[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] Roundup of Bands, Artists, and Singers from Kyushu (21–30)
Why not punish both sides?Kawatani Enon, chan MARI
At the time of their major-label debut, they were described as hip-hop progressive, a mixed-gender four-piece band whose pop sensibilities shone through their original and complex arrangements.
Gesu no Kiwami Otome’s vocalist-guitarist Enon Kawatani and keyboardist Chan MARI are both artists from Kyushu.
From their songwriting method—where Kawatani’s sense-rich chord progressions and melodies are shaped by Chan MARI, who has perfect pitch—came striking songs such as “Watashi Igai Watashi Janai no” and “Ryoseibai de Ii Janai.” In today’s diverse J-pop scene, they stand out as particularly distinctive, both of them truly brilliant musicians.
FREEPorukadotto Sutingurei
Polkadot Stingray is a band known for their stylish, cool guitar sound.
Hailing from Fukuoka Prefecture, they formed in 2014.
In 2016, they released their first nationally distributed EP, “Honenuki E.P.,” and just a year later, in 2017, they made their major debut with the album “Zenchi Zennō.” The band’s name comes from the polka-dot stingray, a species of ray.
The group’s only female member and vocalist, Shizuku, not only creates the band’s music but also handles album artwork and merchandise design, showcasing her talents far beyond her singing.
rainbowFukuyama Masaharu
Masaharu Fukuyama is active not only as a singer-songwriter but also as an actor and radio personality.
A native of Nagasaki Prefecture, he rose to fame as an actor with the 1993 drama “Under One Roof,” and in music he is known for hit songs like “Sakurazaka” and “Niji.” For those who watched Water Boys, “Niji” is probably especially memorable.
His refreshing, wind-like high notes and the distinctive switches to his low register are part of his appeal.
When he married Kazue Fukiishi, it even sparked a phenomenon called “Masha loss,” where many female fans were so shocked they couldn’t focus on anything.
a good personReina
Reina, whose delicate, ephemeral yet warm singing voice is so captivating, is a singer-songwriter from Kagoshima Prefecture.
Centered on modern folk while incorporating elements of rock and pop, her musical style stands out.
After winning the grand prize from among roughly 5,000 applicants in an audition, she released Boku Dake o in 2021.
In July 2022, she made her major-label debut with Kimi wo Ice.
Songs like Yoi Hito, which was used as background music on ABEMA’s popular dating show, and Wakaremi, an “inspired-by” track, have made her widely known, especially among younger listeners.
Hedonistic sentimentDOES
A three-piece rock band formed in Fukuoka, Kyushu, that made its major debut in 2006.
Their hard-hitting rock tunes like “Shura” and “Donten” were featured as ending themes for the popular TV anime Gintama, and many of their singles have been tied to anime and commercials, reflecting their widespread popularity.
Although they went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, they resumed activities in 2020.
In 2021, their 16th single, “Douraku Shinjou,” was used as an insert song in the film Gintama THE FINAL, proving that this rock band shows no signs of slowing down.
Before anything else, from atop the roadaikawa sho
Sho Aikawa, known as the king of V-Cinema, hails from Kanoya City in Kagoshima Prefecture.
His career began with music as a core member of the performance unit Issē Fūbi Sepia, which made its record debut in 1984.
After drawing attention with their rugged performances, he also pursued a solo career.
His powerful, rock-inflected vocals—showing influences from Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi and Eikichi Yazawa—are truly impressive.
While he has garnered numerous awards as an actor, including the 1998 Japan Film Professional Awards, his passionate presence as a singer is equally captivating.
If I sing to the sky175R
A punk rock band formed in 1998 in Fukuoka, Kyushu, that became a leading figure of the “youth punk” movement and exploded in popularity among junior and senior high school students in the early 2000s.
Their major-label debut track “Happy Life” and second single “Sora ni Utaeba” both entered the Oricon Weekly Chart at No.
1 in their first week, a lightning start that left many feeling the shock—and the arrival of a new era.
After a six-year hiatus beginning in 2010, they remain a powerful rock band that continues to focus on live performances today.