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.
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Deep dive into popular bands and artists from Nagano (1–10)
Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi
Kenichi Mikawa, who is active as an enka singer and TV personality, is from Suwa City in Nagano Prefecture.
His signature song is “Onna no Sasori-za” (Woman of the Scorpio), which has been performed seven times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Since 2003, the Kōhaku performances have featured various arrangements, such as operatic and para-para styles.
NightfeverAnarogu Fisshu
A three-piece band formed in 1999.
They use a twin-vocal style and made their major-label debut in 2004.
Although they returned to the indie scene in 2008, they continue to release new songs.
With a distinctive approach in which all members handle backing vocals, the subtle addition of female backing vocals behind the lead adds depth to their sound.
Full of memoriesH₂O
Kenji Nakazawa and Masaki Akashio, who performed as the folk-pop duo H2O, are from Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture.
“Omoide ga Ippai” is H2O’s signature song and is included in middle school music textbooks.
It’s often sung in middle and high school music classes and at choral competitions.
Deep dive into popular bands and artists from Nagano (11–20)
DreamingReiRay
A twin-vocal duo formed by ReI Yajima and Rei Kessner from Ina City, Nagano Prefecture.
After their previous band FAITH, they began full-fledged activities in October 2021.
While rooted in Western pop, their sound richly incorporates elements of hip-hop and funk.
In August 2022, they released Typhoon, a track symbolizing their fresh start, followed by songs like Skate Girl that shine with uplifting messages.
Their soaring vocals layered with sweet rap create harmonies that are incredibly pleasant to listen to.
If you like breezy pop, you’re sure to be hooked.
Foam of beer, become a flower.HOBBLEDEES
HOBBLEDEES, formed in 1989.
A long-running band that celebrated the 30th anniversary of their debut and is currently active on the indie scene.
They’re still going strong—local stars born in Shinshu—releasing a CD in 2019, among other activities.
They’re also known for having a devoted core fanbase, having been chosen, for example, as the ending theme on Ninety-nine’s All Night Nippon.
CALL
Shigeo Sakurai and Motohiro Kobayashi, members of the music unit CALL, are from Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture.
They made their major debut with their first single, “Boku ni Hitsuyō na Mono” (“What I Need”).
After CALL went on hiatus, Mr.
Sakurai pursued a solo career, and Mr.
Kobayashi became a professor at the University of Fukui’s Faculty of Medicine.
BLUE SPRINGAdachi Yuto (Moto PENTAGON)
Yuto Adachi, who has performed on the global stage as a member of the popular Korean group PENTAGON, is from Nagano City in Nagano Prefecture.
Inspired by K-pop, he moved to South Korea alone at the age of 15 and debuted in 2016.
In the group, he served as the lead rapper, captivating fans with his signature deep voice.
PENTAGON is also known for winning first place on a music show for the first time, four years after their debut, with the song “Daisy” in October 2020.
He is currently based in Japan and pursuing solo activities, showing new sides of himself such as hosting a radio program.