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 (31–40)
Love for SaleDenda Mao
Mao Denda celebrates her 20th anniversary since debut.
She is known for her clear yet powerful voice and melodies that fuse ballad style with a pop sensibility.
She temporarily paused her activities in 2002 but resumed in 2006.
At the time of her comeback, she was active under the name MAO/D.
If you know that she handled a segment on Ryota Yamasato’s radio show Yanpeace, you’re quite the radio enthusiast.
YOFFY (Saikikku Rabā)
YOFFY, the vocalist of the rock unit Psychic Lover, is from Nagano City in Nagano Prefecture.
Psychic Lover’s tagline is “Japan’s representative rock unit in the anison world,” and many of their songs have been used as anime theme songs.
They have lots of fiery tracks, so if you like that style, you’ll end up getting totally hooked!
Otoha
Otoha, who works as a talent/entertainer, is from Ikeda Town, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture.
She made her debut as a singer with her first single, “Ichibyo no Refrain.” The title track was used as the ending theme for the first season of the TV anime GetBackers, in which she also appeared as a voice actress.
It’s Up To YouSekine Azusa (Up Up Girls (Kari))
She is a member of the female idol group Up Up Girls.
Her name comes from the wish that she will grow up with a heart as beautiful as the Azusa River that flows through Nagano Prefecture.
She is popular not only nationwide but also within the prefecture, having been chosen as a “Happy Shinshu Support Idol.” She is also active online, including posting videos on Niconico that have reached 100,000 views.
Close your eyes and come here.Kyōko (BARBEE BOYS)
Kyoko, the vocalist of BARBEE BOYS, is from Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture.
She originally played in a band called Katsu! Tarui Band and used to share the bill with BARBEE BOYS.
She later left that band, joined BARBEE BOYS, and debuted in 1984 with the single “Kurayami de DANCE.” Her distinctive, husky, and cool singing voice is said to have been deliberately roughened by screaming for long periods.
After BARBEE BOYS disbanded, she pursued a solo career and has also been active as a member of Fukumi, alongside Masayoshi Yamazaki and Shikao Suga.
Deep dive into popular bands and artists from Nagano (41–50)
ASIAN2
The members of the mixture band ASIAN2 are from Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture.
Their first single, “Honey The Mountain,” broke out in Nagano with support from local media.
It also reached No.
1 nationwide on the cable request rankings.
Haga Akane (Mōningu Musume ’15)
Akane Haga, a member of the idol group Morning Musume, is from Nagano Prefecture.
The 58th single, “Seishun Kozou ga Naiteiru / Yuugure wa Ameagari / Ima Koko Kara,” was the first single she participated in.
“Ima Koko Kara” is the theme song for the film Pretty Cure All Stars: Spring Carnival♪.