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!
- [2026] A compilation of bands, artists, and singers from Kyushu
- A classic song about Kumamoto. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Kyushu-Otoko Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- [Vocaloid Songs] Summary of Popular and Well-Known Utaite (Singers)
- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region
- Folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes of Kumamoto: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- A must-see for Gen Z men! Easy-to-sing songs by male artists for karaoke
- Kazuyoshi Saito’s masterpieces and popular songs
Bands, artists, and singers from Kumamoto Prefecture (11–20)
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
Sayuri Ishikawa, known for her glossy, beautiful singing voice, hails from Akita Village in Hōtaku District—now Minami Ward, Kumamoto City—in Kumamoto Prefecture.
In her third year of junior high school, she was scouted at a singing contest she entered in place of a friend, making her entertainment debut first as a TV drama actress.
The following year, she debuted as an idol singer with the single “Kakurenbo.” Her 1977 single “Tsugaru Kaikyō Fuyugeshiki” became a major hit and catapulted her to national attention.
In 1986, she released her signature song “Amagi-goe,” with which she has performed on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen more than ten times.
She received the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize in 2018, and the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2019.
MONKEY4Pochomukin (Gaki Renjā)
Pochomkin, the MC and DJ of the hip-hop group Gaki Ranger, is from Kumamoto City in Kumamoto Prefecture.
He has used various aliases such as POCYOMUKIN and FREAKY Zuiki, and since 2016 he has also been active in the duo Tsurukame Sound with hip-hop artist LIBRO.
Gaki Ranger was formed in 1994 by Pochomkin and MC YOSHI, and gained attention after releasing the indie mini-album “Lip Service” in 1998.
They made their major-label debut in 2001 with the single “Hinoko o Chirasu Shōryū,” and held their first concert in Australia in 2016.
In the same year, following the Kumamoto earthquakes, they proactively led charity efforts.
Gamble Rumbleyuri（m.o.v.e）
Yuri, the vocalist of the music group m.o.v.e produced by t-kimura, is from Kumamoto Prefecture.
After appearing on the audition program ASAYAN, she was selected to join m.o.v.e and debuted in 1997 with the single “ROCK IT DOWN.” Inspired by a festival held in Dallas, USA, in 2003, the group began to expand their activities overseas in earnest.
After m.o.v.e disbanded in 2013, she began her solo career in 2018, releasing the album “Eternity” the following year, in 2019.
During her time in m.o.v.e, she captivated fans with a clear, crystalline voice, and as a solo artist, she continues to enchant them with a more mature tone that reflects her growth over the years.
Get WildUtsunomiya Takashi (TM NETWORK)
TM NETWORK is a music unit that primarily produces sparkling, synth-driven dance music.
Its vocalist, Takashi Utsunomiya, is from Kumamoto Prefecture.
He debuted in 1979 with the band SPEEDWAY, which included three members who would later join TM NETWORK.
The year after SPEEDWAY disbanded, they formed TM NETWORK and made their debut by simultaneously releasing the single “Friday’s Lion (Take it to the Lucky)” and the album “RAINBOW RAINBOW.” After starting his solo career under the name T.UTU in 1992, he has also been active in various other units.
He is a singer known for his clear, straightforward vocal tone.
Sacred Girl DomainTakaranoya Arika (ALI PROJECT)
Arika Takarano, the vocalist of ALI PROJECT who captivates listeners with a uniquely dark aesthetic, hails from Kumamoto City in Kumamoto Prefecture.
In 1985, she began performing under the name Ari Project alongside keyboardist Mikiya Katakura.
They made their indie debut in 1988 with the album “Gensō Teien” (Fantasy Garden).
Four years later, in 1992, they adopted their current name, ALI PROJECT, and made their major-label debut with the single “Koise yo Otome ~Love story of ZIPANG~.” Her lyrics draw inspiration from the unreal—myth and fantasy—and are distinguished by their unique expressions, primarily employing classical Japanese and Sino-Japanese vocabulary.
Beyond music, she launched her own Lolita fashion brand, “Shōjo Kizoku” (Aristocratic Maiden), which she designs and produces herself.
March of 365 StepsSuizenji Kiyoko
Kiyoko Suizenji is known for her distinctive, resonant singing voice that seems to fill listeners with energy.
She hails from Kumamoto City in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Her stage surname, Suizenji, was taken from Suizenji Jōjuen Garden in Kumamoto City, and her given name, Kiyoko, was inspired by Kiyomasa Katō—founder of the Higo Kumamoto Domain and a Sengoku-era warlord beloved by the people of Kumamoto.
After appearing in a song contest at the age of 15, she made her debut in 1964 with the single “Namida o Da’ita Wataridori” (A Migratory Bird Embracing Tears).
Her 1968 release “Sanbyakurokujūgo-ho no Māchi” (The 365-Step March) became a massive hit and has remained a well-loved song across generations.
In 1970, she was selected to star in the TV drama “Arigatō,” marking her debut as an actress.
In 2019, she was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
Bands, artists, and singers from Kumamoto Prefecture (21–30)
sunflowerKoyama Takuji
Takuji Koyama is a singer-songwriter from Kumamoto who debuted in 1983.
His songs are characterized by strong messages and literary qualities.
He has also published books.
“Himawari” is a track included on the album “Himawari,” released in 1984.