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 (21–30)
thorny pathNakada Yūji, Nagata Takaki (Tsubakiya Shijuusou)
Yuji Nakada and Takaki Nagata, who perform in the three-piece rock band Tsubakiya Shijuusou, are from Kumamoto Prefecture.
Nakada and Nagata were classmates at Kumamoto Municipal Keiryo Junior High School.
Their song “Ibara no Michi” was selected as the theme song for the nationwide Tokai TV/Fuji TV drama series “Shofu to Shukujo,” marking their first tie-in with a TV drama.
You got game?Kimeru
Kimeru, who is active as a singer and actor, is from Kumamoto Prefecture.
He made his debut with his first single, “You got game?”, whose title track was used as the ending theme for the TV anime The Prince of Tennis.
FreedomHigashida Tomohiro
A singer-songwriter from Kumamoto Prefecture, currently based there.
His musical style leans toward roots music reminiscent of John Lennon, Bob Marley, and Neil Young.
He is primarily active as a live performer and has appeared at numerous environmental conservation events.
CanvasKu-ron
A hip-hop unit formed in Yamaga City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
They won the grand prize in an audition held by TV Kumamoto’s popular program Wakattoland and Sony Music Publishing, which led them to move to Tokyo.
While based in hip-hop, they operated under the credo of “being particular about not being particular,” but disbanded in 2007.
Owara Koishi Kaze no BonKiyo HIDE
Kumamoto Prefecture’s musical treasure—that is Takayo Hidetoshi.
Known as a towering figure in the enka world, his songs are masterpieces that sing the very heart of Japan.
Among them, the track themed around a traditional event in Toyama Prefecture was released in September 1990 and continues to be loved by many to this day.
The appeal of Takayo Hidetoshi lies in his deeply emotional vocals and lyrics that beautifully depict Japan’s climate, landscapes, and culture.
He is an artist recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone interested in Japan’s traditional culture.
When you listen to his music, Japan’s beautiful four seasons and the delicate nuances of people’s feelings vividly come to life.
Takayo Hidetoshi’s songs are also ideal for those seeking comfort amid busy days.
Flowers of TsugaruHarada Yuuri
An enka singer affiliated with the Kitajima Music Office, known as the Kitajima Family.
Before becoming a singer, she worked as a music teacher at a public elementary school.
Her songs such as “Kisoji no Onna” and “Tsugaru no Hana” were major hits, and she has received many awards at the Japan Record Awards.
heartMaika
A female singer-songwriter.
She started playing guitar in junior high school, and in high school began performing street gigs in the arcades of Kumamoto City.
She later entered a Yamaha-sponsored music contest, where her talent was discovered, leading her to move to Tokyo.
Her appeal lies in a singing voice that conveys a raw, powerful wildness.