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
- Songs related to Mie Prefecture. Beloved local tunes of Mie that continue to be cherished.
Bands, artists, and singers from Nara Prefecture (21–30)
Extinct Black-Haired GirlWatanabe Miyuki (NMB48)
Miyuki Watanabe, a former member of NMB48, is from Nara Prefecture and is known by the nickname “Mirukii.” This song was released in 2011 as NMB48’s debut single.
Miyuki Watanabe served as the center for the track, and it was used as the ending theme for NMB48’s flagship variety show Docking48, which aired on Kansai TV.
Natsu no HikariNishikawa Hirotaka (GRAPEVINE)
Hirotaka Nishikawa, the guitarist for the rock band GRAPEVINE, is from Nara Prefecture.
Their 12th single, Natsuno Hikari, reached their highest position to date, peaking at No.
16 on the Oricon chart, and the title track was used as the ending theme for TBS’s program King’s Brunch in June and July 2002.
Bands, artists, and singers from Nara Prefecture (31–40)
Because I love you to death.Yashima Tomohito (jikyū hapyaku-en)
Tomohito Yashima, who works as an actor and TV personality, is from Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
He was active as a member of the rock band Jikyū 800-en (Hourly Wage 800 Yen), which originated from a variety show he appeared on.
Their first single, “Shinu hodo anata ga suki dakara” (Because I Love You to Death), reached No.
11 on the Oricon charts.
EnchantedSaucy Dog
Saucy Dog is a band that in recent years has earned strong support even from listeners who don’t typically like rock bands.
The members come from different regions: vocalist Shinya Ishihara is from Shimane Prefecture, bassist Kazutaka Akizawa is from Kochi Prefecture, and drummer Yuika Seto is from Nara Prefecture—meaning two-thirds are from outside the Kansai area.
However, the band was formed when Ishihara and Akizawa were attending a technical college in Osaka, and they have been active mainly in the Kansai region since their early days.
In addition to their wistful vocals and soft, pleasant band sound, the relatable, down-to-earth lyrics penned by Ishihara are likely what captivate so many listeners.
ENERGYearthmind
Erina, who performs as the vocalist for the music group earthmind, is from Kashihara City in Nara Prefecture.
Their third single, ENERGY, became their first to enter the top 10 of the Oricon charts, and the title track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Vividred Operation.
Lips Networksanmyu~
Sanmyu~ is an idol group produced by Sun Music—the agency that has launched many idols—and it was their first time in 21 years to produce an idol act, as well as the first idol group to belong to the agency.
Member Yayoi Kobayashi is from Nara Prefecture, and this song was released in 2013 as their major-label debut single.
It’s a cover of a big hit by Yukiko Okada, who was affiliated with Sun Music, with lyrics written by Seiko Matsuda.
Thank you — to everything that surrounds me —Miura Akitoshi
Akari Miura, who is active as a singer-songwriter, is from Nara Prefecture.
She is also a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist priest and the 21st head priest of Komyo-ji Temple.
She has been featured on television programs as a “too-beautiful head priest.” She made her debut with the single “Arigatou — To Everything That Envelops Me —.”