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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Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (301–310)
Looking back nowYuzuki
Yuzuki is a singer-songwriter with a clear, translucent voice.
She first made her mark in 2011 as a first-generation member of Fun×Fam, a local idol group based in Wakayama Prefecture, and later began performing as a solo singer.
She also performs as a support member for the pop band Winds Hirasa.
In 2020, she released her first mini-album, “Geppeki.” Even when she sings powerful, high-energy songs, her soft, warm vocals gently wrap around your ears.
Because I love you to death.Yashima Tomohito (jikyū hapyaku-en)
Tomohito Yashima, who works as an actor and TV personality, is from Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
He was active as a member of the rock band Jikyū 800-en (Hourly Wage 800 Yen), which originated from a variety show he appeared on.
Their first single, “Shinu hodo anata ga suki dakara” (Because I Love You to Death), reached No.
11 on the Oricon charts.
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (311–320)
Uchida Yūya
Yuya Uchida, known as a legendary rocker from Hyogo Prefecture, was at the forefront of the rock scene from the 1960s, captivating many fans with his distinctive voice and free-spirited lifestyle.
He made his solo debut in 1970 and produced hits such as “Otokonoko Onnanoko.” In addition to his music career, he was active as an actor and had a profound influence on Japan’s rock world.
In 1978, he won the Japan Record Award for Excellent Album for his record Black and Tan.
He was also known for his outrageous behavior—famously appearing nude at his own wedding in 1986.
He’s an artist recommended for those who want to keep a punk spirit alive.
kitahara yuka
The gentle piano tones and heart-fluttering lyrics are really cute.
I’m Yuka Kitahara, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture who won the Grand Prix at the “Song for the Life Music Contest.” The appeal lies in the message of the songs, which girls of the same generation can relate to.
Precious thingskitagawa kenichi
Formed with complete strangers on a TV show project, the band Road of Major featured members from a variety of places—Hiroshima, Gunma, and Okinawa among them.
The vocalist, Kenichi Kitagawa, hails from Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture.
Since the band’s breakup in 2007, he has been active locally, holding solo exhibitions in Kobe and appearing at Kobe events and live houses.
He is someone who has influenced many people, and he has surely had a significant impact on Kobe’s rock bands and its youth as well.
Chisa
Chisa, the vocalist of the music unit girl next door, is from Sasayama City in Hyogo Prefecture.
The song in the video, their debut single “Gūzen no Kakuritsu” (Coincidental Probability), was selected as the theme song for Nippon Broadcasting System’s Beijing Olympics coverage.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Invisible goalMinami Tsutomu
Minami Tsutomu, who is active as a singer-songwriter, is from Kushimoto Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture.
“Invisible Goal” is the official theme song for the 100 km Walking in Shingu City, Wakayama Prefecture.
Since 2016, he has also been working as a host of the program “Shingu-hatsu☆Radio de Genki!”.