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]
Kansai-born Bands, Artists, and Singers (281–290)
Pleasure MusicKatokitto
We are Katokit, a three-piece electro-pop band based in Kyoto.
After a successful solo headlining show in 2017, we’re a band to watch going forward.
With a cute female vocal and a light, breezy sound, we’re an act that’s winning attention for our comfortable, feel-good vibe.
No Regretgaaruzu rokku bando kakumei
This is an all-girl band formed in Osaka with the goal of revolutionizing the girls’ rock scene.
Their appeal lies in powerful performances and live shows that rival any male band.
While they’re usually laid-back and sweet, they undergo a dramatic transformation when they step on stage.
Kida Tarō
The composer known as the “Mozart of Naniwa,” Taro Kida, was born in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture.
He created numerous commercial jingles that many Japanese would instantly recognize.
There are so many that will make you think, “Wait, he wrote this one too?” There are too many to list here, so please look them up yourself.
The bandKyūso Nekokami
Kyuso Nekokami is known for their catchy sound.
The guitarist, Kazuma Okazawa, is from Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo Prefecture.
The band itself was formed at Kwansei Gakuin University in Nishinomiya.
The song in the video is included on “Koete Ike/The band,” released in 2018 as their fifth single.
They sing in straightforward words about the way they want their music to be.
Saihate HomeSakuramerīmen
Sakramen from Kobe.
Centered around vocalist/guitarist Tota Konishi and bassist Ippei, who were high school classmates, the band was formed in 2004 when drummer Ryota Morinishi joined.
You may have heard Saihate Home, which was used in a Calpis Water commercial.
Many of their songs evoke a sense of youth, with vivid, scene-evoking lyrics and pop melodies.
Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando
Sadistic Mika Band, formed in 1971 by Kazuhiko Kato after the breakup of The Folk Crusaders, debuted in 1973.
Their sound, which quickly incorporated glam rock, was recognized in the UK before it was in Japan.
Another appeal of the band was its stellar lineup, featuring Masayoshi Takanaka on guitar and Yukihiro Takahashi—who would later join YMO—on drums.
Azure Nocturneserenāde
Ami Ozaki, known for providing numerous songs such as Anri’s “Olivia wo Kikinagara,” Seiko Matsuda’s “Tenshi no Wink,” and Satoko Ishimine’s “Watashi ga Iru,” is from Kita Ward in Kyoto City.
“Soya-kyoku ~ Serenade” is a single she released in 1980.