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 (371–380)
Strawberry Statement Once Againbanba hirofumi
Hirofumi Banba of Banban, who made a big breakthrough in 1975 with “Ichigo Hakusho o Mou Ichido,” is from Gion in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
Not only as a folk singer, but also thanks to his personality, he became extremely popular as a radio host.
If I could become your springPupupu Rando
PuPuPu Land is a rock band formed in Kobe in 2012.
They gained popularity with a distinctive sound that blends alternative rock and indie pop into folk music.
Although the band disbanded after guitarist Atsuto Yoshikawa left, the masterpieces they left behind continue to influence many artists.
In a scene crowded with cookie-cutter bands, they made a powerful impression.
Hopefully, we’ll see new bands emerge with the same kind of individuality.
The eve of revolution(yoru to) SAMPO
Formed primarily by members who previously centered their activities in the Kansai region—Ikumi from Accelerating Loves, who was active mainly around Kyoto; Yoshino Explosion, the former guitarist of Humbreaders; and Junji Teraoka, a drummer and former member of Osaka’s Fishlife—the band brings together a compelling pedigree.
Their songs are marked by emotionally exhilarating guitar phrases and vocals that are supple yet possess a firm core.
As a music lover, I was also deeply moved by their origin story: deciding to return to music after once stepping away.
New OrderMASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS
MASS OF THE FERMENTING DREGS is a rock band that was active in the 2000s.
They’re affectionately known as “Masudore.” As one of Hyogo’s representative rock bands, they excel at alternative and indie rock.
After making a comeback in 2015, they’ve continued to delight fans with a consistent, unwavering musical style.
Their lyrics are also profound, so be sure to check them out.