Deep dive into popular bands and artists from Nagano

Bouquet of Smiles [Shinshu Flower Festa Theme Song]Mariko

Mariko / Bouquet of Smiles [Shinshu Flower Festa Theme Song]

After growing up in Chikuma City, singer-songwriter Mariko moved to Tokyo and now works independently.

She made her CD debut in 2014.

She’s wonderfully powerful—far more than you’d expect from her petite frame—and her clear, soaring high notes over a band sound are stunning.

“Bouquet of Smiles,” which was chosen as the theme song for the Shinshu Flower Festa 2019, is a really great track, too! With her cheerful, sunny personality, she’s also active as a radio DJ.

Thanks to her community-rooted activities and love for her hometown, we can’t take our eyes off not only Mariko herself but also the many charms of Nagano!

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Ozawa Akiko

Akiko Ozawa / Farewell Station

Akiko Ozawa, who is active as an enka singer, is from Iida City in Nagano Prefecture.

She won the top prize at the Japan Columbia-sponsored “1991 Columbia Kayōkyoku New Singer Audition National Competition” and made her debut with the single “Kaette Kiteyo.”

Gendy

Gendy – “Song of Shinshu” Music Video

Gendy, who works as a singer-songwriter and TV personality, is from Shimosuwa Town in Nagano Prefecture.

In 2014, they were appointed as the first Nagano Prefecture Shimosuwa Tourism Promotion Special Ambassador.

In 2016, they made their major debut with “Shinshu no Uta,” which was chosen as the ending theme for Shin’etsu Broadcasting’s program ‘Sanji wa! La La La♪.’

LOVE TOGETHERKomatsu Shigeru (Nona Reeves)

Nona Reeves – LOVE TOGETHER [Music Video]

Shigeru Komatsu, a drummer born in Iiyama City, started playing drums at the age of 12 and joined Nona Reeves in college.

In the group, he is in charge of drums.

Recently, his powerful playing has become popular, and he’s active in sessions with various bands.

He has also expanded his range by sometimes taking on vocal duties on the band’s original tracks.

Os Ossos（Sentimental boys）

Sentimental boys – Youth is passing by (official video)

Sentimentalboys is a four-piece band whose members are all from Nagano Prefecture.

They have many songs that sing about nostalgic youth; their music feels bittersweet yet somehow uplifting.

If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic vibe, be sure to give them a listen!

Tanaka Takahisa (THE Toraba-ryu)

THE T-BOLAN “Road” PV

Takahisa Tanaka, who plays bass guitar for the rock band THE Torabaru (THE Tora Buryu), is from Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture.

“Road” is THE Torabaru’s signature song; it ranked 3rd on Oricon’s annual chart for 1993 and became a million seller.

A total of 13 chapters of “Road” were produced.

Tanaka Akihito (Za Beibīsutāzu)

(ONE PIECE) ^ Opening 3 ^ “Toward the Light” 「Hikari e」

Akihito Tanaka, the vocalist of the two-member band The Babystars, is from Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture.

They made their major debut with their first single, “Hikari e,” and the title track was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime One Piece.