Bands, artists, and singers from Mie Prefecture
When it comes to artists from Mie Prefecture, there are many across different generations—from Kana Nishino to Shizue Abe.
Still, some people might find it hard to immediately think of artists from Mie.
So in this article, we’ll introduce a whole lineup of artists from Mie Prefecture!
We’ve picked a wide range spanning singer-songwriters, bands, saxophonists, and more, regardless of genre or era, so try finding a new favorite.
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- [Ones to Watch in 2026!] Recommended Female Singers & Recent Female Artists
- Songs related to Mie Prefecture. Beloved local tunes of Mie that continue to be cherished.
- [2026] A must-see for music lovers! Up-and-coming artists to watch
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- A vitamin voice that brings comfort and energy! Ranking of Hiroshi Miyama’s most popular songs
- Late-blooming singer-songwriter! Nakamura Emi’s popular songs
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Recommended love songs sung by male artists for the yutori generation
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Kana Nishino's famous and popular songs
Bands, Artists, and Singers from Mie Prefecture (11–20)
Run, runTakaminao
Nao Takami, who hails from Mie Prefecture, was a former member of the idol group Babyraids JAPAN.
She joined a talent agency while in elementary school and worked as an exclusive model for the fashion magazine Love Berry.
In 2012, she joined Babyraids and made her major debut with the single “Babyraids.” In 2016, she also performed as the center of the limited-time unit NAH.
She has been active in a wide range of roles, including reporting at the Tokyo Game Show, serving as an MC for music events, and planning live show productions.
Since Babyraids JAPAN disbanded in 2018, she has frequently appeared on stage.
EuphoriaMakino Yui
Yui Makino, who is active as a voice actor, singer, and pianist, is from Mie Prefecture.
She graduated from the Piano Department (Instrumental Music) at Tokyo College of Music, and her live performances often feature piano-and-vocal sets, showcasing her solid musical prowess.
She debuted as a voice actor playing Sakura, the heroine of the anime Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle, and from there broadened her activities to include more voice acting roles and performing tie-in songs.
As both an artist and a voice actor, her gentle, heartfelt voice is a major part of her appeal.
Brother ShipsToba Ichirō
Ichiro Toba, who sings “Kyodaibune,” his signature and debut song released in 1982, is from Toba City in Mie Prefecture.
It’s said that his stage surname, Toba, was taken from his hometown.
Yutaka Yamakawa, who is also active as an enka singer, is Toba’s real younger brother.
At the 2005 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, the two duetted on “Umi no Nioi no Okaasan.” Toba’s passionate, soulful singing—almost as if it draws on his upbringing in a family engaged in the fishing industry—leaves a strong impression.
Owing to his various charitable activities, including charity events aimed at supporting children orphaned by maritime accidents, he has been awarded the Medal with Dark Blue Ribbon multiple times.
At the coffee shopabe shizue
Shizue Abe, who is also an actress, is from Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture.
While in college, she became a popular DJ on Tokai Radio and, aided in part by her connection to her father, who was then the head of production, she made her debut in 1973.
Her debut single, “At the Coffee Shop,” was a major hit that won the New Artist Award at the 15th Japan Record Awards.
She then appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen with her follow-up hit “Mizuiro no Tegami.” Shizue Abe drew attention for her goddess-like beauty and a singing voice full of clarity and transparency.
A self-professed game enthusiast whose hobbies also include smartphones and tablets, she actively posts on her blog and Twitter, giving the impression that she embraces new culture with an aggressive, forward-looking attitude.
Yukko Mirā
Saxophonist Yukko Miller, known for her striking shocking-pink hair color, hails from Ise City in Mie Prefecture.
The first instrument she started as a child was the piano, and she took up the saxophone after entering high school.
At 19, shortly after graduating from high school, she made her professional debut and performed a solo rendition of the Japanese national anthem at a boxing title match.
Her activities are not limited to Japan; she has also appeared at jazz festivals in countries such as Malaysia and South Korea, gaining popularity.
In addition to releasing her own albums, she has participated in works by bands like Golden Bomber and Matenrou Opera.
She has also posted numerous performance videos on YouTube.
LIVE BY FEELat Anytime
At Anytime is a band from Mie Prefecture known for their blazing rock sound.
Formed in 2004, they released the mini-album “every-ONE” in 2006.
After some lineup changes, their fully self-produced release “LEO,” sold exclusively at live venues, drew major attention and led to a nationwide tour.
Both the nationwide tour and a subsequent hometown headlining show sold out.
In 2013, they launched their own label, BLACK JACK RECORDS, and released the album “at Anytime” nationwide.
Since then, they have continued to actively host tours and events.
Bands, artists, and singers from Mie Prefecture (21–30)
A sad song that someday I’ll be able to sing with a smileutamaro
Kazuki Kato and Chikara Kohori, who perform as the folk duo Utamaro, are from Tsu City in Mie Prefecture.
Their song ‘Someday, a Sad Song We Can Sing with a Smile’ was released as their major-label debut single.
Currently, activities as Utamaro are on hiatus, and each member is active as a solo artist.