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 (11–20)
For loveAAAMYYY
Pronounced “Amy,” spelled AAAMYYY.
After studying in Canada with the aim of becoming a CA, she began her music career at 22, giving her a unique background.
While expanding her activities by providing songs for commercials and other artists, she has also cultivated a devoted core fan base—for instance, her cassette released in 2017 sold out immediately.
With a cute yet sexy voice, she is a female singer currently attracting a lot of attention.
my rulesMhiro（Full Of Harmony）
Hailing from Nagano Prefecture and raised in a family of musicians, Mhiro fell deeply in love with soul music from an early age.
Rooted in R&B and hip-hop, his compelling style shines in the way he sings with heartfelt, human emotion.
He made his major debut in 1999 as the lead singer of Full Of Harmony.
Since 2009, he has also pursued an active solo career, with “Kimi Iro Biyori” topping digital charts consecutively.
He has proven his talent as a producer as well—one of the songs he provided to TEE became a massive hit, surpassing 4 million downloads in total.
Keep an ear out for his sweet, soaring voice and impeccable melodic sensibility!
spring hazehappīsetto
Happy Set is a band based in Komoro City, Nagano Prefecture.
Formed out of their light music club activities, they have a charming, down-to-earth motto: “We want to be the side menu to your life.” They made their presence known with Hanagumori, released in 2024, and have been expanding their following with songs like “Declaration of Determination” and “Marginal Man.” In 2025, they were selected as finalists for Mynavi Senkou Riot, a gateway for teenage artists, and took the stage at Zepp DiverCity (TOKYO) in August of the same year.
With clear twin guitars, a driving, high-velocity sound, and straightforward vocals, their music brims with the sparkle and bittersweetness of youth—hallmarks of this compelling guitar band.
Hymn to the Four SeasonsHiito Aka
Singer-songwriter Akari Hiiragi, who has roots in Nagano where she spent her elementary school years, began her career in 2017 while still in college and released her first full album, “The Labeling,” in May 2022.
A song she created as the theme for a novel also drew attention.
Her appeal lies in her multifaceted talent—handling everything from songwriting to video editing.
In March 2024, she won the grand prize in an audition for a singer-songwriter festival and performed on the stage of Ryogoku Kokugikan, underscoring her prowess.
Her songs, which gently stand by listeners’ everyday anxieties and worries, are sure to resonate with those who feel the same way.
BODY TO BODYFujii Masaki (SOFT BALLET)
Masaki Fujii is a musician from Iiyama City.
He was a member of the band SOFT BALLET, whose distinctive members created a one-of-a-kind style, and later reunited with fellow member Ken Morioka to form minus(-).
He plays synthesizer and guitar.
After a talk session, he married Mari Hamada, of whom he had been a huge fan.
Fujii is known for many striking anecdotes—such as disliking live performances and chewing on rubber—but he excels at supporting his bandmates and working behind the scenes, leveraging his disciplined nature.
End the worldKan Daichi (Harukamirai)
Daichi Seki, the guitarist of the rock band Harukamirai—known for songs reminiscent of early-2000s youth punk bands—is from Nagano Prefecture.
While Harukamirai formed in 2012, Seki joined the band in 2016 after the previous guitarist left.
Surprisingly, before joining Harukamirai, he was a member of a loud rock band.
Deep dive into popular bands and artists from Nagano (21–30)
Nitta Emi
Emi Nitta, who is active as a voice actress and singer, is from Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture.
She made her major debut as a singer with her first single, “Egao to Egao de Hajimaru yo!” This single reached 12th place on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
In 2015, she appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen as a member of the idol group μ’s.