Deep dive into popular bands and artists from Nagano
When you hear “artists from Nagano,” which bands or singers come to mind? Even if there’s an artist you’re curious about or a favorite song you love, many people might think, “Come to think of it, I don’t actually know where they’re from…” In this article, we’re spotlighting bands, musicians, and singer-songwriters with roots in Nagano Prefecture! From veteran singers everyone knows, to massively popular bands essential to the J-pop scene, idols, and musicians who enjoy passionate local support—we invite you to enjoy the journeys and signature songs of artists closely connected to Nagano right to the very end.
Deep dive into popular bands and artists from Nagano (1–10)
faith
Hailing from Ina, Nagano, the five-piece rock band FAITH has been generating buzz lately.
They release tracks where a cute, sweet-toned vocal matches perfectly with their fiery rock sound.
They may be a young band, but their talent is undeniable—definitely one to watch in the coming months!
Tsuneta Daiki, Iguchi Satoru (King Gnu)
Two members of the rock band King Gnu are from Nagano Prefecture.
The band’s leader, Daiki Tsuneta—who handles guitar, vocals, many other instruments, and also writes and composes songs—and Satoru Iguchi, who handles vocals and keyboards, are both from Ina City.
In fact, the two are childhood friends who went to the same elementary and junior high schools.
They are standout artists active in many fields beyond their band work.
GLIM SPANKY
Remi Matsuo, a member of the music duo GLIM SPANKY, is from Toyooka Village in Nagano Prefecture, and Hiroki Kamemoto is from Iida City.
Former members Kazuya Ozawa and Taku Mishima are also from Nagano, and it’s said the group originally started as a high school culture-festival band.
Since their major debut in 2014, they have expanded their following with a unique musical style.
MOROHA
The two members of MOROHA, a music duo that gained popularity with their innovative hip-hop consisting of just acoustic guitar and rap, are from Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture.
Their strongly message-driven lyrics grip listeners and won’t let go.
Afro, the vocalist/MC, is also well-known for providing narration in commercials for the Galaxy smartphone series.
MAKOTO、RONZI（BRAHMAN）
MAKOTO and RONZI, members of the rock band BRAHMAN, are from Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture.
The two handle the band’s rhythm section—the bass and drums—and apparently they were classmates in high school.
Maybe their strong bond has something to do with the feel of the rhythm in their music.
Kumaki Anri
Anri Kumaki, who is active as a singer-songwriter, is from Koshoku City, which is now Chikuma City.
Her name is derived from the local sightseeing spot “Anzu no Sato” (Apricot Village).
Her song “Atarashii Watashi ni Natte” (“Become a New Me”) was used as the CM song for Shiseido’s corporate advertisement, “Atarashii Watashi ni Natte.”
reoru
A female singer-songwriter from Nagano Prefecture, she is highly popular for her distinctive worldview and vocals.
She originally gained attention as a singer on Nico Nico Douga, released an independent record in 2014, and made her major-label debut in 2015.
She has continued to be active since then, becoming the first female singer-songwriter on YouTube to reach 1 million channel subscribers.