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.
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- Kyoto’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
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Artists and singers from Kyoto Prefecture with unique personalities (ages 21–30)
Gotta BeAee! group
結成は2019年。Aぇ! groupは、ポップやロックからダンスミュージックまで幅広いジャンルに挑戦する、関西発の大人気グループです。
Their name is said to come from the Kansai dialect phrase “ee group,” meaning “a good group.” In 2023, they won the Emotional category of the anan AWARD 2023, showcasing their diverse talents not only in music but also on stage and in dramas.
Each member has a distinct personality; for example, Masaya Sano is active on the creative side as well, handling songwriting and composition.
With both youth and skill on their side, it’s impossible to take our eyes off their brilliant future.
O songNakamura Kaho
Singer-songwriter Kaho Nakamura, who performed the lead voice role in director Mamoru Hosoda’s film Belle and also sang both the in-film songs and the main theme, quickly became a sensation.
She was born in Kyoto Prefecture and still lives there.
In her early days, she was active mainly in Kyoto’s live-house scene.
The music born from her down-to-earth lyrics and artistic compositional sense is gentle, breathes deeply, and feels almost alive.
She’s not only a standout from the Kansai region, but is poised to become a defining artist of the Reiwa era.
HURTSHomecomings
We are a four-piece band based in Kyoto.
Since our formation in 2012, we have been actively performing, including collaborations with various international artists and appearances at the FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL.
In April 2018, we provided the theme song for the film ‘Liz and the Blue Bird,’ steadily increasing our recognition.
Ah!!murahachibu
Although they were active in the 1970s and many of the original members have since passed away, the legendary rock band Murahachibu still wields a strong influence in Kyoto.
The intensely powerful lyrics of Kyoto-born vocalist Charbō—what could be called “hiragana rock”—and the driving guitar of Fujio Yamaguchi have led some to call them “Japan’s punk,” predating the emergence of punk in the UK.
LIKE YESTERDAYthe brilliant green
Formed in 1995, they are a band representing Kyoto that made their major debut on Sony Records in 1997 with the single “Bye Bye Mr.
Mug,” featuring lyrics entirely in English.
Although they went on hiatus several times, they resumed band activities in 2014.
The vocalist, Kawase, is also active with a solo project.
Heaven’s KitchenBONNIE PINK
BONNIE PINK, known for songs like “A Perfect Sky” and “Heaven’s Kitchen,” is also from Kyoto City.
“Heaven’s Kitchen” was released in 1997 and was used as an insert song in the film “Falling Into Evening.” It was the first song she ever composed herself, and there’s an anecdote that Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.
Children praised it highly.
Strawberry Statement Once Againbanba hirofumi
Hirofumi Banba of Banban, who made a big breakthrough in 1975 with “Ichigo Hakusho o Mou Ichido,” is from Gion in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City.
Not only as a folk singer, but also thanks to his personality, he became extremely popular as a radio host.