Bands, artists, and singers from Niigata Prefecture
When you hear “musicians from Niigata Prefecture,” which artists come to mind?
If you like rock bands, you might think of your favorites, and there are also many idols and enka singers from Niigata.
In this article, we’ll introduce many singers and bands from Niigata Prefecture!
You might even discover, “Wait, they’re from Niigata?!”
We’ll cover a wide range of artists across generations and genres, so if any of them catch your interest, be sure to take your time and listen to their music!
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- A song by a rock band bursting with exhilarating energy and a sense of speed that you want to listen to in the summer.
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Bands, artists, and singers from Niigata Prefecture (11–20)
Hello from countries around the worldMinami Haruo
Haruo Minami, the enka singer famous for “Sekai no Kuni Kara Konnichiwa,” the theme song of Expo ’70 in Osaka, was from Koshiji in Mishima District, Niigata Prefecture—present-day Nagaoka City.
He built a unique style rooted in rōkyoku, a performing art that began in the early Meiji era.
Known for his cheerful personality and attitude, he is also said to be the person who coined the phrase “The customer is God.” He maintained a strong sense of professionalism, rigorously managing his health with a focus on diet.
His influence was immense—even becoming the first Japanese person to be featured as a model on a postage stamp overseas.
GOZEYOgozen yoji, asayake ni tsuki
Tsuki in the Dawn at 4 a.m.
is an emo/screamo band from Niigata Prefecture, commonly known as “Gozeko.” They performed under the catchphrase: passionate, “makes you want to go home,” wistful rock.
Their music is notable for deeply moving songs layered over intense sound and death growls.
After facing a breakup crisis in 2015 due to a member’s departure, they made a comeback with new members.
However, they announced their disbandment following the tour finale on September 30, 2017, bringing their activities to an end.
MemoriesIizuka Masaaki (GRANRODEO)
Masaaki Iizuka is a musician from Tokamachi City in Niigata Prefecture.
Speaking of Masaaki Iizuka, he’s also known as part of the duo GRANRODEO with voice actor Kishou Taniyama.
He started playing guitar after encountering the band KISS and apparently seriously wanted to become like KISS.
Over the years, he has been part of various units and bands, and has also been active as a support musician for Hiro Tsunoda.
KISS is cool, but Masaaki Iizuka himself has a coolness that makes it hard to believe he’s over 50!
to dreamfigbash & the Sketchy friends
Figbash & the Sketchy Friends, who ride the Niigata breeze on sound, are unfolding a world of music all their own.
They debuted in 2020, and ever since, their songs have stayed close to listeners’ hearts.
Their signature track Yume Miru resonates with nostalgia—a true masterpiece that captures subtle shades of emotion.
They are artists Niigata Prefecture can be proud of, and they continue to deliver a timeless charm to their audience.
Their band ensemble is highly recommended, evoking a longing for home and local scenery that will make you want to go see them live.
roller coasterTELLECHO
TELLECHO, which creates a distinctive atmosphere born from Niigata, has a compelling power that moves listeners’ hearts.
Debuting in 2017, the melodic shifts in their song “Haseru” can instantly transform everyday scenes into something vividly colorful.
The lyrics carried by Motoki Ota’s voice will prompt you to reflect on yourself.
Moreover, their musicality turns one’s state of mind toward a positive affirmation.
TELLECHO is a presence that conveys Niigata’s unique sensibility to the world through music.
Nostalgia for My HometownHazuki Minami
Enka singer Minami Hazuki is from Niigata City.
Possessing absolute pitch, she debuted in 2009 with “Koi no Uranai Kakure Dori” on King Records.
After meeting producer Sanshiro Iwao, she released her first single after transferring to Teichiku Records in 2021, “Yurusanai de… Nee.” The song gained traction when it was featured as in-store BGM at Lawson locations nationwide, and it reached No.
1 on the Weekly USEN HIT Enka/Kayōkyoku chart.
She has also released locally themed songs such as “Ooyama Sakura,” inspired by the cherry blossoms of Mount Makihikiyama, and “Shiroi Yosei-tachi.” She has strong ties to Minamiuonuma City and is active energetically both within and outside the city.
Bands, artists, and singers from Niigata Prefecture (21–30)
EQUAL RomanceCoCo
CoCo is an idol group that was formed in a segment of the variety show “Paradise GoGo!!,” which aired starting in 1989.
One of its members, Maki Miyamae, was born in Tōkamachi, Niigata Prefecture.
Although the group disbanded in 1994, she continued working as a TV personality and is now also active as a culinary researcher.
