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 (31–40)
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.
I hope I can be your lover.Kaneyori Masaru
Kaneyori Masaru is a three-piece girls’ rock band based in Osaka, formed in 2014.
The members are Chitose Mina, Ishihara Mei, and Morimoto Sana, and they deliver a rock sound driven by pop melodies and powerful vocals.
They began in 2016 with a self-produced CD titled “Shisuko,” and made their major-label debut in 2023 with their first full-length album, “Watashi no Nocturne,” on Victor Entertainment.
Influenced by bands like BUMP OF CHICKEN and Chatmonchy, their songs sensitively portray everyday emotions and resonate with many listeners.
In September 2024, they sold out a one-man show at Osaka-jo Ongakudo.
They’re highly recommended for those who connect with down-to-earth, relatable lyrics.
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region (41–50)
The Night Before Goodbyeyayuyo
Formed by members of their high school light music club, Yayuyo is a four-piece girls’ band that began activities in Osaka in 2019.
Their appeal lies in a sound that fuses the nostalgia of ’90s rock with a contemporary pop sensibility, drawing on a wide range of influences such as aiko, CreepHyp, and SCANDAL.
Their first music video, released in December 2019, surpassed 800,000 views on YouTube and drew significant attention.
They’ve steadily built a track record, with a song from their album “Hibi Ranman” chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s “Ousama no Brunch.” With a concept of capturing everyday life in sound through a genre-free musical style, they’re a highly recommended band for anyone who enjoys diverse music.
Gotta BeAee! group
結成は2019年。Aぇ! groupは、ポップやロックからダンスミュージックまで幅広いジャンルに挑戦する、関西発の大人気グループです。
Their name is said to come from the Kansai dialect phrase “ee group,” meaning “a good group.” In 2023, they won the Emotional category of the anan AWARD 2023, showcasing their diverse talents not only in music but also on stage and in dramas.
Each member has a distinct personality; for example, Masaya Sano is active on the creative side as well, handling songwriting and composition.
With both youth and skill on their side, it’s impossible to take our eyes off their brilliant future.