Bands, artists, and singers from Kumamoto Prefecture
Do you know any artists from Kumamoto Prefecture?
When people talk about Kyushu, Fukuoka tends to get most of the attention, and it’s true that Fukuoka has produced many popular artists—but Kumamoto holds its own too!
In recent years, there have been plenty of artists from Kumamoto who enjoy widespread popularity and name recognition across all ages, including nationally beloved rock bands, singer-songwriters, and veteran enka singers.
In this article, we’ll introduce a whole lineup of artists from Kumamoto Prefecture, so take this opportunity to check them out!
Bands, artists, and singers from Kumamoto Prefecture (1–10)
LIFEWANIMA
WANIMA is a band that energizes many people with power-packed songs.
All members are from Kumamoto Prefecture: vocalist/bassist KENTA and guitarist KO-SHIN are from Amakusa City, and drummer FUJI is from Kumamoto City.
Before forming WANIMA in 2010, they had a predecessor band called HANIWA.
In 2014, they released their first nationally distributed mini-album, “Can Not Behaved,” and subsequently gained attention by appearing at numerous major festivals such as Kyoto Daisakusen and ROCK IN JAPAN.
In 2017, they performed on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, delivering a powerful vocal performance.
Their many invigorating tracks—songs that fill you with energy just by listening—have been featured in numerous tie-ins for TV dramas, anime, and commercials.
It’s okay.BLUE ENCOUNT
BLUE ENCOUNT is a band that drew attention as a “tear-jerking” rock group.
Vocalist/guitarist Shunichi Tanabe and drummer Yoshihide Takamura are from Kumamoto Prefecture, and the band was formed at a vocational school in Kumamoto that they attended along with guitarist Yuya Eguchi.
After forming in 2004 and moving to Tokyo in 2006, they gradually gained recognition through touring with bands like SUPER BEAVER and by posting videos on YouTube.
In 2014, they made their major debut with the EP TIMELESS ROOKIE.
In 2016, they even appeared as themselves in the TV drama THE LAST COP, for which they provided the theme song.
Centered around their own live tours, festivals, and events, they are a powerful band that can at times bring listeners to tears.
BUBBLE-GUM MAGICTeranaka Tomoaki (KEYTALK)
KEYTALK lifts you up with irresistibly danceable rock that makes you want to move.
Their main vocalist and guitarist, Tomomasa “Kyosho” Teranaka, hails from Kumamoto City.
Influenced by the duo Yuzu, Teranaka grew close to the guitar.
Although he pursued boxing so seriously in high school that he was scouted, his passion for music was rekindled, and at Showa University of Music in Tokyo he met Ono, with whom he formed KEYTALK.
In June 2020, they launched their YouTube channel.
His beautiful singing voice—quite different from the full-band sound in acoustic settings—is wonderful as well.
ParadiseBantomi ko (Do As Infinity)
Tomiko Van, affectionately known as “Ban-chan,” is the vocalist of Do As Infinity.
Originally from Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District in Kumamoto Prefecture, she worked as a hair model after graduating high school, was scouted in Nakameguro, and debuted in 1999.
Although she’s often seen as cool—owning a large motorcycle license and all—hearing her on the radio reveals a gentle, laid-back demeanor that’s disarmingly charming.
She has also pursued solo work, including releasing cover albums.
Her delicate, straightforward singing voice is deeply moving.
In 2017, she relocated her base to Kumamoto and has continued activities rooted in her hometown, such as appearing in promotional videos for farm-stay tourism.
petalRirii sayonara.
Lily, Sayonara is a solo project by vocalist Hiroki.
Originally from Kumamoto Prefecture, Hiroki worked as a singer-songwriter while living in his hometown.
After moving to Tokyo in 2013, he began releasing music under the name Lily, Sayonara, putting out the digital single “Yakusoku” that fall.
The following year, he made his debut as a lyricist and composer by providing a song to the male music group Chotokkyu (Bullet Train).
His songs, which depict real-life worlds through skillful, almost novelistic word choices, have inspired and moved many fans.
He has also gained popularity in China, where he has performed live and released music digitally.
First loveMurashita Kōzō
Kozo Murashita, a singer-songwriter famous for “Hatsukoi” (First Love).
Born in Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, he won the Grand Prix at the 1st CBS Audition in 1979, which was then part of Sony Music Entertainment.
He debuted the following year, 1980, with “Tsukiakari.” Even as folk music’s popularity was beginning to wane at the time, he captivated listeners with his high level of technique and songwriting sensibility, which had been recognized since the audition.
His early works depict mature romantic relationships, and his somewhat nostalgic, deeply emotive voice resonates in the heart.
PayapayaMAGUMI（Repisshu）
I’m the vocalist and trumpeter for the band LÄ-PPISCH, which is centered around rock and ska.
The band made its major debut in 1987, went on hiatus in 2005, and resumed activities in late 2007.
We currently perform irregularly at festivals and events.