Deep dive into popular bands and artists from Nagano

Last updated:2025/9/26

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

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

FAITH – Unexpected (Official Music Video)

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!

Raise the rankinglower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem

Tsuneta Daiki, Iguchi Satoru (King Gnu)

King Gnu – Hakujitsu

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

GLIM SPANKY

GLIM SPANKY - “Give Me Anger” Music Video (Short ver.)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

MOROHA

MOROHA “Sanmonzen” MV

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Saitō Ayumu

Report a problem

MAKOTO、RONZI（BRAHMAN）

BRAHMAN DEEP

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Kumaki Anri

A New Me ~ Anri Kumaki

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.”

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem