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 artists and singers from Kyoto Prefecture (ages 41–50)
The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi
Harumi Miyako from Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
Even if you’re not a fan of enka, many people have probably heard this song—“Suki ni Natta Hito,” released in 1968.
With her uniquely powerful voice, she enjoys immense popularity as a nationally beloved enka singer.
Unique and diverse artists and singers from Kyoto Prefecture (ages 51–60)
Unyielding Broken HeartMatsuda Julia
Juria Matsuda is from Kyoto Prefecture.
She debuted in 1990 under a different name and then re-debuted in 1993 as a mysterious beautiful girl vocalist.
“Makenai Broken Heart” was released in 1994 and reached a peak position of 14 on the Oricon chart.
yellow yellow happyPocket Biscuits
Chiaki, the vocalist of Pocket Biscuits, is also from Kyoto Prefecture.
“Yellow Yellow Happy” was released in 1996, and both the composition and production of the song were handled by Bakufu Slump’s Pappara Kawai.
Although its peak on the Oricon chart was No.
4, it became a million-seller thanks to its long-running popularity.
It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki
Masaki Ueda, who became hugely popular with “Kanashii Iro Ya Ne,” is also from Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture.
His slightly husky voice evokes a sense of melancholy.
The song was used as the theme for the 1988 film “Kanashii Iro Yanen,” in which he himself also appeared.
Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
Ryudo Uzaki of the Down Town Boogie Woogie Band is also from Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.
And speaking of the Down Town Boogie Woogie Band, it has to be “Minato no Yoko, Yokohama, Yokosuka”! In 1997, it was used as the theme song for a commercial for Fujifilm’s disposable camera ‘Utsurundesu,’ bringing the song back into the spotlight.
Wandervogelkururi
An experimental rock band born from a university club in Kyoto.
Quruli made their major debut in 1998 and, while rooted in rock, has shaken up the music scene with a wide-ranging sound that transcends genres, including classical and techno.
They ventured into alternative rock with the album “THE WORLD IS MINE,” and achieved a fusion with classical music on the album “Tanz Walzer.” Their distinctive musicality and cultural activities earned them the Kyoto City Cultural and Artistic Merit Award in 2021.
Since 2007, they have hosted the music festival “Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai” in Umekoji Park, Kyoto, contributing to the promotion of local music culture.
Continually pursuing new forms of musical expression beyond genre boundaries, Quruli’s music is perfect for fans drawn to experimental sounds and poetic lyrics.
DiamondsNakayama Kanako
Kanako Nakayama, guitarist of PRINCESS PRINCESS—the legendary band that has led Japan’s girls’ band scene—made her major-label debut in 1986 with the mini-album “Kiss de Hanzai.” In 1989, they became the first all-female band to perform at Nippon Budokan, leaving a major mark on the music world.
Influenced by Joan Jett, Nakayama combines powerful guitar playing with strong songwriting talent.
After PRINCESS PRINCESS disbanded, she pursued solo work, including the album “HOWLING,” and performs with the rock band VooDoo Hawaiians.
In November 2024, she successfully held a 60th-birthday commemorative live show, proving her rock spirit remains as fierce as ever.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the essence of powerful female rock.