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 (51–60)
Peaceful Weekdaynegurije
They were a girls’ band formed by friends who met in their high school light music club, and they won numerous grand prizes in the contests they entered.
They caught the eye of Shinya from LUNA SEA, who was serving as a contest judge, and made their major-label debut, but they disbanded in 2010.
Dance all night my friendsAge Factory
Formed in 2010 around vocalist-guitarist Eisuke Shimizu, who was then a high school student, the band played live shows at their local venues almost every weekend.
After some lineup changes, they broadened their activities.
True to the name Age Factory, their style powerfully communicates the culture and convictions of their generation, resonating with many young people.
They’re highly regarded not only by listeners but also by fellow musicians, and are a rock band from Nara that is sure to soar even higher in the future.
NEVERLANDLOSTAGE
When it comes to rock bands from Nara Prefecture, LOSTAGE is absolutely indispensable.
Formed in 2001 around the brothers Takehisa Gomi and Takuto Gomi, they’ve been a vital force in Nara’s music scene through launching THROAT RECORDS and running the record shop of the same name.
Their appeal lies in a catalogue of rugged, deeply affecting songs that embody alternative rock.
Their unique, conviction-driven approach to activity is also one of the reasons they continue to captivate so many fans.
Tell Me WhySunrise In My Attache Case
Sunrise In My Attache Case is a rock band from Nara Prefecture, formed in Canada.
In 2016, they won Red Bull Live on the Road, which propelled them into the spotlight, and they now perform at outdoor festivals across the country.
Their sound, reminiscent of surf music, is strikingly fresh and polished—so much so that you might not even guess they’re a Japanese band—and it’s sure to get your heart racing.
In contrast to the breezy image of their songs, their live performances are packed with energy and are not to be missed!
Bands, Artists, and Singers from Kansai (61–70)
Dream In DriveTHE ORAL CIGARETTES
Now performing at major festivals nationwide and enjoying immense popularity among Japanese rock band fans, THE ORAL CIGARETTES have become a dominant presence.
Starting in 2010, they expanded their activities from their local live houses to venues across the country, and after winning the Grand Prix at the 2012 MASH A&R audition, their name rapidly gained recognition.
While their catchy guitar rock ignites the floor, they make vocalist-guitarist Takuya Yamanaka’s bewitching voice the core of their music, drawing many listeners in with a subtly mysterious and alluring sound.
forget-me-notatagi
In 2021, atagi, the vocalist of the rock band Awesome City Club who drew attention with the massive hit “Wasurena,” is from Wakayama Prefecture.
Awesome City Club was formed in 2013 and made their major debut in 2015.
They released popular songs such as “Outsider” and “Vampire,” gaining attention in the Japanese rock scene.
Since then, atagi has often shared lead vocals with PORIN, and his clean, straight high-tone voice is particularly appealing.
HONEYHyde
L’Arc~en~Ciel is known as a band formed in the Kansai region, and among its members, the vocalist hyde hails from Wakayama Prefecture.
His refined looks that never fade even years after their debut, along with a singing voice that grows ever more alluring, are charms unique to hyde.
In addition to his work with L’Arc~en~Ciel, he has been active with the rock duo VAMPS alongside guitarist K.A.Z, as well as in his solo career, making him one of the indispensable figures in Japan’s rock scene.