Recommended bands, singers, and artists from Osaka Prefecture
What kind of artists come to mind when you hear “artists from Osaka”? Not only those who speak in the Osaka dialect—there are actually many artists from Osaka who usually speak standard Japanese as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of bands and singer-songwriters from Osaka all at once.
We’ve picked artists across genres and generations—from those whose Osaka roots are widely known to those whose hometown isn’t as well recognized—so please take a look.
- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- Kansai-dialect Songs | A Kansai-born writer thoroughly explains their charm!
- Masculine Allure: Artists and Bands with Husky Voices
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- A must-see for Gen Z men! Easy-to-sing songs by male artists for karaoke
- From cute to cool: iconic and recommended songs from uniquely individual girl bands
- [2026] A roundup of artists, singers, and bands from Hyogo Prefecture
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Songs by Yoshimi Tendo, the songstress born in Osaka, that are easy to sing
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
List of recommended bands, singers, and artists from Osaka Prefecture (111–120)
HOMEShimizu Shota
Shota Shimizu is a singer-songwriter from Yao City in Osaka Prefecture.
Before his debut, he became the first Japanese person born in the Heisei era to perform at the Apollo Theater.
Rooted in his love for soul music, he delivers songs that bridge R&B and Japanese pop.
His emotive, sweet vocals are wonderful.
In addition to his debut single “HOME” and “Love Forever,” a collaboration with Miliyah Kato that perfectly captured the mobile phone generation, the track “My Boo” also gained renewed popularity over time through streaming and social media.
Even if blown by the windYonetani Nanami
Nanami Yonetani, a current member of Keyakizaka46, is the group’s only member from Osaka Prefecture.
This song was released in 2017 as Keyakizaka46’s fifth single.
Yurina Hirate serves as the center, and the song was used in a commercial for STRIPE International’s “mechakari.” All the members wear black, form-fitting suits, making it a cool and stylish dance number.
The eve of revolution(yoru to) SAMPO
Formed primarily by members who previously centered their activities in the Kansai region—Ikumi from Accelerating Loves, who was active mainly around Kyoto; Yoshino Explosion, the former guitarist of Humbreaders; and Junji Teraoka, a drummer and former member of Osaka’s Fishlife—the band brings together a compelling pedigree.
Their songs are marked by emotionally exhilarating guitar phrases and vocals that are supple yet possess a firm core.
As a music lover, I was also deeply moved by their origin story: deciding to return to music after once stepping away.
swingTōtasu Matsumoto
Tortoise Matsumoto is a singer-songwriter from Nishiwaki City, Hyogo Prefecture, known for his wide-ranging musical style spanning rock, soul, and R&B.
He debuted in 1992 as the vocalist of Ulfuls and has continued to base his activities in Osaka.
In 1995, Ulfuls performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and he has drawn attention as one of the leading artists in the Kansai music scene.
With energetic performances and powerful vocals as his strengths, he is also active as a solo artist.
In 2012, he created the theme song for the London Olympics broadcast, and he has also worked as an actor, captivating many fans with his diverse talents.
He is an artist who values delivering energy and courage through music.
FiNAL DANCEFāsuto Samā Uika (BiS)
An artist from Osaka City who has drawn attention with a distinctive expressive style that breaks the conventional mold of idols and with unconventional performances.
In May 2013, she joined the idol group BiS and released unique tracks with diverse musicality, including punk rock and noise music.
With refined vocal ability and an overwhelming presence, she brought a fresh breeze to the music scene.
After working energetically as a member of BiS and its disbandment in July 2014, she formed BILLIE IDLE®.
Alongside her music career, she has broadened her activities as an actress and TV personality, captivating many fans with her cheerful personality and conversational skills.
She’s an artist recommended for those who want to enjoy music freely, without being bound by existing frameworks.
FLAGGOOD 4 NOTHING
GOOD4NOTHING is a rock band formed in Osaka in 1996.
Their style, reminiscent of overseas pop-punk, is characterized by upbeat, fast-paced songs that have captivated countless rock kids over the years.
In 2009, original drummer KAWAJIN left and SUNE joined; in 2019, guitarist-vocalist TANNY departed—marking two lineup changes so far.
Currently performing as a three-piece, they continue their activities with U-tan—originally the lead guitarist—now serving as the main vocalist.
The footsteps of countless nightsUA
A female singer from Osaka Prefecture who performs under a name that means “flower” in Swahili.
Her vocal style, born from incorporating a wide range of music—soul, jazz, reggae, dub, electro, and world/folk traditions—can be felt in signature songs like “Passion,” “Rhythm,” and “The Footsteps of Countless Nights.” In 2000, she joined AJICO, a rock band led by Kenichi Asai of BLANKEY JET CITY, and she is known for her energetic work beyond her solo career.
In addition to music, she is active as an actress, appearing in films such as “Woman of Water” and “Big Man Japan,” making her a versatile artist.
