[2026] A compilation of bands, artists, and singers from Kyushu
When you think of artists from Kyushu, who comes to mind?
In recent years, the rock band WANIMA—hugely popular at major festivals around the country and on TV—are famously from Kumamoto, right?
Plus, Masaharu Fukuyama and Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi are strongly associated with being from Kyushu as well!
But there are many more singers and bands from Kyushu!
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of Kyushu-born artists who keep delivering music with passionate hearts!
- Artist Kingdom: Artists, Singers, and Idols from Fukuoka
- Kyushu-Otoko Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Bands, artists, and singers from Kumamoto Prefecture
- Artists from Kagoshima: From Famous Singers to Popular Bands, All in One Go
- Bands, artists, and singers from Saga Prefecture
- A famous song about Fukuoka. The heart of the hometown passed down through song.
- Masculine Allure: Artists and Bands with Husky Voices
- Lesser-Known but Amazing Singers | A Ranking Focused on Pure Talent
- Showa Era Popular Artist Rankings [2026]
- Songs that hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]
- A Japanese soul singer. The stirring SOUL OF JAPAN.
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
[2026] A roundup of bands, artists, and singers from Kyushu (1–10)
Love and UMEGA SHINNOSUKE
Born in Tokyo but raised in Fukuoka, Mega Shinnosuke is a next-generation creator born in 2000.
He began producing music in the fall of 2017 and works as a self-produced artist handling lyrics, composition, and arrangement.
Known for a musical style that spans a wide range of genres, he has been releasing digital-only singles and albums since 2019.
He performed early on at music festivals such as FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL and SUMMER SONIC.
In 2024, his song “Ai to U” went viral through social media.
He is a multifaceted talent who also writes songs for artists like Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku and Masaki Suda, and is recommended for those drawn to distinctive, highly original music.
Nostalgic FutureKamishiraishi Mone
Mone Kamishiraishi, an actress and singer who shot to fame after voicing the heroine Mitsuha Miyamizu in the film Your Name, hails from Kagoshima Prefecture.
She entered the entertainment industry after winning the Special Jury Prize at the Toho Cinderella Audition.
Incidentally, the Grand Prix at that same audition was awarded to her younger sister, Moka Kamishiraishi.
She made her screen debut in 2011 by appearing in a music video for HOME MADE Kazoku, and later won the Japan Academy Prize for Newcomer of the Year for her first leading film role in Lady Maiko.
Her singing also drew attention through works such as Lady Maiko and the song Nandemonaiya from Your Name.
One of her greatest appeals as a singer is her strong, straightforward voice with a firm core.
Tokyo’s WinterA Natsume
A Natsume, a rapper and singer-songwriter from Kumamoto Prefecture, has been gaining attention for a unique musical style that blends hip-hop with a variety of genres.
Their popularity rose following a performance on a TV program in 2020, leading to the release of the album “Carry Case” in 2022 and the EP “Winter Candle” in 2023.
In April 2024, they are set to release their long-awaited major-label debut album “Gum” via Victor Entertainment.
Their songs, which convey down-to-earth messages about themes like parent-child bonds and self-affirmation, resonate with many young listeners.
Beyond music, they also create their own artwork, showcasing multifaceted talent.
With a gentle, delicate voice, lyrics that capture everyday life, and chill-out sounds, their works offer a soothing listening experience—highly recommended for those seeking calm, peaceful moments.
[2026] Summary of Bands, Artists, and Singers from Kyushu (11–20)
Honey toastPan no Mimimi
Mimimi Panno was born and raised in Saga Prefecture and has been immersed in music since childhood through piano, kids’ musicals, and wind ensemble.
While rooted in J-pop, her diverse sound incorporates elements of Vocaloid and jazz, earning passionate support from Gen Z.
She began streaming on social media in 2021, and the following year drew attention for creating the theme song for a popular baseball video game.
Her skills are well-established—she even won the Ambassador Award in a contest on a virtual live streaming app.
Her appeal lies in a supple yet steadfast voice and sharp, edgy expressiveness.
In July 2024, she released the album “Music Meets Me,” which includes songs she wrote and composed herself.
Showcasing multifaceted talent in home recording, illustration, and video production, her music brims with down-to-earth sensibilities and a vibrant pop aesthetic—highly recommended for fans of J-pop and Vocaloid.
Queen of the NightKanoerana
Kanoerana is a singer-songwriter brimming with musical talent who grew up in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture.
With her unique perspective and catchy melodies, she made her major debut in 2016 and has continued to rise in the music scene, leveraging her self-production skills.
She began her musical activities at the age of 14, and her studies at Music Juku Voice Fukuoka had a significant impact on her later career.
Starting in 2015, the 30-second self-accompanied videos she posted on Twitter drew a huge response, leading to her appearance at the Inazuma Rock Fes that same year.
While rooted in J-pop, her inventive songs incorporate elements of anime and games, capturing the hearts of many fans, especially younger audiences.
Her live performances, centered on a self-accompanied style, radiate a captivating presence, and her proactive engagement on social media is also one of her charms.
She’s an artist highly recommended for those who love anime and appreciate a distinctive, individualistic worldview.
LollipopNakamura Ryuta, Yamada Akihiro
Ryuuto Nakamura and Akihiro Yamada, core members of the up-and-coming, high-caliber group LIL LEAGUE, hail from Fukuoka Prefecture and were standout talents selected from “iCON Z,” the largest audition in LDH’s history with about 48,000 participants.
They made their major debut in January 2023 with the single “Hunter,” and won the New Artist Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards that same year.
In February 2024, they released the album “TRICKSTER,” continuing their rapid rise.
Devoted to music from a young age, Nakamura trained at the Avex Artist Academy Fukuoka since third grade, while Yamada, influenced by Michael Jackson in his childhood, has over a decade of dance experience—each bringing proven skills.
With strength in dance, vocals, and rap, these accomplished artists are ones to watch.
VividFuruya Ran, Maekawa Ruki
As members of the skilled dance and vocal group MAZZEL, Ran Furuya from Kumamoto Prefecture and Ruki Maekawa from Fukuoka Prefecture are drawing intense attention.
Debuting under BMSG in May 2023, the eight-member group counts these two as core figures, each hailing from Kyushu—Kumamoto and Fukuoka, respectively.
With over 14 years of dance experience, Furuya boasts numerous championship titles in dance competitions, while Maekawa leads the group with the vocal prowess he honed at EXPG Fukuoka.
After showcasing their abilities on audition programs such as THE FIRST and iCON Z and refining their skills as BMSG trainees, the pair display distinct personalities across a wide range of genres, from pop and R&B to hip-hop.
They are highly recommended for music fans seeking fresh entertainment born from the fusion of Kyushu spirit with dance and vocal performance.