[2026] A compilation of bands, artists, and singers from Kyushu

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

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!

[2026] Roundup of Bands, Artists, and Singers from Kyushu (21–30)

UndercoverDECO*27

DECO*27 – Undercover feat. Hatsune Miku

UndercoverDECO*27

A Vocaloid producer from Fukuoka, Kyushu, who began composing self-taught at the age of 14.

Known for numerous hit songs built on a band sound infused with elements of electronica and lyrics themed around love directed toward others or oneself.

Their wide-ranging musicality has influenced many other Vocaloid producers—for example, the driving, rock-forward “Hibana,” the dance-tuned beats and catchy melodies of “Vampire,” and “Mousou Kanshou Daishou Renmei,” whose guitar cutting and uniquely expressive lyrics linger in the ear.

An essential artist in any discussion of VOCALOID’s evolution, they continue to push their sound forward.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Song of DawnRin Oto

[Rin-ne x Soundcore] – Yoakeno Uta (Official Music Video) #SummerWish2020

Song of DawnRin Oto

Rin-ne is a rapper from Fukuoka Prefecture.

In 2020, his signature track “snow jam” became a major hit, climbing the charts on various music streaming services and leading to TV appearances, which quickly made him a breakout artist.

When “snow jam” took off, he was still a university student—truly the arrival of a new-generation artist.

Before his big break, he also competed in MC battles, winning tournaments in Kyushu and demonstrating his skills even then.

With his mellow rap and sophisticated melodic sense as his strengths, he’s an artist to watch who’s sure to keep delivering great music.

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[2026] Compilation of Bands, Artists, and Singers from Kyushu (31–40)

YumemigusaBLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT “Yumemigusa” Music Video [Theme Song for the Film “Blue, Painful, and Brittle”]

YumemigusaBLUE ENCOUNT

BLUE ENCOUNT, sometimes called a “tear-jerker band” for their fiery sound and lyrics, was formed in 2003 by vocalist/guitarist Shunichi Tanabe and drummer Yoshihide Takamura from Kumamoto Prefecture, along with guitarist Yuya Eguchi from Kagoshima Prefecture.

In 2006, Yuuta Tsujimura, a senior from their vocational school and a native of Kanagawa Prefecture, first joined as a support bassist and later became an official member.

The song HALO from their 2012 mini-album HALO EFFECT began attracting attention on YouTube, sparking their rise in popularity.

They made their major-label debut in 2014 with the release of the EP TIMELESS ROOKIE.

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unfinishedieiri reo

Leo Ieiri - “Mikansei” (Theme song for the Fuji TV Monday 9 PM drama “Absolute Zero: Unseen Crime Investigation”)

unfinishedieiri reo

Singer Leo Ieiri is from Kurume City in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Her debut with “Sabrina” was striking.

Since then, she has consistently released songs and has performed numerous tie-in tracks.

She is a graduate of the music school Voice, which also produced Ayaka; given the hardships she faced in childhood and the influence of artists like Yutaka Ozaki and YUI, who is from the same hometown, I feel many of her songs carry powerful messages.

While she has many serious tracks, songs full of hope like “Bokutachi no Mirai” are also captivating, and her greatest appeal, I think, is the way they somehow persuade you and make you feel convinced.

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BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / BLUE BIRD

BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi

Affectionately known by the nickname “Ayu,” she is a leading Japanese singer who has been active on the front lines as a diva.

Since her 1998 debut with the single “Poker face,” she has given us many memorable songs.

While she is strongly associated with ballads like “M” and “SEASONS,” I think her strengths also shine in refreshing up-tempo tracks like “BLUE BIRD.” As an artist from Fukuoka, she’s absolutely indispensable!

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A bittersweet episodeHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “A Tale of Tears and Laughter” Music Video

A bittersweet episodeHata Motohiro

Though Motohiro Hata grew up in Yokohama, he was born in Miyazaki Prefecture.

He’s a singer-songwriter known for his round face and signature beard.

Debuting in 2006 with “Synchro,” he expanded his fan base mainly through radio with vocals once described as a “voice made of steel and glass” and a uniquely sharp musical style.

He steadily appeared on TV as well, and after the long-running hit of his 2010 single “Ai” and “Himawari no Yakusoku,” which was chosen as a theme song for a Doraemon film, he became a popular artist loved by a wider range of generations.

His expressive richness shines even more in his stripped-down style, as heard on the concept album “evergreen” and the acoustic live series “GREEN MIND.” Delicate expression and beautifully vivid imagery are among his appeals.

Affectionately nicknamed “Hata-kyun,” he’s also known for surprisingly sharp-tongued live MCs—so keep an eye on his concerts.

From heart-wrenching ballads to warm mid-tempo pop and upbeat tunes that wrap you in joy, Hata captivates with a wide variety of songs.

He’s also active in writing for others, having penned Mone Kamishiraishi’s “Kokuhaku” and Sexy Zone’s “Natsu no Hydrangea,” among others.

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Teru’s SongTeshima Aoi

[Traditional Chinese Subtitles] Aoi Teshima – Teru’s Song (Song Collection Version)

Teru's SongTeshima Aoi

With an angelic singing voice that brings comfort to listeners, Aoi Teshima is from Kasuga City in Fukuoka Prefecture.

After appearing at an event held in South Korea, she caught the attention of Studio Ghibli’s producers and directors, and was selected as the artist for the theme song of the Ghibli film Tales from Earthsea, marking her debut as a singer.

In the film, she not only performed the theme song, “Therru’s Song,” but also made her voice acting debut as the heroine, Therru.

She later continued to serve as both theme song performer and voice actress for Ghibli’s From Up on Poppy Hill with the song “Summer of Goodbye.”

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