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 (1–10)
Boss Bitch7!!
Rapper 7 was born in 2001 in Kainan City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is currently active based in his hometown.
Shocked and inspired by live footage of Awich, he set out on a musical path and has become a hip-hop artist known for his distinctive mumble rap and melodious beats.
After drawing attention with his first EP, “7-11,” released in June 2022, his track “Rice Spice” reached No.
21 on Spotify’s Japan Viral Chart in 2023.
He also proved his talent by making the finals of the popular show “RAPSTAR Tanjyo 2023.” With lyrics that portray his own experiences and struggles with raw honesty, he resonates strongly with listeners of his generation.
Lesson IKagawa Ryo
Ryo Kagawa, a singer-songwriter indispensable to any discussion of Japan’s folk scene, was born in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture.
While rooted in pure folk, his music was distinguished by the incorporation of folk rock and West Coast-inspired sounds.
An impromptu appearance at the 1970 Nakatsugawa Folk Jamboree led to his debut the following year with the classic album “Kyōkun” (Lessons).
The oft-told anecdote that Takuro Yoshida once said he was “jealous of the songs Ryo Kagawa wrote” speaks to Kagawa’s extraordinary talent.
Unmoved by commercial success, he stayed true to his path as a traveling troubadour.
His way of life—and music—brims with a charm that deserves to be heard by listeners who believe in the power of words and want to immerse themselves deeply in the world of song.
miracleIno Toshiharu
Toshiharu Ino, born in Cebu, the Philippines and raised in Wakayama City from an early age, is an artist who is active both as a solo performer and as a member of the vocal group mic-alone.
He’s known for catchy melodies rooted in J-POP, and in May 2017 he released Twenty, an album marking his 20th year.
In addition to his musical talents—handling everything from songwriting and composition to mixing—it’s impressive that he has achievements in the fitness field as well, including placing third at the Best Body Japan Kanto competition.
Many are undoubtedly drawn to his unique presence, which combines the contrast of a sweet singing voice with a rigorously honed physique.
24karats GOLD GENESISGotō Takuma
Takuma Goto, who is active as a performer in the dance and vocal group THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE, hails from Wakayama Prefecture.
He devoted himself to dance from a young age and secured his spot as an official member after the Musha Shugyo Final held in September 2014.
When the group made its major debut in January 2017 with the single “Lightning,” they rapidly gained popularity, including reaching No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Beyond his work as a performer, Goto actively contributes to his hometown, appearing in TV commercials for Suzuki Motor Wakayama, among other activities.
He is a multi-talented artist who also showcases his creativity by producing photobooks.
PhoenixHarada Namito
Singer Namito Harada, who hails from Wakayama City and is attracting keen attention as the “standard-bearer of the enka Generation Z” born in Wakayama, grew up familiar with singing under the influence of his grandfather.
In October 2016, he triumphed as the champion on NHK Nodo Jiman.
He made his major debut in January 2022 with the single “Eien no Ichibyo ~Stretched love~.” While rooted in enka and kayōkyoku, his music also skillfully incorporates pop sensibilities, as heard in “Junjō Hototogisu,” produced by Tsunku♂.
His solid talent—evident in “Hi no Tori,” which reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayō Singles Ranking—and his endearing personality, known by the nickname “Popo,” are among his chief attractions.
ENVYMIKADO
MIKADO, a rising next-generation hip-hop artist from Wakayama Prefecture, is drawing significant attention.
Born in 2001, he’s been taking the scene by storm with trap-centered production and a uniquely sharp sense of wordplay.
He began his career in the early 2020s, releasing the mixtape “Re:Born Tape” and the album “New Vintage” in 2024.
After showcasing his talent on the 2024 program “Rapstar 2024,” he went on to perform on the stage of the major festival POP YOURS 2025.
His pursuit of both “fun” and “cool” is truly one of a kind.
Experience his energetic rap as he leads the next wave of the scene.
Sounds goodShiozaki Taichi
Daichi Shiozaki, who is active both as a member of the vocal unit M!LK and as an actor, hails from Wakayama City in Wakayama Prefecture.
Active since the group’s formation in 2014, he is known for dynamic performances that showcase his specialty in acrobatics.
He made his CD debut in 2015 with the single “I Can’t Drink Coffee,” and made his major-label debut in 2021 with the single “Ribbon.” While displaying a creative side by contributing to live show production and staging, he also demonstrates hometown pride by serving as a Wakayama City Tourism Ambassador.
Set to compete on TBS’s SASUKE in 2025, he is a noteworthy artist poised to captivate audiences with his exceptional athletic ability.