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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- [2026] A roundup of artists, singers, and bands from Hyogo Prefecture
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- Pick up bands, artists, and singers from Wakayama Prefecture!
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- Cute songs by girls’ bands [popular and classic tracks]
Kansai-born bands, artists, and singers (291–300)
CHELSEAmonsutā roshimofu
Formed in 2004, Monster Rosimov is a rock ’n’ roll band based in Kyoto that continues to perform energetically across Japan.
While they express the influence of trailblazers like RC Succession and Murahachibu in a straightforward way, their unique pop sensibility and melodic flair brim with originality.
Their live shows—pure rock ’n’ roll spectacles—are a must-see.
Happy Summer WeddingMōningu Musume.
Ai Kago, who was active as a member of the idol group Morning Musume, is from Yamatotakada City in Nara Prefecture.
The 9th single, “Happy Summer Wedding,” was the first single in which Kago participated.
After graduating from Morning Musume, Kago has continued working as an actress and singer.
MEGA SHAKE IT!Yamasaki Seiya
Formed in a university light music club and centered around members who gave up on job hunting due to a tough employment market, the five-piece band Kyuso Nekokami features vocalist-guitarist Seiya Yamasaki, who hails from Gobo City in Wakayama Prefecture.
Their driving, straightforward lyrics and rock sound resonate with younger generations, and many listeners may find a charismatic quality in Yamasaki’s vocals in particular.
In addition to his musical activities, he has appeared on the variety show Ariyoshi Seminar, where he became the first artist to successfully complete a competitive eating challenge, making him a rising figure whose media presence is also highly anticipated.
Come to Kobe.Watanabe Furawā
When it comes to bands that represent Kobe, you could say Watanabe Flower is the one! They’re a group deeply rooted in the local community.
Aiming to create “fun music that anyone can easily enjoy,” they formed in 2001 with vocalist Tatsurou Kumagai at the center.
Their charm lies in their pop, super-happy songs that make you feel good just by listening.
They’ve even become an officially recognized band by the City of Kobe.
Their signature song “Kobe ni Oide” (“Come to Kobe”) captures that vibe perfectly and fills you with warmth.
I cut my bangs too short.Mito Natsume
Natsume Mito is a model and TV personality from Nara City, Nara Prefecture, known for her signature hairstyle with extremely short, evenly cut bangs.
This song was released in 2015 as her debut single and was produced by Yasutaka Nakata.
Eleven music videos were created by eleven different creators, including versions such as the “School Edition,” “Chinese Cabbage Edition,” and “Doodle Edition.”
Thank you — to everything that surrounds me —Miura Akitoshi
Akari Miura, who is active as a singer-songwriter, is from Nara Prefecture.
She is also a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest and the 21st head priest of Komyo-ji Temple.
She has been featured on television programs as a “too-beautiful head priest.” She made her debut with the single “Arigatou — To Everything That Envelops Me —.”
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (301–310)
It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki
Masaki Ueda, who became hugely popular with “Kanashii Iro Ya Ne,” is also from Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture.
His slightly husky voice evokes a sense of melancholy.
The song was used as the theme for the 1988 film “Kanashii Iro Yanen,” in which he himself also appeared.