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 (21–30)
Raze MeChinozo、Yoru
Chinozo and Yoru, two standout artists from the Kansai music scene, have launched a new unit called “Uchū Pilot” (Space Pilot).
Chinozo rose to popularity as a Vocaloid producer, captivating listeners with a unique sound that fuses electropop and city pop.
Meanwhile, Yoru is active as a vocalist known for delicate melodies and poetic expression.
Both made their debuts between 2019 and 2020, earning high ratings on streaming platforms and praise from music media.
Their experimental sound-making, weaving together acoustic and electronic elements, hints at new possibilities in music.
They are artists that music fans seeking a fresh breeze in pop music should definitely check out.
Doki itnaniwa danshi
Formed in 2018 from members of Kansai Johnny’s Jr., they made their CD debut in November 2021.
With bright, catchy melodies and dynamic dance performances as their strengths, they’ve been drawing attention on the J-pop scene.
In 2021, they won the HOPE category at the anan AWARD, and in 2022 they garnered multiple accolades including at the 110th Television Drama Academy Awards.
Beyond music, they are active on variety shows, in dramas, and in films.
Leveraging the fact that all members are from the Kansai region, their YouTube channel showcases a distinctly Kansai-style warmth and humor.
They’re the perfect group for fans seeking energetic live performances and the unique charm of Kansai.
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (31–40)
cassisChim Chap
Chim Chap is a four-piece crossover band from Shiga Prefecture whose members each come from different musical backgrounds, delivering a diverse range of songs across rock, pop, jazz, funk, and more.
Debuting in August 2024, they have continued to release new work every month up to their October album, Orange.
The band began in their high school light music club and went on to win the grand prize at ESP BAND CONTEST 2023 and Jūdai Hakusho 2024.
Drawing influences from genres beyond rock—such as jazz and funk—they’ve established a unique style that mixes Japanese and English.
Aiming to create music as a universal language, their songs resonate with listeners from Gen Z to older generations.
polar bearYUKI（JABBERLOOP）
YUKI, the bassist of JABBERLOOP—a band leading Japan’s “danceable jazz” scene—is from Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture.
Formed in Kyoto in 2004, JABBERLOOP has built a following with a sound rooted in club jazz and funk, making their major debut in 2007 with the album “and infinite jazz…”.
They have also showcased their talents in visual media, contributing theme songs for the film “Mother Lake” and the TV drama “The Song of Curry.” In their debut year, they won the Domestic Club/Dance Award at the ADLIB AWARDS 2007.
YUKI’s bass playing, guided by the credo of delivering “low end that serves the song,” is the architectural backbone of the band’s groove and catchy melodies—truly a designer of the low frequencies.
He’s an artist you should definitely check out if you want to experience technical yet lyrical performance.
Mother LakeKawamoto Isamu
Mr.
Isamu Kawamoto, affectionately known as “Mr.
Lake Biwa,” is a producer who works in many fields based in Shiga—not only as a musician but also as a program host and live house owner.
Around 1990, he formed U★TIME BAND, and in 1996 he produced the album “Thorough Chaos.” His accomplishments shine through in his leadership of Shiga’s culture, including hosting a local information program that has continued since 2002 and opening a live house in 2005 to nurture young talent.
He is someone whom anyone interested in community-building activities should definitely get to know.
Again Destiny Prelude!Sugi-e Taishi
Taishi Sugie, an actor active primarily in 2.5D musicals, hails from Shiga Prefecture.
Since his debut in 2013 with Musical: The Prince of Tennis 2nd Season, he has appeared in numerous popular productions such as the Touken Ranbu stage plays and the Hetalia musical series, captivating fans with his singing voice.
The source of his expressive power may lie in his deep spirit of inquiry, which has led directors to describe him as both an artist and an adventurer.
His delicate vocals, imbued with his characters’ emotions, vividly bring each story’s world to life.
God knows…Nishikawa Susumu
Shin Nishikawa, who has supported the works and live performances of illustrious artists like Ringo Sheena, CHAGE, and Ikimono-gakari on guitar, is from Omihachiman City in Shiga Prefecture! After debuting in a band in 1986, he went on to thrive as a studio musician.
He took part in Ringo Sheena’s landmark album Muzai Moratorium, and his searing guitar on Gibbs, which symbolizes her early sound, left a powerful impact on many listeners.
He also handled the arrangement for Mirai Wakusei on Ikimono-gakari’s album Hajimari no Uta, and the album’s win of the Japan Record Award for Best Album speaks to his skill.
Calling himself an “emotion-direct” guitarist, he’s a consummate craftsman indispensable to Japan’s music scene, known for a performance style that unleashes raw feeling.