Bands, artists, and singers from Oita Prefecture
Who comes to mind when you think of artists from Oita Prefecture?
People from neighboring Fukuoka Prefecture often get featured in the media like on TV, but you might not have many chances to learn about those from Oita.
So in this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of artists from Oita Prefecture, regardless of era or genre!
We’ve picked out everything from popular singer-songwriters to bands that enjoy enduring popularity in the Japanese rock scene, so be sure to check them out.
- [2026] A compilation of bands, artists, and singers from Kyushu
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
- [2026] Recently trending boy groups. List of male group singers
- Singer-Songwriter/Artist Rankings of the 1980s [2026]
- Japanese Pop: A Roundup of Popular Male Singer-Songwriters
- Band songs that get the crowd going by genre
- Ranking of Beloved Hit Songs Among Women [2026]
- Breakup songs by female artists recommended for the yutori generation
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 40s [2026]
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- A classic song celebrating Oita. The enduring spirit of our hometown [2026]
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Songs in Hakata Dialect That Resonate With the Heart | A Complete Introduction to Local Hakata Songs and Fukuoka-Related Tunes
Bands, artists, and singers from Oita Prefecture (11–20)
Kanda RiverMinami Kōsetsu (Kaguya-hime)
Mr.
Kōsetsu Minami, a native of Oita Prefecture, served as the leader of Kaguya-hime, the folk band that drove the Shōwa-era folk boom.
In 1976, he became the first Japanese solo singer-songwriter to hold a one-man concert at the Nippon Budokan.
He has created numerous songs with melodies that are poignant yet piercing, such as his signature hit Kanda-gawa.
You can picture him singing as if speaking to you, with a warm, comforting voice.
In 2021, he even wrote Okairi no Uta for JR Kitsuki Station in Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture—an artist brimming with love for his hometown.
SmileMori Nana
Actress Nana Mori, from Oita Prefecture, is known for her charming, cute smile.
She was scouted by a talent agency while dining with her family in Oita City and quickly rose to stardom.
Taking on leading roles one after another in films and dramas, she shows a wide range of expressions depending on the character.
She herself is known for her bright, cheerful, and approachable personality.
She’s also famous for appearing in numerous commercials, where her beaming smile soothes viewers.
We can’t take our eyes off her as she continues to shine in multiple fields—as a singer, actress, and voice actor!
As long as the sun is in the skynishikino akira
Akira Nishikino, a singer from Oita Prefecture affectionately known as “The Star,” is celebrated for his wide-ranging activities, including work as an actor and TV personality.
He gained popularity as an idol singer in the 1970s and became an indispensable presence on variety shows from the 1990s onward.
His long-standing performances in detective series and historical dramas also left a strong impression.
Boasting overwhelming vocal prowess, he has produced numerous emotional songs centered on themes of love.
Though he has a dandy, sophisticated look, he also possesses an endearing, slightly cute charm as a singer.
Love is screamingnanami
Nanami, a singer-songwriter from Oita Prefecture who won the Grand Prix at the Music Revolution (2013) contest, is known for her soulful performances with an acoustic guitar.
Her beautiful voice, perfectly matched with classical melodies, is sure to move your heart.
She respects jazzy Western music and excels at nostalgic, heartrending songwriting.
She is also a local-minded artist who serves as a radio DJ on FM Oita.
LOVE SONGDroog
Droog is a rock band formed by members all from Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.
Childhood friends since kindergarten, they began performing in earnest in high school and quickly became a lively presence on the live scene in Oita.
They excel at heavy, passionate performances.
Clad in stylish outfits and singing with a husky voice, Hiroki Katayama is the very embodiment of rock ’n’ roll.
You can almost picture the audience raising their fists as they belt out the chorus.
Their songs—fierce yet heartrending, as if expressing the emotions of youth—are the band’s greatest appeal.
Wish SongRanka
Ranka is a singer-songwriter from Oita Prefecture, known for songs with an oriental atmosphere that incorporate traditional ethnic instruments.
The eldest daughter of a clothing store in Oita, she moved to Tokyo after graduating from high school.
She writes and composes grand ballads themed around “life” and “love.” Her appeal also shines through in her cover albums, which make the most of her clear, beautiful vocals.
She is also known for providing songs to music units and other singers.
A multi-talented artist, she holds an Onsen Sommelier certification and enjoys haiku and art appreciation.
Bands, artists, and singers from Oita Prefecture (21–30)
I couldn’t become Dustin Hoffman.Otsuka Hakudo
Hakuo Otsuka, a singer-songwriter who was active in the 1970s, was from Beppu City in Oita Prefecture.
This song, “I Couldn’t Be Dustin Hoffman,” which was also his debut single, came out when he was 32.
He passed away at a young age, but this song was played at his funeral.