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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- [Feels Great to Listen To!] Popular Songs by Female Artists with Captivating High Notes
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- Niigata’s folk songs, children’s songs, and nursery rhymes: the heart of our hometown passed down in song
- Breakup songs sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
Bands, artists, and singers from Niigata Prefecture (41–50)
Island GirlKouta Katsutarou
The singing voice of Kowuta Katsutaro, who took flight from Niigata Prefecture, still resonates in the hearts of many listeners today.
She debuted in the early Showa era and, with the massive 1932 hit “Shima no Musume” (Island Girl), established her own distinctive “Ha—Kouta style.” She then became the talk of the town with “Tokyo Ondo” and devoted herself fully to her singing career.
Katsutaro breathed new life into traditional folk songs, forging what came to be known as the definitive “Katsutaro-bushi.” Her music, richly reflecting the character of Niigata’s land and culture, continues to be loved across generations!
The Shining Desertimanari akiyoshi
Akiyoshi Imanari, a folk music singer-songwriter, hails from Tochio, Niigata Prefecture (now Nagaoka City).
He was active on the folk scene in the 1970s and is known for his smooth, mature vocals.
He currently performs under the name Shukujirō.
Piti Pati SurvivorGesukawa☆Gāruzu
This is the ending theme of the anime Sabagebu! (Survival Game Club!), which portrays the daily lives of girls devoted to airsoft.
It’s performed by the voice actors who play the main characters.
Among them, Lynn, who voices Maya Kyodo, was born in Niigata Prefecture.
Incidentally, Sabagebu! was her first regular role.
Woman’s SakeUesugi Kaori
In 1995, enka singer Kaori Uesugi took off from Niigata.
Her debut single “Kaze-gun (Kaze)” is a work that shines with her deep love for enka and the guidance of her mentor, lyricist Ryuichi Satomura.
In particular, her 2006 hit “Onna-zake” was a major success, selling over 200,000 copies and catapulting her name to national recognition.
Her poised staging and vocals, which earned her the Golden Arrow Award for New Music Artist, are a perfect match of talent and beauty.
Her singing, which resonates deeply with listeners’ hearts, continues to be loved by many.
Once you lend an ear to Uesugi’s songs, you’re sure to be drawn in by their charm!
Shanana of HappinessŌyama Sōichi, Sakai Ryōsuke (BRADIO)
BRADIO is a rock band known for songs like “Flyers,” which was used as the opening theme for the anime Death Parade.
Guitarist Soichi Oyama and bassist Ryosuke Sakai are both from Niigata Prefecture.
They formed BRADIO together with vocalist Takaaki Shingyoji and others whom they met in Tokyo.
The band’s appeal lies in its funky sound infused with elements of Black music.
Their music is cool, tasty, wonderful—pure happiness for the ears—no matter where you drop the needle.
Please check it out for yourself!
A Maiden’s PolicyIshida Yoko
Many people might feel nostalgic when they hear this song.
The singer of Otome no Policy, the ending theme of the nationally beloved anime Sailor Moon R, is Yoko Ishida, a vocalist from Niigata City in Niigata Prefecture.
She won the Anime Singer Contest held in 1990, drawing attention, and debuted in 1993 with that very song.
Her cheerful, familiar-sounding voice is soothing.
Living in Niigata Prefecture, she also works as an instructor at the local International Film and Media Vocational School.
Your sweet tasteSaitō Hitomi (Meron Kinenbi)
Hitomi Saito, who was active as a member of the Hello! Project idol group Melon Kinenbi, is from Minami Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture.
Formed by four members who passed the audition, Melon Kinenbi was a popular group that produced hits such as Akai Freesia.
After the group regrettably disbanded in 2010, Saito retired from singing and returned to her hometown of Niigata.
Making use of her beautiful voice, she now works as a radio personality.
If you live in Niigata, this might be well-known information.