An artist and singer from Kyoto Prefecture with a distinctive personality
When you hear “an artist from Kyoto,” does anyone come to mind right away? Even with artists you love, it can be a surprise to find out—oh, they’re from Kyoto! From stately, veteran performers to idols and locally rooted musicians… Finding an artist from your hometown gives you a little thrill, doesn’t it? Kumi Koda is famously from Kyoto, but there are also many distinctive bands and singer-songwriters.
I hope this article helps you discover even more music and artists to love.
- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region
- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
- Lesser-Known but Amazing Singers | A Ranking Focused on Pure Talent
- Bittersweet! Love songs by female artists recommended for the Yutori generation
- [I IS UPPERCASE] Introducing Popular Songs by Yuriii Canon, a Vocaloid Producer from Kyoto
- Kyoto’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- Recommended bands, singers, and artists from Osaka Prefecture
- [J-Pop] Masterpiece by a female duo. A popular two-woman unit [2026]
- Bands, artists, and singers from Okayama Prefecture
- Koda Kumi’s Cheer Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- Kansai-dialect Songs | A Kansai-born writer thoroughly explains their charm!
- [Nagoya] Bands, artists, and singers from Aichi Prefecture
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
Unique Kyoto-born artists and singers (11–20)
Over DriveTAKUYA
Since their 1993 debut, JUDY AND MARY have produced numerous hit songs, and their guitarist TAKUYA is an artist from Kyoto Prefecture.
He is currently pursuing a solo career, working under both his own name, TAKUYA, and the name ROBOTS.
During the band era, the songs composed by TAKUYA—such as “KYOTO,” “Irotoridori no Sekai,” and “HOTARU”—incorporated keywords evocative of Kyoto and featured emotionally expressive melodic developments.
Let me have that wonderful love once moreKato Kazuhiko
Kazuhiko Kato is the composer of the Showa-era classic “Ano Subarashii Ai o Mou Ichido,” a song almost everyone has heard at least once.
He was born in 1947 in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto Prefecture.
In addition to his own songs, he worked on many film and video game scores, leaving his mark as a musician.
His signature song, “Ano Subarashii Ai o Mou Ichido,” was even included in junior high school textbooks for a time and was cherished by many children.
hereMaruyama Ryuhei
He’s Kanjani∞’s variety-show specialist—an idol with his own signature gag—yet he also shines as a bassist on music programs.
His sweet singing voice is popular among fans, and many are captivated by that contrast.
His solo songs are all uplifting.
At concerts, he gives fan service more wholeheartedly than anyone.
He’s the only member from Kyoto, and the gentle Kyoto dialect that comes out when he speaks is soothing.
It’s spring.Ninagawa Beni
Beni Ninagawa, who has been familiar with Tsugaru shamisen since childhood, has built a brilliant track record in the world of traditional music.
In 2013, she joined Wagakki Band and helped establish an innovative musical style that fuses rock with traditional music.
The band made its major-label debut in 2014 with the album Vocalo Zanmai, drawing significant attention for its covers of famous Vocaloid songs.
In 2015, they won the Japan Record Awards Planning Award, and their album Yasou Emaki reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts, opening up new possibilities for the fusion of traditional instruments and rock.
Their powerful performances and dazzling staging are recommended not only for those interested in traditional music, but for all music fans seeking new forms of expression.
Tokyo beautyNakazawa Yuko
Yuko Nakazawa, who hails from Fukuchiyama in Kyoto Prefecture, was an original member of Morning Musume and the group’s first leader.
During her time in the group, she also debuted as an enka singer.
Her song “Karasu no Nyōbō” is still sung by many people in various settings today.
She graduated from the group in 2001 and is now active as a TV personality while also being a mother of two.
experienceHenmi Mari
Mari Henmi was born in Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, and spent many of her early years in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
She is of mixed heritage, with a Spanish-American father and a Japanese mother.
She studied ballet in childhood and reportedly dreamed of becoming a ballerina while in elementary school.
She made her singing debut in 1960 and drew attention as a sexy kayō (pop) singer with her second single, “Keiken” (Experience).
Artists and singers from Kyoto Prefecture with unique personalities (ages 21–30)
Summer FighterKamogawa
As their name suggests, Kamogawa is a band from Kyoto Prefecture.
The group was originally formed when vocalist-guitarist Kiyotora Mezaki, bassist Tsugu, and drummer N met through a band club at Ritsumeikan University.
Currently, Kiyotora Mezaki is active as a solo artist under the name “Kamogawa.” A distinctive trait is that every album title includes the single character for “kamo” (duck).
Their song “Summer Fighter” was used as the ending theme for the anime Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.