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 (331–340)
DREAMER AND SCREAMERHiguchi Munetaka (LOUDNESS)
Munetaka Higuchi, who played drums for the heavy metal band LOUDNESS, was from Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
He was active as a member during the 1st–3rd and 5th periods.
The 10th single, “DREAMER AND SCREAMER,” was released during the first period when Higuchi was active.
promiseHyouki Susumu
Shin Hioki, who works as a singer-songwriter and pianist, is from Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
In 2006, he won the NHK Nodo Jiman Nara competition, and he is currently based in Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
“Yakusoku” is included on his first album, Yakusoku.
Carrying Yousawada kenji
A song Julie released in 1986.
In ballads like this, Julie’s slightly sharp tone and singing style become incredibly sensual.
When he was young, he had a beautiful, sultry vibe, but now that he’s older, I feel like he’s aging in a really cool, seasoned way.
You could say he’s one of the big artists representing Kyoto.
Julie!!
Same as a flowernagisa nite
Nagisa Ni Te is a band from Osaka with roots in Kyoto’s underground scene.
Their sound is both pop and cosmic, with a sense of sonics that feels like swimming through space, and a uniquely organic band ensemble centered around the married duo of Shinji Shibayama and Masako Takeda.
Their floating vocals and performances leave an unforgettable impression after just one listen.
Experience the singular world of Nagisa Ni Te for yourself.
Kansai-born bands, artists, and singers (341–350)
Extinct Black-Haired GirlWatanabe Miyuki (NMB48)
Miyuki Watanabe, a former member of NMB48, is from Nara Prefecture and is known by the nickname “Mirukii.” This song was released in 2011 as NMB48’s debut single.
Miyuki Watanabe served as the center for the track, and it was used as the ending theme for NMB48’s flagship variety show Docking48, which aired on Kansai TV.
BELIEVEWatanabe Misato
Misato Watanabe is a female singer-songwriter from Kyoto Prefecture.
She writes and composes her own songs and is a popular artist with many hit songs.
“BELIEVE,” with lyrics by Misato Watanabe and music composed by Tetsuya Komuro, is a track that is especially popular among fans.
Beautiful SundayTanaka Seiji
Seiji Tanaka is from Gose City, Nara Prefecture, and in 1971 he became the first “Uta no Onii-san” (lead singer) on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” This song was a hit when performed by singer Daniel Boone in 1972, and Seiji Tanaka’s cover became a major success.
He performed it at the 27th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1976.