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 (21–30)
tone colorKotone
Kotone is a singer-songwriter from Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.
She has participated in numerous music contests since elementary school, and her singing voice has been highly praised.
In 2018, she became the grand champion of the music program “Kon’ya Tanjō! Ongaku Champ,” which greatly boosted her recognition.
Her expressive power is outstanding.
Dream FireworksHanna
Singer-songwriter Hánna is known for her soothing, comforting voice.
Born overseas, she came to Japan at the age of three and grew up in Niigata.
She even appeared as Japan’s representative on the audition program ASIA BAGUS, which aired across various Asian countries.
On the show, she won three weeks in a row and went on to become the monthly champion.
A year later, at the Grand Champion competition held in Paris, France, she outshone top performers from many countries to take the runner-up title.
Hánna’s recommended track is “Yume Hanabi,” a song with a beautifully wistful melody.
Be sure to give it a listen!
My Dear EllieSekiguchi Kazuyuki (Sazan Ōrusutāzu)
Kazuyuki Sekiguchi, the bassist of the iconic Japanese band Southern All Stars, is from Niigata Prefecture.
He met the band’s vocalist, Keisuke Kuwata, in a university club in Tokyo, and together they formed a band called Onsen Anma Momohiki Band.
The group later became Southern All Stars and debuted in 1978 with the single “Katte ni Sindbad.” In addition to his activities with Southern All Stars, Sekiguchi has published essays and designed the cover art for Haruomi Hara’s solo album, among other pursuits.
He has also expanded his activities as a ukulele player.
Translucent IdentityUNCOVER SPACE
UNCOVER SPACE is a rock band formed in 2010.
Their straightforward guitar sound and heart-wrenching vocals leave a strong impression.
Although they sadly disbanded in 2017, we’ll be watching what the members do next.
beautifulhinata
Hinata is an acoustic duo that represents Niigata.
The leader, Takanori, and the sub-leader, Piron, are cousins from Nagaoka City.
Formed in 1999, they’re known for their street performances, including the “Hinatabi” tour in 2005, where they performed across all 47 prefectures in 47 days.
Their fresh, melodic sound and hopeful lyrics give listeners courage.
Their 3rd single, “Orange-Colored Clouds and Your Hair,” is set against the sunset at Kobari Beach on the Sea of Japan in Niigata.
They also host numerous radio programs, such as “Hinata’s Jonnobi Cafe” on FM Nagaoka, “Hinata’s Cheers Tonight!” on FM-NIIGATA, and “#Hinata Festival” on BSN Radio.
Since 2016, they have organized and hosted the Nagaoka Oto-Musubi Fes, earning strong support through their community-rooted activities.
Max Toki No. 315NGT48
NGT48 is a sister group of the AKB group.
As the name NGT suggests, they are based in Niigata City.
Formed in 2015, they perform centered around their dedicated NGT48 Theater, and made their major debut in 2017 with the single “Seishun Dokei.” In the early days of their activities, Rie Kitahara and Yuki Kashiwagi—who were already active as AKB48 members—also joined, supporting the group’s growth.
Their red-and-white logo, inspired by Niigata Prefecture’s prefectural bird, the scarlet ibis, imbues red with the meaning of passion, while white represents Niigata’s specialties: rice and snowy landscapes.
Hikarikaho
Kaho is a singer-songwriter from Niigata.
Her song “Hikari” is catchy and evokes the bittersweetness of youth.
It makes you want to listen while walking through the city on a sunny day.
Her cute yet emotional vocals really resonate.
She is currently based in Tokyo.