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 (11–20)
No bugs are coming.usotsuki bābī
Usotsuki Barbie is a three-piece band formed in 2002 in Sasebo, Nagasaki.
When they debuted, they drew attention as a standout, unconventional act.
Their psychedelic melodies and distinctive vocals are highly addictive and will get under your skin.
You’ll also find yourself hooked on their lyrics, which paint a wildly off-the-wall world.
Sadly, they disbanded in 2013, and it’s a real shame we can’t experience their rule-breaking live performances in person anymore—but be sure to check out videos on YouTube and elsewhere!
Near FutureNaisu Hashimoto
Nice Hashimoto is from Nagasaki City in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Known for his trademark hat, he played in a jazz-funk band in Kobe before moving to Tokyo to pursue a solo career.
He won the final round of a demo track competition with FUNKY MONKEY BABYS.
The track “1.2.3,” which was also included on his indie debut album, drew significant attention, and he made his debut in 2006.
That same year, he made his major-label debut with the single “Kimi wa Kimi★.” With gentle lyrics and a melodious style, “Kinmirai” also became a smash hit.
His appeal lies in a catchy, pop sensibility that’s laid-back and relaxing.
I want to be myself.moribayashi miho (haipoji)
Hi-Posi is a music unit centered around Miho Moribayashi from Nagasaki Prefecture.
They made their major debut in 1988 as a four-member band, but after the other members left, they continued as a “one person and two dogs” unit consisting of Moribayashi and two Golden Retrievers.
Their hallmark is a fluffy, sweet singing voice and a unique sensibility.
After stepping away from music for a time and working as a feng shui master under the name Mirey, she fully resumed musical activities in 2016 under the name hi-posi.
Please enjoy their one-of-a-kind world!
sunflowerMaekawa Kiyoshi
Kiyoshi Maekawa is a representative enka/kayōkyoku singer from Nagasaki Prefecture.
He was born in 1948 in Okase, Shikamachi Town, Kitamatsuura District, Nagasaki, and moved to Sasebo City in his childhood.
In 1968, after singing at a cabaret in Nagasaki City, he became the lead vocalist of Hiroshi Uchiyamada and Cool Five.
The following year, he made his major debut with “Nagasaki wa Kyou mo Ame Datta” (“It Was Rainy Again in Nagasaki Today”) and was active at the forefront of the mood-kayō boom.
Be sure to experience these masterpieces brimming with the wistful pathos and rich sentiment of the Shōwa era!
The Last KindnessMiyawaki Shion
Shione Miyawaki is a singer-songwriter from Omura City, Nagasaki Prefecture.
After being selected as a top performer in the Avex Audition 2002 at the young age of 12, she moved to Tokyo and made her major debut in 2007.
She has also been active in her hometown, with her songs featured in commercials for Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park in Nagasaki Prefecture, and appearances on a local fishing show in Nagasaki.
She sings poignant love songs with a delicate, beautiful voice that is soothing to the ear, offering a gentle, heartfelt listening experience.
Give her music a try when you want to feel healed.
The Girl Who Leapt Through TimeHarada Tomoyo
Tomoyo Harada, an actress known for her ageless, natural beauty, has been active on screen.
Her debut film, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, won a Japan Academy Prize.
Her appeal isn’t limited to acting—she also performed the theme song for the film, written by Yumi Matsutoya.
In 1997, she released the album I could be free, which incorporated Swedish pop and showcased her clear, translucent vocals.
If you’re looking to enjoy a gentle, Nordic atmosphere and soothing vibes, be sure to give it a listen.
Bands, artists, and singers from Nagasaki Prefecture (21–30)
A Tear-Colored NightMatsuchi
A music duo consisting of Kenta Matsumoto and Chigusa Hanada, both born in 1983 in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.
They formed in 2001 and made their major debut in 2005.
Their unit name, “MatsuChi,” takes one character from each of their names.