Bands and artists from Miyagi Prefecture | From veterans to exciting new faces
When you hear “an artist from Miyagi,” does anyone immediately come to mind? Even for famous singers, idols, or buzzworthy bands, you might think, “Come to think of it, I don’t actually know where they’re from.” In this article, we’ll introduce artists with roots in Miyagi Prefecture.
Miyagi is a region that has produced many must-hear, core singers for music lovers, as well as numerous visual kei bands! I’d be delighted if this article helps you discover a new favorite artist or song.
Bands and artists from Miyagi Prefecture | From veterans to noteworthy new faces (1–10)
Around The WorldMONKEY MAJIK
Tax, the drummer for the rock band MONKEY MAJIK, is from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.
Their second single, “Around The World,” was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Saiyuki” and became a hit.
They have also been appointed as a Tohoku Tourism Goodwill Ambassador and as a Goodwill Ambassador for the 80th anniversary of Japan–Canada diplomatic relations.
ff (fortissimo)Ōtomo Kōhei (HOUND DOG)
HOUND DOG’s vocalist, Kohei Otomo, is from Shiogama City in Miyagi Prefecture, and the band was formed while he was attending Tohoku Gakuin University.
This song was released in 1985 as their 10th single, was used in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial titled “Hungarian People,” and is one of HOUND DOG’s most popular signature songs.
Fooled by a love songmachigai sagashi
Machigai Sagashi is a four-piece band based in Sendai.
While all members are said to be from Miyagi Prefecture, their profiles remain undisclosed, giving them an alluring air of mystery.
True to their theme of “introspective music,” their rock-rooted yet emotionally restrained sound resonates deeply.
They began full-fledged activities after a 2011 audition, took a four-and-a-half-year hiatus, and now release music videos online that integrate closely with visual imagery.
If you prefer savoring lyrics and scenery over flashiness, this band will be right up your alley!
KEEP IT GOING ONSuzuki Akira (WATWING)
Akira Suzuki, a native of Iwanuma City in Miyagi Prefecture, serves as the vocal leader of the dance and vocal group WATWING.
The group was formed in 2019 and made their major debut in September 2021.
Their music is characterized by groove-forward dance sounds.
Suzuki, a hard worker who won the audition despite having no prior dance experience, not only leads the group with his powerful vocals but also showcases his versatility in songwriting, composition, and brush calligraphy.
In April 2025, he was also appointed as an Iwanuma PR Ambassador.
Always.haji→
Haj→ is from Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture, and this song was released in 2012 as his second indie single.
The lyrics and music were written by Haj→, and it was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Futtonda” for the month of April.
In the week of its release, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Indie Weekly Chart.
People dream twice.Kubo Shiori (Nogizaka Forty-Six)
Shiori Kubo, who hails from Miyagi Prefecture, is a prominent member of the nationally popular idol group Nogizaka46.
She showcases her multifaceted talents as an idol, actress, model, and radio personality.
She joined the group in 2016 as a third-generation member and was an active member during the period when Nogizaka46 won the Japan Record Award consecutively with Influencer and Synchronicity.
In addition to her clear, transparent singing voice, her solid expressive skills honed on stage are also among her strengths.
Deeply connected to her hometown, she values her bond with Miyagi—serving, for example, as a support manager for the Rakuten Eagles—and that attitude continues to captivate fans.
CandyRyuya Miyase
Singer-songwriter and actor Ryuya Miyase hails from Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture.
His stage name is said to embody the sentiment “From Miyagi to the world,” conveying a strong pride in his hometown.
He made his major-label debut in April 2024 with the album “PLAYLIST,” after first gaining major attention as a member of the on-screen group 8LOOM in the TBS drama “Kimi no Hana ni Naru.” His commanding stage presence—powered by an actor’s expressive range—is remarkable, and in connection with his appointment as a supporter for TBS’s 2025 World Volleyball, he is also creating songs that he wrote and composed himself.
You won’t want to take your eyes off his journey as an expressive artist.