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
- Classic Songs About Nara: Local Anthems and Popular Hits [2026]
- Recommended bands, singers, and artists from Osaka Prefecture
- Bands, artists, and singers from Miyazaki Prefecture
- Girls’ rock: female vocal bands that were active in the 2000s
- Bands, artists, and singers from Iwate Prefecture
- Indie hit song rankings
- Kansai-dialect Songs | A Kansai-born writer thoroughly explains their charm!
- Recommended for high school students! Stylish J‑pop and songs by trending popular artists
- From cute to cool: iconic and recommended songs from uniquely individual girl bands
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- 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 (31–40)
Love is fickle.Nami Etsuko
Etsuko Nami is a celebrity from Koryo, Kitakatsuragi District, Nara Prefecture.
Her outstanding figure and performances singing in a miniskirt captivated many men at the time.
Since 1970, she has appeared in numerous TV dramas and films, and in recent years she has expanded her activities as a sharp-tongued TV personality.
Silk RoadKawai Seiko
Seiko Kawai is an enka singer from Nara City, Nara Prefecture, who made her debut with this song in 2001.
Her rich, feminine voice leaves a strong impression, and in 2008 she was scouted by the chief producer of Enka Hyakusen, leading to her appearances on the program starting in August.
Her soothing enka heals the heart.
promiseHyouki Susumu
Shin Hioki, who works as a singer-songwriter and pianist, is from Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
In 2006, he won the NHK Nodo Jiman Nara competition, and he is currently based in Nara City, Nara Prefecture.
“Yakusoku” is included on his first album, Yakusoku.
Beautiful SundayTanaka Seiji
Seiji Tanaka is from Gose City, Nara Prefecture, and in 1971 he became the first “Uta no Onii-san” (lead singer) on NHK’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” This song was a hit when performed by singer Daniel Boone in 1972, and Seiji Tanaka’s cover became a major success.
He performed it at the 27th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1976.
Fragments BlueHasegawa Anri
Anri Hasegawa is a voice actress and singer from Nara Prefecture.
This song was used as the opening theme for the PlayStation 2 game “Fragments Blue” and was released in 2005.
Her clear, translucent singing voice leaves a strong impression, and the title track was composed by Junichi Inagaki.
Bands, artists, and singers from Nara Prefecture (41–50)
kosumosu (cosmos flower)aoi remi
Remi Aoi is a singer-songwriter from Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, who is active mainly in the Kansai region, appearing at events and on television and radio.
This song was released in 2012, and she held the concert “Remi Aoi One-Man Live Cosmos: Feeling the Wind” at Shinsaibashi’s BIGCAT, achieving great success.
“Show me the way”Lead
Akira Kagimoto, who is active as a member of the male dance-vocal group Lead, is from Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara Prefecture.
With their second single, “Show me the way,” they won the New Artist Award at the 44th Japan Record Awards.
The title track was used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Sunday Japon.”