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!
- A classic song that celebrates Niigata. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
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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.
- [Nagoya] Bands, artists, and singers from Aichi Prefecture
- [Neo-Visual Kei] A roundup of popular songs by V-kei bands from the 2000s
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- [Feels Great to Listen To!] Popular Songs by Female Artists with Captivating High Notes
- [Women Artists Only] Breakup Songs Recommended for Gen Z
- 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 (1–10)
lodgingMy Hair is Bad
Affectionately known by the nickname “Maihea,” My Hair Is Bad is a band noted for lyrics with a strong message and, at times, a sense of storytelling.
They formed in 2008 in Joetsu, Niigata Prefecture, and made their major-label debut in 2016 with the single “Jidai o Atsumete.” The members were in high school at the time of formation, and from those early days they performed alongside many bands such as CreepHyp and Good Morning America, also serving as tour support.
The band’s name originated when guitarist Hiroki Yamamoto—whose hairstyle resembled that of the protagonist of the manga Grappler Baki—himself exclaimed, “My hair is bad!” inspiring the name.
Alone//Ditea crowd of rebellion
a crowd of rebellion is a Japanese metalcore/screamo band formed in Niigata Prefecture in 2007.
Their 2012 mini-album Hydrangea won the 5th CD Shop Award for the Koshinetsu-Hokuriku regional prize.
In 2015, they made their major-label debut with Warner Music Japan.
While screamo is their main style, since they’re from Niigata—famous for its Koshihikari rice—they sometimes describe their own sound as “Koshihikari-mo,” a play on words.
Their songs, which convey both light and dark, are distinctive and captivating.
We look forward to seeing what they do next!
Stay GoldNanba Akihiro
Akihiro Namba, the vocalist and bassist known for Hi-STANDARD and NAMBA69, was born in Tokyo but graduated from a high school in Niigata.
He formed Hi-STANDARD in 1991 and made his indie debut in 1994 with the mini-album “LAST OF SUNNY DAY.” The band went on hiatus in 2000 and resumed activities in 2011.
Before the comeback, he launched ULTRA BRAiN in 2006, and later formed NAMBA69 in 2013.
Hi-STANDARD in particular influenced many bands, and their own music festival, AIR JAM, had a major impact on the festival scene that followed.
A Guide to Getting High LegallyDJ Matsunaga (Creepy Nuts)
Creepy Nuts have gained widespread popularity by actively appearing in the media, including their appearance on “Freestyle Dungeon.” While MC R-Shitei often gets the spotlight, this article highlights DJ Matsunaga from Niigata Prefecture! Matsunaga shines with his great personality on radio and YouTube, but that’s not all—many of you may already know that in 2019 he won the battle category at the DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS held in London.
His high-quality performances, including scratching and juggling, are must-see.
And as you can tell from Creepy Nuts’ tracks, his talent as a trackmaker is also outstanding!
Spur of LightNegicco
Negicco is an idol group based in Niigata Prefecture, with all members hailing from Niigata.
Formed in 2003 to promote Niigata’s green onions, they were also appointed as “Niigata Tourism Special Ambassadors.” In the same year they formed, they independently released Koi suru Negicco, which was re-released nationwide the following year.
Since then, their activities have expanded beyond Niigata: they have appeared in numerous nationally broadcast variety shows and commercials, including one for Sato no Kagamimochi.
In addition to holding a solo concert at the Naeba Prince Hotel in their hometown of Niigata, they frequently perform live together with the idol group Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku.
I’m a popular kid.Yajima Akiko
Akiko Yajima, widely known as the original voice actress for Shinnosuke “Shin-chan” Nohara in Crayon Shin-chan, was born in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture, and spent her youth in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture.
She made her voice acting debut as Eriko Tamura, the protagonist of the anime Idol Densetsu Eriko, which began airing in 1989.
Starting in 1992, she portrayed Shinnosuke Nohara in Crayon Shin-chan—her signature role—for an impressive 26 years.
As a singer, she performed various anime character songs, including Ora wa Ninkimono, which was used as an opening theme for Crayon Shin-chan.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterHilcrhyme
The hip-hop duo Hilcrhyme, known for their distinctive look featuring large sunglasses, was formed in Niigata Prefecture.
Founded in 2006, they appeared at many events in Niigata and gained popularity before making their major debut in 2009 with the single “Junya to Manami.” Later that same year, their release “Shunkashuto” drew attention and became a hit, earning them the Newcomer of the Year awards at both the Japan Cable Radio Awards and the Japan Record Awards.
Although they are a hip-hop act, their vocals and melodies convey a gentle impression.
Currently, only the MC, TOC, is active in the group.