[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] Compilation of Bands, Artists, and Singers from Kyushu (41–50)
SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA
CHAGE and ASKA are a duo that left their mark on Japanese music history, dominating Japan’s pop charts with numerous hit songs.
Hailing from Kokura in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, the two—who were high school classmates—formed the group in 1979.
Their songs, still beloved by many listeners today, have lost none of their luster.
In Fukuoka in particular, they have a large fanbase, and there are even bars and izakayas themed around CHAGE and ASKA.
If you’re a fan, why not check them out?
Goodbye, tearsJi Enputi
The Empty, a band from Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Formed in 2019 by junior high school classmates, they’ve been winning over young listeners with down-to-earth lyrics and an energetic sound.
They kicked into full gear in 2021 with their first demo, “The Empty – 1st demo,” delivering exhilarating melodic punk rock on tracks like “Take Me Out” and “Seishun.” In 2024, they were selected for KBC Radio’s Power Play.
Recommended for anyone who wants to relive their youthful memories or get fired up with friends.
Love will winKAN
KAN, who sang the mega-hit song “Ai wa Katsu” (Love Will Win), is from Fukuoka Prefecture and has created numerous songs in a style where he sings while playing the piano, which he started in elementary school.
Before his debut, he won awards in competitions held by Yamaha and Young Jump.
In 1987, he made his major debut with TV no Naka ni, released as both a single and an album with the same title.
The smash hit “Ai wa Katsu” was originally included on the album Yakyū Senshu ga Yume Datta (I Wanted to Be a Baseball Player) and didn’t attract much attention at the time of its release.
However, it later went into heavy rotation on FM802 and was released as a single.
Its selection as the ending theme for the TV program “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Terebi” also boosted its profile, leading to a Japan Record Award, a spot on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and massive success.
Crossing Amagi PassIshikawa Sayuri
Sayuri Ishikawa, known for her hit songs Amagi-goe and Tsugaru Strait–Winter Scene, is from Kumamoto Prefecture.
She originally debuted as an idol singer with Kakurenbo, but today she is a leading enka singer at the forefront of the music world.
The song Whisky ga, Osukidesho, which you may recognize from Suntory whisky commercials, was actually first released by Sayuri Ishikawa in 1990.
It feels so familiar, doesn’t it? Her music has become so ingrained in Japan’s music scene, and I want to keep loving Sayuri Ishikawa’s songs for years to come.
metropoliskurisutaru kingu
A band from Nagasaki in Kyushu that gained popularity with high-quality songs strongly influenced by Western hard rock, featuring twin vocals covering both low and high ranges.
They produced numerous hits that many listeners still recognize today, including “Daitokai,” which sold over 1.5 million copies, and “Ai o Torimodose!!,” famous as the theme song for the TV anime Fist of the North Star.
Also, the fact that the setting of “Daitokai,” often assumed to be Tokyo, is actually Hakata in Fukuoka Prefecture reflects their deep affection for Kyushu.
They were a band that took Japan’s rock scene by storm from the 1970s through the 1980s.
I’ve started falling in love!Batten Shōjo-tai
Batten Shōjo-tai are the treasured protégés of Stardust Promotion, the agency that represents Momoiro Clover Z.
Their fans are affectionately called “troops.” Even after making their nationwide debut, their Kyushu-centered activities have been captivating fans all across Japan.
Their biggest selling points are their full-of-energy, festival-inspired songs—like the TikTok-viral “Yokayoka Dance” and the live-show crowd-pleaser “Osshoi!” Among their six charming members are the beautiful Sakura, the eternally Basho-like Riko, and the always-smiling Kiina; together they’re a kaleidoscope of ever-changing fun.
They’re a must-check, fast-rising idol group!
Forget to breatheircle
The four-piece rock band ircle from Oita Prefecture has been an accomplished act since their formation in 2003, continuing without any lineup changes.
Building on emotional guitar rock and incorporating elements of metalcore and rap-rock/mixture, they’ve steadily grown their fanbase with a heavy, powerful sound.
Their diverse body of work, including albums like “Furueru” and “Cosmic City,” showcases an evolution that weaves in pop and ballad elements as well.
In 2017, they held a 15th-anniversary one-man show at Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO, captivating the audience with overwhelming musicianship and stage presence.
While remaining independent and avoiding affiliation with major labels, they’ve carved out a solid presence in Japan’s rock scene.
Their songs—where forceful performances meet delicate melodies—are sure to resonate with a wide range of listeners, from hard rock fans to those who prefer more melodic music.