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

[2026] A compilation of bands, artists, and singers from Kyushu
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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] A roundup of bands, artists, and singers from Kyushu (1–10)

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
together; along with; bothWANIMA

As a band from Kyushu, the three members of WANIMA are now widely known.

All members are from Kumamoto Prefecture, and the band was formed around bassist KENTA and guitarist KO-SHIN.

They moved to Tokyo in 2008, and in 2010 drummer FUJI joined, completing the current lineup.

Their songs reflect their deep connection to their hometown, such as “THANX,” which features lyrics in the Kumamoto dialect, and “Tomoni,” which expresses their feelings when they moved to Tokyo and their affection for where they come from.

RikaSIX LOUNGE

SIX LOUNGE 'Rika' from “Northwind” Streaming Studio Session
RikaSIX LOUNGE

Formed by high school students, SIX LOUNGE is a band from Oita Prefecture.

They won the Oita Rock ’n’ Roll High School contest—aimed at high school bands in Oita—two years in a row, showcasing their talent from the very beginning.

After making their indie CD debut in 2015 with the single “Merry Lou,” they made their major-label debut in 2018.

In 2023, their song “Rika” went viral on the recommendation of aiko.

Their striking melodies, delivered over a no-frills rock sound, have been drawing significant attention.

Spitz

That gentle girlKusano Masamune

Masamune Kusano, the frontman of Spitz, is from Fukuoka City in Fukuoka Prefecture.

He writes most of Spitz’s lyrics and music, weaving in his unique blend of influences—from kayōkyoku and punk to elements of THE BLUE HEARTS—to create a delicate yet refreshing atmosphere you can only experience with Spitz.

His talent, often called genius, is said to make Mr.

Children’s Sakurai jealous.

His endlessly clear, transparent singing voice—and, as he himself has mentioned, his very contrarian personality—are also part of his charm.

Transparent GirlNUMBER GIRL

They’re a four-piece rock band best known for their greeting, “We’re NUMBER GIRL, from Hakata Ward in Fukuoka.” With razor-sharp guitar and bass tones, drums that are busy and thrillingly dynamic, and above all the powerful individuality of guitarist-vocalist Shutoku Mukai, they’re a rock band whose influence is legendary—one that helped shape Japan’s alternative scene from the late 1990s into the 2000s.

The response to their 2019 reactivation was tremendous, and they continue to enjoy strong support from Japanese rock fans today.

Goodbye DaysYUI

YUI 『Good-bye days ~2012 ver.~』
Goodbye DaysYUI

A female singer-songwriter representing Japan in 1987.

It’s nostalgic to think back to when she made a sensational debut with “feel my soul.” Her musical roots lie in Avril Lavigne, and I’m sure some people were blown away by her style—delicate yet at times fiercely passionate.

YUI’s music spread as her street performances in Fukuoka—sitting cross-legged and playing—drew attention.

I was deeply moved when I heard “TOKYO,” a song about her feelings coming up to Tokyo for a tour, performed in that same cross-legged style and without a microphone, straight to the ear.

Her emotive voice and simple yet powerful melodies are truly captivating.

KawaiiSPIRITUS

SPIRITUS – Kawaii (Official Music Video)
KawaiiSPIRITUS

SPIRITUS is a sister duo from Fukuoka with Swiss and Japanese roots.

Grounded in hip-hop and club music, they deliver songs that portray strong women who value their individuality, earning passionate support from Gen Z.

Since launching their career in 2023, they’ve been bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene, starting from their activity on social media.

A major draw of SPIRITUS is the unique world of female rap woven by the elder sister IFE and younger sister MIA.

As of May 2024, their tracks on SoundCloud have surpassed 1.4 million plays, captivating many listeners with powerful messages and catchy sounds.

They also appeared in a cypher project hosted by Red Bull, demonstrating solid skills as up-and-coming artists.

If you like hip-hop, rap, or club music, they’re artists you should definitely check out.

I long to see you now.MISIA

MISIA – Aitakute Ima (Official HD Music Video)
I long to see you now.MISIA

With her expansive, gentle singing voice that envelops listeners’ hearts, MISIA captivates many and hails from Tsushima City in Nagasaki Prefecture.

Beyond her career as a singer, she actively engages in social contribution and charitable activities, focusing particularly on educational support for children.

She made her major debut in 1998 with the single “Tsutsumi Komu Yō ni…” and her first album released the same year, “Mother Father Brother Sister,” became a massive hit, selling over 2.5 million copies.

Since then, she has continued to deliver numerous heartfelt hits, including “Everything” and “Aitakute Ima.”