When you think of bands and musicians from Kochi Prefecture, do any artists or bands immediately come to mind?
Mayo Okamoto and Ryoko Hirosue have had a lot of media exposure, so their names likely come up easily, but beyond them, it’s hard to think of many, right?
However, if you look into it, you’ll find that Kochi has produced quite a number of musicians—prompting reactions like “I remember seeing this band on TV back in the day!”, “That person from that band!”, and “That famous video game composer!”
Kochi Prefecture stretches long from east to west, and the regions—Shimanto City in the west, Kochi City and Nangoku City in the center, and Muroto City in the east—each have subtly different cultures and dialects.
In this article, we’ll introduce musicians who hail from Kochi Prefecture.
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From tropical Tosa: musicians and band members from Kochi Prefecture (1–10)
In the Morning of DeterminationTASSHI（Aqua Timez）
Aqua Timez rose to popularity with lyrics that were both universal and powerful in their message, paired with memorable melodies that stirred deep emotion.
TASSHI served as the band’s drummer.
Originally from Kochi City in Kochi Prefecture, TASSHI attended Tosa Junior and Senior High School.
He later went on to Chuo University, where he joined the same club as Aqua Timez members Daisuke, mayuko, and OKP-STAR, being one year their junior.
After developing focal dystonia in his left arm, he stepped away from music activities following the band’s breakup to focus on treatment.
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
The song “TOMORROW” was their debut single and sold two million copies.
Their first ballad, “Alone,” became a long-running hit, followed by a string of successes such as “Sono Mama no Kimi de Ite,” “Sayonara,” “Takaramono,” and “Happy Happy Birthday,” which were featured in commercials, anime, TV dramas, and films.
They have also written many songs for others and are active as a composer.
In addition, under the name “mayo,” they perform as a pianist.
With a familiar, approachable singing voice and high musicality, they are a musician who continues to draw attention!
my sweet heartKomatsu Rika
Rika Komatsu is a voice actress and singer from Kochi Prefecture.
Affiliated with Aoni Production, she possesses a wide range of acting ability, from lively young boys to pure-hearted women.
Her notable roles include Noble Kongou in Legend of the Jewel Warriors (Kami Hachiken-den), Bun in Kirby: Right Back at Ya! (Hoshi no Kirby), and Ashura Tokaiji in Kuromajo-san ga Tooru!!.
In the 2002 TV anime Tokyo Mew Mew, she performed the opening theme and insert songs, showcasing her talents as a singer as well.
Gaze ☆ Daydreamsakaiyuu
Yuu Sakai captivates with his unique sense of groove and clear, high-toned voice.
Born in Kochi as the son of a fisherman, he says he loved singing from a young age.
After graduating from Tosa Juku High School at 18, he discovered his passion for music under the influence of a friend who aspired to be a musician, and moved to Tokyo at 20.
At 22, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he immersed himself in a wide range of American music.
After returning to Japan, he began working as a singer-songwriter and keyboardist, and has been active not only as a performer but also as a songwriter providing music to other artists.
Those who fight furtherUematsu Nobuo
A composer known as the creator of the music for Final Fantasy, one of Japan’s flagship RPG series.
He wrote his first composition at the age of 12, and after spending some time as a company employee in adulthood, he joined what is now Square Enix, where he went on to produce numerous masterpieces.
By incorporating a wide range of musical styles—rock, Celtic, progressive, and more—his works deepen the games’ stories and worlds.
He is sometimes referred to as the Beethoven of the video game industry.
TELE◯POTIONNanao Tabito
A singer-songwriter from Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture, who captivates audiences with a distinctive sound and one-of-a-kind live performances.
They also host self-produced events such as “Uta no Jiko,” a solo acoustic performance series, and “Hyakunin Kumite,” in which they engage in back-to-back improvisational battles with every co-performer.
In addition, leveraging the streaming system “DIYSTARS,” which they helped develop, they have launched initiatives across diverse fields, including the “DIY HEARTS East Japan Earthquake Relief Fundraising Project” and “DIY WORLD,” a platform that solicits works from impoverished and conflict-affected regions around the world.
5 seconds before I fall seriously in loveHirosue Ryōko
Ryoko Hirosue is an actress and singer from Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture.
As an actress, she has appeared in a wide range of TV dramas and films, playing many leading and heroine roles, including Kao Hirai in Ryomaden, Mika Kobayashi in Departures, and Teiko Uhara in Zero Focus.
She has received numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 81st Academy Awards, attesting to her talent.
She is also active as a singer, having performed the theme song for the drama Thursday’s Ghost Stories ’97: Akuryo Gakuen, the ending theme for the anime The Kindaichi Case Files, and commercial songs such as for Mitsuya Cider.