[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] Summary of Bands, Artists, and Singers from Kyushu (11–20)
instinctShiina Ringo
Ringo Sheena, who creates many striking songs that grab listeners’ hearts, is often strongly associated with Fukuoka Prefecture, but she was actually born in Saitama, and grew up in Fukuoka and Shizuoka.
She made her major debut in 1998 with the single “Koufukuron” (A View of Happiness).
Although she released numerous hit songs, she paused her activities in 2003.
She reportedly even considered retiring, but the wildly popular band Tokyo Jihen became the turning point that kept her going.
Comprised of top-tier talents, the band made its major debut in 2004 with the single “Gunjou Biyori.” Though they disbanded in 2012, they reunited in 2020.
Beyond her own musical career, she has written songs for other artists and worked on music related to the Olympics, among many other pursuits.
DriveHIKKA
HIKKA, a singer-songwriter from Miyakonojo, Miyazaki Prefecture, is a remarkable talent who drew attention at a young age on social media with her cover videos of Western music.
Grounded in J-POP and blending elements of R&B and soul, her distinctive musical style and vocals—both delicate and powerful—have captivated many listeners.
Since her debut in May 2024, she has been highly regarded within the industry, earning nominations at various music awards.
Writing and composing her own songs, her original tracks have garnered high streaming counts on digital platforms.
Her music fuses a sensibility nurtured by Miyazaki’s rich nature and culture with a sleek, urban flair, resulting in works brimming with refined expression and natural charm.
With profound musical insight and expressive power, HIKKA’s voice is highly recommended for anyone seeking music that truly resonates with the heart.
Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki
A singer-songwriter from Fukuoka, Kyushu, known for a trademark high, androgynous voice tinged with melancholy.
From his debut single Rainy Blue—which continues to be covered by a wide range of artists—to universally beloved hits like Believe in Dreams and A Broken Radio, he’s renowned for releasing many timeless classics.
In addition to his original songs, his cover albums—where you can fully appreciate his vocals—are must-listens.
He also works as an actor, showcasing his talents across a wide range of fields.
PALEHELLPaledusk
Paledusk is a powerhouse metalcore band from Fukuoka that has established a unique sound while effortlessly leaping over genre boundaries.
Since forming in 2014, they’ve drawn intense attention at home and abroad with a groundbreaking style rooted in metalcore and hardcore, infused with hip-hop, electro, and even jazz.
They debuted with the 2015 EP “Obsidian” and have continued to release music consistently.
Their proven ability includes topping Apple Music’s metal album chart at No.
1, beating out BABYMETAL.
Their international recognition has also grown, with appearances at Slipknot’s KNOTFEST JAPAN and performances alongside Bring Me The Horizon.
If you want a blend of heavy sound and danceable groove, this band comes highly recommended.
SpotlightYamauchi Keisuke
Keisuke Yamauchi, the new prince of the enka world following Kiyoshi Hikawa! He is an enka singer from Itoshima District in Fukuoka Prefecture, now Itoshima City.
Sharing the same Fukuoka roots and studying under the same mentor, Hideo Mizumori, he and Kiyoshi Hikawa are close both privately and professionally.
In front of a Victor producer, he sang beloved Hibari Misora classics such as “Echigojishi” and “Kanashii Sake,” and made his debut in 2001 with “Kirijo.” In 2010, he was appointed Itoshima Hometown Ambassador, and after releasing “Kushiro Airport” in 2013, he was also named Special Promotional Envoy for Kushiro Airport.
Set the fireSHANK
SHANK is a three-piece band formed in 2004 in Nagasaki, Kyushu.
They are also known for continuing to be based in Nagasaki without relocating to Tokyo.
They actively engage in locally rooted activities, such as hosting their own festival, BLAZE UP NAGASAKI, at Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki and organizing live shows in their hometown.
A rock band that keeps broadcasting their intense sound and emotional vocals from Nagasaki to the world, their deep love for their hometown is surely one of their many charms!
[2026] Roundup of Bands, Artists, and Singers from Kyushu (21–30)
Evening Calm AnthologyKurenazumu
Formed in 2018 and based in Fukuoka City, Crenazm crafts a compelling sound influenced by shoegaze and dream pop—genres that layer warped tones to conjure mysterious sonic spaces.
It’s a style not often heard among Japanese artists.
Shortly after they began, they proved their talent with appearances such as at the Ringo Music Festival.
Their song “Hitori Nokorazu Niramitsukete” was chosen as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Love music,” and “Ashita ni wa Furimuite yo” was used as the ending theme for “Mezamashi 8.” They might just be the most hotly anticipated band in the music scene right now!