Bands, artists, and singers from Nara Prefecture
Can you think of any musicians from Nara Prefecture?
From chart-topping singers and bands to indie groups active mainly around Kansai, there are so many artists worth checking out!
In this article, our editorial staffer from Nara will pick recommended artists—major or indie alike—and introduce what makes them so appealing.
People sometimes say Nara has nothing but deer and the Great Buddha, but the music scene here is full of charm that rivals any other prefecture!
So let’s dive right in and take a look at the artists Nara is proud of!
- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region
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- Tear-jerking motivational songs by Japanese bands: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Hidden gems and lesser-known songs by popular Japanese rock bands
Bands, artists, and singers from Nara Prefecture (1–10)
Sora-buneJōshima Shigeru (TOKIO)
Shigeru Joshima, the leader of TOKIO and one of the most popular members of the Johnny’s groups.
He’s the only one in the group who speaks Kansai dialect, as he’s from Nara Prefecture! He joined Johnny’s while still in high school and later formed TOKIO.
He had been playing the guitar even before forming TOKIO, and his skills are top-notch.
On variety shows and the like, he comes across as gentle, a bit clumsy, and very approachable, but the moment he picks up a guitar, he suddenly looks sharp and super cool!
Somei Yoshino (Yoshino cherry)Dōmoto Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi Domoto of KinKi Kids is from Nara City and is one of the artists brimming with love for Nara.
After making his major debut in 1997 as a member of KinKi Kids, he launched his solo career under the name Tsuyoshi Domoto in 2002.
He has since pursued solo work under various monikers, including ENDLICHERI☆ENDLICHERI.
In 2008, he was appointed Special Tourism Ambassador for Nara City, and he has held solo concerts at Yakushiji and Todaiji temples in Nara.
In addition to writing and composing his own songs, he plays a variety of instruments, and his distinctive fashion is part of his appeal.
He is one of the exceptionally artistic talents within Johnny’s.
Lifetime RespectDOZAN11
DOZAN11, whose song “Lifetime Respect” was a massive hit.
Back then, he performed under the name Miki Dōzan! He’s also from Nara Prefecture, though you wouldn’t really associate him with that image at all, right? There are only a handful of clubs in Nara to begin with, so when you think about it, it’s surprising—and even something to be proud of—that such a popular artist came from there! Plus, back then reggae still wasn’t very well known in Japan, so you could say he was a key figure in energizing the domestic reggae scene.
Bands, artists, and singers from Nara Prefecture (11–20)
RestRe view
Re view is a three-piece band from Nara Prefecture that announced a hiatus in 2018.
They prioritized live performances and have played on numerous stages.
In 2017, they helped energize Nara’s music scene by hosting the outdoor festival Re:Festival in their hometown.
Their biggest draw is, first and foremost, the excellence of their songs—the beautiful melodies and the flowing sounds that shape them are captivating.
Their rhythm section, which underpins the band with solid technique, is another strength; the drum phrases, in particular, become more impressive the more you listen.
They’re a group Nara can be proud of—listening to their music conjures vivid images of their passionate live performances from back in the day.
Diet Songyamashita rina
Rina Yamashita is a singer-songwriter from Nara Prefecture.
If you’re from Osaka, you may have seen her performing street lives around Osaka Station.
She’s been very active as an officially recognized MUSIC BUSKER IN UMEKITA artist! What’s more, her song “Diet no Uta” was used in a TuneCore Japan YouTube commercial, drawing lots of attention.
Her energetic personality and her beautiful yet powerful voice are a must-hear!
I’m proud of youOkuno Ryo (KIDS)
Ryo Okuno, the frontman of KIDS—a rock band from Nara Prefecture that made its major debut in 2012.
Although the band hasn’t been actively performing since 2015, they were given a major opportunity in 2020 to co-headline on tour with their close friends THE ORAL CIGARETTES, delivering a brilliant performance.
While he captivates with his husky voice and soaring high notes, it’s also worth noting his exceptional talent as a melody maker, crafting one catchy, ear-pleasing, and emotionally resonant song after another.
He’s a musician to watch not only for his work with the band but also for his solo activities.
Mini Moni. Janken Pyon!Kago Ai (Minimoni.)
Ai Kago, who was part of Hello! Project and helped energize the idol scene in the 2000s, is actually from Nara Prefecture.
In addition to Morning Musume, she took part in many units—like Mini Moni, Tanpopo, and W—and was hugely popular.
Among these, her image alongside Nozomi Tsuji, with whom she performed as W, is especially strong.
In 2019, she appeared at Hello! Project’s 20th anniversary concert, Hina Fes 2019, delivering a performance that drew a lot of attention.