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 (ages 31–40)
blue filmAoi Sakurai
As a guitarist from Ishioka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Ao Sakurai has continued to leave a distinct mark on Japan’s visual kei scene.
Since forming cali≠gari in 1993, his career spanning over 30 years has pursued an innovative sound that fuses diverse genres such as experimental rock, post-punk, and noise rock.
From the album Dai 1 Jikkenshitsu to 16, he has released numerous ambitious works, and even after the band’s hiatus in 2003 and reunion in 2009, he remains highly active.
Under the concept of “Erotic Grotesque,” Sakurai showcases multifaceted talents across lyric writing, composition, art direction, and stage production.
His music is a must-listen for fans seeking expressions that transcend the conventional boundaries of rock.
Oh, early summer rainWatanabe Risa
Risa Watanabe, born in July 1998 in Ibaraki Prefecture, is a multi-talented entertainer active across a wide range of fields, from idol group member to actress and model.
She entered the entertainment industry in 2015 as a first-generation member of Keyakizaka46 and served as a front member for their debut single, “Silent Majority.” She went on to play central roles in songs such as “Fukyouwaon” and “Kaze ni Fukaretemo,” contributing to the group’s numerous accolades, including the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Gold Disc Award.
With her neat, cool charm and assured expressive power, she has captivated many fans.
Since graduating in 2022, she has shifted her focus to acting while continuing to work across diverse fields.
She’s an artist well worth following for anyone interested in idol culture or the acting world.
Lucie, Too
Formed in Utsunomiya in 2016, this all-girl indie rock band drew attention as a trio with a wide-ranging sound spanning from alternative rock to pop punk.
They made their debut in 2017 with the digital single “Lucky,” whose music video became a hot topic, racking up 400,000 views in three months.
The following year, they actively ventured overseas, appearing on Fuji TV’s “Love music” and embarking on a North American tour.
Their bright, catchy melodies paired with introspective lyrics are compelling; they released their first full-length album, “Fool,” in 2021, and in 2025 their music was even featured in a Calbee commercial, steadily building their career.
Highly recommended for fans of Western-leaning indie rock and all-female bands!
ClickKasahara Momona
In 2016, Momona Kasahara made a dazzling debut in the music world as the youngest member of ANGERME.
After her idol activities, she has emerged as the leader of ME:I.
In 2024, she won the Best New Artist Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards and even performed the ending theme for a Disney animation, expanding her range of activities.
With outstanding vocal and dance skills, and expressive power that skillfully controls facial expressions and tone of voice, she has the abilities worthy of a core member of the group.
As part of ME:I, she won “FAVORITE NEW ASIAN ARTIST” at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, asserting her presence across Asia.
With distinctive performances and solid ability, Momona Kasahara is leading the new generation of the idol scene—must-see for J-POP fans.
BaNe BaNe feat. DOTAMA#KT-chan
#KT-chan, a rapper and artist from Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, is attracting attention.
Spurred by competing in the High School RAP Championship, she established her own style of “non-dissing rap.” Her lyrics, dubbed the “KT Theater” for their fantasy elements, have garnered strong support from Gen Z women.
In March 2023, she made a record-fast appearance in an MC battle at Ryogoku Kokugikan and won the Yahoo! Search Award in the Next Break category.
Drawing on her experience as a child actor, her expressive performances have been highly praised across the board.
Her EP “Oneder” features collaborations with DOTAMA and DJ CHARI.
Guided by the belief of “entertaining people” through rap, her continued delivery of positive messages suggests new possibilities for music.
Bands, artists, and singers from the Kanto region (41–50)
LEGACYIce Bahn
ICE BAHN, active in Kanagawa since 2001, is a hip-hop crew renowned for intricate rhymes and advanced rap skills.
Formed as a four-piece by MCs Gyokuro, KIT, and FORK, along with DJ/producer BEAT Bugyo, they energize the music scene with a distinctive, sample-driven sound.
From the classic album STARTREC to their latest release LEGACY, they have consistently earned high praise.
FORK won the national ULTIMATE MC BATTLE in 2006 and also claimed the title at KING OF KINGS in 2021, showcasing the crew’s stellar record on the MC battle scene.
Their monthly event CLEAN UP, held on the fourth Saturday at the live venue THE BRIDGE YOKOHAMA, offers a chance to experience their signature live performance.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking authentic hip-hop.
AREA AREAOZROSAURUS
A distinctive hip-hop group born in Yokohama, Kanagawa.
Formed in 1996, OZROSAURUS has captivated many listeners with a unique musical style that fuses band sounds and hip-hop.
They made their major debut in 1997 with the mini-album “Rhyme Darts,” and released the album “ROLLIN’045” in 2001.
Vividly depicting Yokohama’s street culture, the album became a big hit, selling 80,000 copies.
Their album “Rhyme & Blues,” selected as Best Hip-Hop Album 2006 by music magazines MUSIC MAGAZINE and BLAST, is also remembered as a comeback work by MC MACCHO after a traffic accident.
Having evolved into a six-piece band, they continue to pursue new musical possibilities with a one-of-a-kind sound that freely moves between hip-hop and rock.