Bands, artists, and singers from Nagasaki Prefecture
Nagasaki Prefecture is a city in Kyushu with a distinctly exotic atmosphere.
When it comes to artists from Kyushu, attention tends to focus on those from Fukuoka, but many musicians have also emerged from Nagasaki!
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of artists from Nagasaki all at once.
From beloved national singer-songwriters to members of popular rock bands, we’ve picked artists across genres.
If you find a favorite, be sure to take your time and listen to their songs!
- A classic song that sings of Nagasaki: the enduring heart of our hometown
- Passionate bands, artists, and singers from Ehime Prefecture
- [2026] A Collection of Classic Enka and Kayōkyoku Songs About Nagasaki [Local Songs]
- 1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Hidden gems and lesser-known songs by popular Japanese rock bands
- Shonan no Kaze’s classic and popular songs
- Ken Yokoyama’s greatest and most popular songs
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
- Bittersweet! Love songs by female artists recommended for the Yutori generation
- Recommended love songs sung by male artists for the yutori generation
Bands, artists, and singers from Nagasaki Prefecture (1–10)
Bacchi DancerUjihara Wataru (DOES)
DOES is a band formed in Fukuoka in 2000 by vocalist-guitarist Wataru Ujihara from Nagasaki, bassist Yasushi Akatsuka from Miyazaki, and Keisaku Morita from Kagoshima.
The band’s name is said to be inspired by “DOE” by the American rock band The Breeders.
They’re well known for their collaborations with the popular anime Gintama.
It’s a band with a rugged sound and straightforward lyrics that are seriously cool.
Although they went on hiatus in 2016, they resumed activities in 2020, so let’s look forward to what they do next!
Love StoryTAKAHIRO(EXILE)
TAKAHIRO, who is widely popular with both men and women as EXILE’s vocalist and performer, hails from Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture, and because his family ran a hair salon, he even holds a beautician’s license.
In 2006, he won EXILE’s new vocalist audition, the “VOCAL BATTLE AUDITION,” held at the Nippon Budokan, and joined the group.
Not only does he have a beautiful voice and rugged good looks, he’s also a multi-talented artist who writes lyrics and composes music.
His solo tracks like “Issen Ibyō (One Thousand and One Seconds)” and “Love Story” are captivating as well, so be sure to give them a listen!
More than lovers, less than friendsFuriwee Haihai
Freeway High High is a music duo formed in Nagasaki Prefecture in 1999 by childhood friends Tatsuya Inoue and Shinichi Yamanaka.
They continued performing street shows mainly in Nagasaki City and made their major debut in 2004.
Even after their major debut, they have stayed close to Nagasaki by doing street performances and appearing on local radio.
Their positive messages—whether in love songs with straightforward, piercing lyrics set to refreshing melodies or in upbeat, encouraging anthems—will give you a boost!
Bands, artists, and singers from Nagasaki Prefecture (11–20)
Song of the Yoito-makeMiwA Akihiro
Akihiro Miwa exudes a bewitching, unisex charm.
While many strongly associate him with life counseling and the voice of Moro in Princess Mononoke, his primary profession is as a chanson singer.
He was deeply inspired by a boy soprano he saw in a film and began taking vocal and piano lessons.
The song ‘Yoito Make no Uta,’ which Miwa wrote and composed and which became a hit in 1966, was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and generated quite a buzz.
The piece depicts the lives of laborers and is a masterpiece that moves listeners as Miwa pours his entire soul into the performance.
NEWSueyoshi Shuta (AAA)
Shuta Sueyoshi, a member of the one-of-a-kind performance group AAA, is from Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Among the members, he excels in dance and is known for his acrobatic performances.
He’s a popular member who combines cute expressions with androgynous beauty.
While he gives off a sleek, refined impression, his aggressive style in live shows—featured in signature tracks like “GAME OVER?”—is also striking, revealing a passionate side.
In 2018, he began solo activities under the name Shuta Sueyoshi.
“HACK,” included on his 2019 album WONDER HACK, went viral on TikTok and became beloved by many.
A gaming enthusiast, he channels that vibe into a pop sensibility, and his music captivates with both that flavor and his inherent elegance.
My Father’s Longest Daysadamasashi
Masashi Sada is a multi-talented artist—singer-songwriter, radio host, novelist, and film director.
He formed the folk duo Grape, and their debut single “Shōryō Nagashi” became a hit.
Everyone’s heard the classic “From the North Country Theme,” a piece that moves the heart even without vocals.
His lively talk is another charm; some people go to his concerts more for the talk than the songs.
With his assured vocal ability and many songs filled with life experience, it’s also great for parents and children to listen together and go to his concerts.
Imaginative Color CoordinationKyūshūdan
Even just from his stage name, you can feel the Kyushu spirit—Kyushu-o, a reggae singer from Nagasaki Prefecture.
He encountered reggae at 19, and at 20 he was invited to perform at a local club, which led him to take the stage.
Later, determined to study reggae in earnest, he spent about two years in Jamaica on his own starting at age 21, showing his disciplined commitment to music.
His straightforward, manly love songs and many positive tracks are truly uplifting!