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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- 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 (321–330)
Love is fickle.Nami Etsuko
Etsuko Nami is a celebrity from Koryo, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture.
Her outstanding figure and performances singing in a miniskirt captivated many men at the time.
Since 1970, she has appeared in numerous TV dramas and films, and in recent years she has expanded her activities as a sharp-tongued TV personality.
youKozaka Akiko
Akiko Kosaka is a familiar artist in the Kansai region.
She wears many hats—singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist—and is also active on Kansai local programs as a host and assistant.
People who discovered her more recently may only know her from such variety shows.
As an artist, however, her appeal lies in a profound musicality that speaks to the heart.
“Anata” is one of her signature works, a song that sets a lovely romance to a delicate, wistful melody.
Who -08-Kotani Misako
Singer-songwriter Misako Odani, who debuted at age 19 with ‘Nageki no Yuki’ (Lament of Snow), hails from Miyazu City in Kyoto Prefecture.
Her 2008 release ‘Who -08-‘ was used as the theme song for the TV drama ‘Gonzo: Densetsu no Keiji’ (Gonzo: The Legendary Detective).
Her gentle singing voice remains captivating over the years.
Altair ~The Fact That I Met You~Shōnen Kamikaze
SaCo, who serves as the vocalist for the five-member band Shonen Kamikaze, is from Nara Prefecture.
Their ninth single, “Altair ~Kimi to Deaeta Koto~,” marked their first entry into the Oricon Top 30.
The title track was used as the theme song for the TBS daytime drama 30 ‘Kodomo no Jijō,’ making it their first drama tie-in.
Please notice me, Mr. Zombie—I’m your classmate.Yamaguchi Rie with manzo
Rie Yamaguchi, who works as a voice actress and singer, is from Nara Prefecture.
Under the name “Rie Yamaguchi with manzo,” she released the song “Kizuite Zombie-sama, Watashi wa Classmate desu,” whose title track was used as the ending theme for the TV anime “Is This a Zombie?” in which she also appeared as a voice actress.
Silk RoadKawai Seiko
Seiko Kawai is an enka singer from Nara City, Nara Prefecture, who made her debut with this song in 2001.
Her rich, feminine voice leaves a strong impression, and in 2008 she was scouted by the chief producer of Enka Hyakusen, leading to her appearances on the program starting in August.
Her soothing enka heals the heart.
Be careful with love.Shima Ryohei
Ryohei Shima, who was once the vocalist of The Mummy’s (Kegawa no Maries) and, after their breakup, became the vocalist of the dresscodes, is from Wakayama Prefecture.
The Mummy’s guitarist Kazuma Koshikawa and bassist Hiroko Kurimoto are also from Wakayama.
Shima’s live performances have a mysterious allure that instantly captivates anyone watching.
His distinctive, weathered voice and a cute personality that contrasts with his visual image are also part of his charm.
Even in the way he structures songs, he’s an artist who pays homage to classic rock while refusing to be bound to a single form, continually taking on new challenges.
