in 2019, he debuted in March 2020.
JO1 blends EDM and hip-hop in their sound, and their songs “Trigger” and “Love seeker” won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards for two consecutive years.
Their win of “Best New Asian Artist” at MAMA also speaks to their prowess.
Tsurubo’s appeal lies in his powerful low-tone rap, honed during his trainee days in South Korea, and his dynamic stage presence.
Beyond music, he has starred as an actor and boasts diverse activities, including ranking first in the NEXT category of ViVi’s National Treasure-Level Handsome Ranking for the first half of 2022.
《A》BEGINNINGmotozawa seiya, sano masaya
The Kansai-proud male idol group “Aぇ! group” includes Seiya Sue Suezawa and Masaya Sano, both from Hyogo Prefecture.
The oldest member, Suêzawa, boasts a wide range of dance skills from tap to contemporary, while the youngest, Sano, contributes to songwriting and composition thanks to the skills he honed at a music university.
They made their CD debut with Universal Music in 2024, and their debut single topped the Oricon chart.
They have steadily built achievements, such as winning the Emotional category at the anan AWARD 2023 and receiving the New Artist of the Year at the 39th Japan Gold Disc Awards in 2025.
A standout episode that symbolizes their youthful drive and passion is how Sano used the prize money he won on the 2022 “100-Point Karaoke Music Festival” to produce the group’s first music video.
You won’t want to take your eyes off their efforts to deliver Kansai-born entertainment nationwide.
Hero: Smile, Senior Chopin!Eguchi Saya
Saya Eguchi, an artist from Hyogo Prefecture, rose to prominence after going through the Hello! Project trainee program and made her debut in 2018 as a member of BEYOOOOONDS.
Transcending the traditional boundaries of idol groups, the group’s appeal lies in its distinctive performances that, while rooted in pop, incorporate a diverse musicality spanning rock and electronica along with theatrical elements.
In 2019, they won the Best New Artist Award at the 61st Japan Record Awards, cementing their presence in the music scene.
Her bright, forward-looking personality and unique turns of phrase have earned strong support from fans, making her popular on social media and at fan events.
In addition to her dancing and vocal skills, Eguchi excels at MC talk, and her expressive performances are perfect for anyone looking to feel a fresh breeze in idol music.
Shooting starBalmy
Balmy is a four-piece girls’ band born out of a music vocational school in Osaka, garnering attention for their youthful average age of 19.5.
Their appeal lies in a “retrofuturistic” sound that blends 1980s synth-pop and city pop with modern arrangements.
In January 2025, they made their major debut with their first single, “Shooting Star.” With Manamin’s translucent vocals and the band’s solid musicianship, they create a unique world that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Their songs, themed around youth and dreams, particularly resonate with younger listeners, and they’re highly recommended for fans of retro-inspired music or anyone looking for a new girls’ band.
You can’t love all of me.A-ko
As a rising singer-songwriter representing Hyogo Prefecture, A-ko is bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene with her unique worldview.
Nimbly crossing genre boundaries—from pop and electro to jazz—she continues to craft songs that weave together ear-catching melodies and deep emotion.
Having begun her music career in 2020 and made her major-label debut in February 2024, she quickly drew attention for her distinctive musicality.
Riding this momentum, she released her long-awaited album “GENE” in July 2024 and was selected to provide the opening theme for TV Tokyo’s Drama 24.
Meeting the guitar at age 11 and beginning to compose soon after, her music carries both solid technique and rich sensitivity.
Beyond music, she is a multi-talented creator involved in video production and artwork, and she makes a strong impression as the leader of the creative team “londog.” She’s an artist highly recommended for anyone drawn to original, boundary-pushing sounds.
summer festivalJITTERIN’JINN
For those who listened to a lot of rock bands in the ’90s, when you hear “a band from Nara Prefecture,” you just can’t leave them out! Many people probably also remember their appearance on Ikaten.
For those born in the 2000s, many might think “Natsu Matsuri” is Whiteberry’s song, but it was originally performed by JITTERIN’JINN! Besides that track, they’re a legendary band that churned out numerous hits back then, like Present and Nichiyoubi (Sunday).
Crazy Danceryoru no honki dansu
Yoru no Honki Dance is a band from Kyoto.
I’m sure many people have been captivated by their stylish sound.
In this music video, their sleek dance steps are another highlight you won’t want to miss.
It’s a band that makes you envy their music, style, and dancing alike.