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]
Recommended Bands, Singers, and Artists from Osaka Prefecture (21–30)
Gather round! Party people!shibata aribobo
Yabai T-Shirts Yasan, popularly known as “YabaT,” is a band especially popular among younger generations.
The bassist, Shibata Aribobo, is from Takatsuki City in Osaka Prefecture.
Another member, guitarist-vocalist Koyama Takuya, is also from the Kansai region, so you can often find videos of the members chatting in Kansai dialect.
By the way, Shibata Aribobo is famously a die-hard fan of Sayumi Michishige from Morning Musume and even wears Sayumi Michishige T-shirts during live shows.
budKuroda Shunsuke
Kobukuro is a duo whose wonderful harmonies resonate in the heart.
The taller main vocalist, Shunsuke Kuroda, is from Sakai City—his sunglasses are his trademark! I heard the group formed after the two, who were each pursuing music, met in Sakai.
While most of the lyrics and compositions are by Kobuchi, Kuroda has also created powerful songs about chasing dreams, such as “DOOR.” Their vocals combine overwhelming range and gentle delicacy, making it moving whether you’re listening for the first time or the hundredth.
Revolveryonige
Yonige is a two-piece girls’ band from Neyagawa, Osaka.
They originally started as a three-piece, but after the drummer left, they continued as a duo.
Their realistic love songs are popular among women of the same generation, and they’re known for many relatable tracks that really capture the feelings of a woman in love.
Guitarist and vocalist Arisa Ushimaru writes the lyrics, which reflect her real-life experiences.
From Me to YouYamamura Ryuta, Sakai Kazuki, Amakawa Genki
Ryuta Yamamura, Kazuki Sakai, and Genki Amakawa of the rock band flumpool, formed in 2007, are from Matsubara City in Osaka Prefecture.
Known for hits like “Kimi ni Todoke,” they are a guitar rock band with an appealing, refreshing vocal style.
Speaking of flumpool, it made headlines in 2013 when guitarist Kazuki Sakai paused his activities to focus on losing weight, and for one month, NON STYLE’s Inoue joined as a support member.
The band also went on hiatus due to vocalist Yamamura’s throat problems, but they have since made a comeback and resumed their activities.
love me, I love youMatsumoto Takahiro
It may not be widely known, but Takahiro Matsumoto, the guitarist of B’z—one of Japan’s most iconic rock duos—is also from Osaka Prefecture.
In addition to composing many of B’z’s songs, he writes and produces for other artists as well.
On stage, he’s memorable for playing a gold-top Les Paul, effortlessly shifting from soulful, weeping guitar solos to fiercely distorted riffs.
He’s undoubtedly an artist admired by countless guitarists.
town/cityMatsuoka Mitsuru
Mitsuhiro Matsuoka, the vocalist of SOPHIA who made their major debut in 1995, is from Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture.
In addition to being an artist who writes the lyrics for all songs and composes some of the music released under the name SOPHIA, he is also active as an actor and TV personality.
CaliforniaHEY-SMITH
HEY-SMITH, a ska-punk band active at live houses and music festivals nationwide, was formed in Osaka.
Guitarist Shuhei Igari and bassist YUJI share the role of lead vocals.
While many of their songs are rooted in pop-punk, what sets them apart from other melodic hardcore bands is their horn section.
With members on saxophone, trumpet, and trombone, they can deliver authentic ska numbers.
At their shows, songs are often performed with arrangements that differ from the studio recordings, making them a truly live-centric band whose concerts are especially compelling.