Bands, artists, and singers from the Kanto region
This is a playlist of artists from the Kanto region.
I don’t think artists from the Greater Tokyo area are usually conscious of their birthplace, but there are cases where you assume a band is from Kansai, only to find out the members are actually from Kanto and came to Kansai for university.
There were also some surprising cases where people turned out to be from unexpected places.
- [2026] Summary of Bands, Artists, and Singers from Chiba Prefecture
- Artists from Tokyo (bands, idols, singer-songwriters, musicians)
- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region
- Hype songs sung by male artists that are recommended for Gen Z
- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
- Tokyo Song List: Classic Songs About Tokyo
- Recommended bands, singers, and artists from Osaka Prefecture
- [BOØWY’s Masterpieces] A comprehensive showcase from hidden fan favorites to signature hits!
- Songs about Tokyo: A collection of popular J‑Pop classics [2026]
- Band songs that get the crowd going by genre
- Chiba Songs: A comprehensive introduction, from famous tunes filled with hometown love to local theme songs
- BOØWY Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Songs that soothe the anxieties I had when I first moved to Tokyo. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks.
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kanto region (21–30)
KAREN ~KAREN~kagura
Kagura is a duo unit formed by Kohei Iijima and Takahiro Seki from Ibaraki Prefecture, drawing attention for songs that use traditional Japanese instruments grounded in festival music.
In 2004, their single “Senkō Hanabi” reached No.
30 on the Oricon charts, and the follow-up “Wakakusa Rhapsody” climbed to No.
21, steadily growing their fanbase.
In 2009, they won the Song Award at the Universal Music × Shinseido Joint Audition, and the following year they simultaneously released “We Are ‘Kagura’” and “Rain Trilogy.” Their nostalgic melodies and carefully crafted Japanese lyrics deeply resonate with a wide range of listeners, making them a unit you should definitely check out if you seek healing in the sounds of traditional instruments.
Ikkyu-sankomuai
A one-of-a-kind artist nurtured by Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Kom_I, who has taken the music scene by storm with her unique worldview and overwhelming performance skills, began her career in 2012 as the vocalist of the music unit Wednesday Campanella.
She drew attention with innovative sounds that nimbly leap over genre boundaries—J-POP, EDM, hip-hop—and with original lyrics inspired by historical figures and mythology.
In 2016, she performed at SXSW in the United States, and in 2017 she headlined a successful solo concert at Nippon Budokan, earning high acclaim both in Japan and abroad.
With the album “SUPERMAN,” she further broadened her musical range, and through contributions such as providing songs for NHK’s “Nihongo de Asobo,” she has garnered support from a wide audience.
Highly recommended for music fans seeking unfettered expression and high-art performances that defy conventional frameworks.
Flowers of EvilBUCK-TICK
All the members of the rock band BUCK-TICK are from Gunma.
Atsushi Sakurai, Hisashi Imai, and Hidehiko Hoshino are from Fujioka City, Gunma Prefecture, while Yutaka Higuchi and Toll Yagami are from Takasaki City.
Their musical style feels like classic, high-energy, hard-driving rock.
LoVe SHouT!Mōmō Rurugyaban
In the rock band Mow-Mow LuLu Gyaban, drummer-vocalist Gary Bitch and bassist-backup vocalist T-Margarita are from Gunma Prefecture.
The song is used as the theme for the film “Sweet Poolside.” It has a unique vibe and is the kind of track that becomes addictive after just one listen.
DynamiteSMAP
Shingo Katori of SMAP is from Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, and Masahiro Nakai is from Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture.
This song was released in 1997 as SMAP’s 24th single.
Used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “SMAP×SMAP,” it’s an upbeat, catchy, and sexy track.
ROUND IBARAKII-con
I-con is a local men’s idol group based in Ibaraki Prefecture that made its debut on the memorable Ibaraki Citizens’ Day in November 2021.
Their name is short for “Ibaraki-convertible” (meaning “changing Ibaraki”), reflecting their strong commitment to revitalizing the region.
The members—Shishamo (blue), YU-MA (yellow), POPO (green), HARUTO (purple), and MAHO (pink)—bring diverse backgrounds.
POPO is the oldest member at over 40, and MAHO hails from Taiwan, adding an international touch.
They take lessons once or twice a week while sharing their growth on YouTube, and they’ve been featured in local media such as the Ibaraki Shimbun, garnering significant attention from the community.
They’re a group you’ll want to listen to if you resonate with their love for the region or simply want to enjoy idol pop.
Were you stopped?Lunch Time Speax
Formed in 1993 in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Lunch Time Speax is a three-member hip-hop unit known for hard-hitting, street-savvy lyrics and heavyweight beats.
Consisting of GOCCI, TAD’S A.C., and DJ DENKA, they were discovered in 1998 by DEV LARGE of BUDDHA BRAND and made their major-label debut with Sony Music Entertainment in 2001.
Through releases like the albums “BLUE PRINT MANEUVER” and “B:COMPOSE,” they cemented their place in Japan’s hip-hop scene, and in 2003 they launched their own label, PARANOEAR SOUND.
For over 30 years they have remained highly active, consistently broadcasting their music from the regions to the entire country.
Their stance transcends the boundaries of hip-hop and has impacted the broader music industry, making them a must-listen for music fans seeking uncompromising, hard-edged hip-hop.