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 (41–50)
parody songKamon Tatsuo
A singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture, famous for a smash-hit medley of parody songs.
He originally entered the entertainment world as an apprentice to a rakugo storyteller, which explains his sharp wordplay and uniquely original perspective.
Beyond parody medleys, his singles and album tracks alike feature lyrics with a distinctive angle and irresistibly catchy melodies.
Even when he performs serious songs, his outstanding vocal ability is striking.
He is a one-of-a-kind artist who showcases multifaceted talent as a singer-songwriter.
Recommended Bands, Singers, and Artists from Osaka Prefecture (51–60)
DarlingOkada Junichi
Junichi Okada of V6 is from Hirakata City, Osaka Prefecture, and this song was released in 2003 as their 23rd single.
It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Kimi wa Pet,” and it is one of the most popular songs among fans, a staple at their live shows.
Since the solo part is performed only by Junichi Okada, it is a particularly important song for his fans.
outdatedKawashima Eigo
Eigo Kawashima, known for classics like “Sake, Tears, the Man and the Woman,” was a singer-songwriter from Higashi-Osaka City.
He began playing folk music in high school, performed with the group Homo Sapiens, and later started his solo career.
There’s also a moving story about Ken Shimura’s love for Kawashima’s song “Jidai Okure,” which he would perform on television shows.
Kawashima’s songs, delivered with a slow, savoring intensity, make each word sink in; I find it wonderful how their heartfelt masculinity resonates across time with compelling strength.
When I realized it, I was in unrequited love.Nishino Nanase, Matsumura Sayuri, Kawamura Mahiro
Nanase Nishino, Sayuri Matsumura, and Mahiro Kawamura, all regular members of Nogizaka46, are from Osaka Prefecture.
This song was released in 2014 as Nogizaka46’s eighth single.
Nanase Nishino served as the center for the track, and whereas many previous songs had a more masculine perspective, this one is written from a feminine point of view.
SMILE AGAINYonekura Toshinori
Toshinori Yonekura is from Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture.
While he was in Osaka, he appeared as the mascot boy on Downtown’s hugely popular Kansai evening show “Yoji Desu-yōda.” He was fresh and very cool back then.
He’s still great now, but he’s gotten really muscular, hasn’t he?
Youth SpiceSupurīgaru
A rising five-piece girls’ band formed in May 2024.
With the concept “singing a place where you belong, like flipping through memories,” they are active mainly at live houses in Osaka and Tokyo.
Through songs filled with down-to-earth emotions—such as Aiso o Tsukashita, themed around heartbreak, and Tanoshii Yoru ni Shite, which portrays friendship—they are steadily expanding their fan base.
Leveraging the strength that all members are either graduates of or currently attending music school and can write lyrics and compose, they tackle a wide range of genres from pop to alternative.
Their lineup featuring keyboards also broadens their expressive range.
This band is recommended for listeners seeking songs that resonate with everyday experiences and the movements of the heart.
Even when I become an old ladyMoritaka Chisato
A singer-songwriter from Osaka Prefecture who has earned steadfast popularity thanks to her adorable looks and multi-instrumental talent showcased at live performances.
Because her 1990 song “Kono Machi” includes lines in the Kumamoto dialect, many assume she is from Kumamoto Prefecture, but did you know she’s actually from Osaka? With lyrics that tell stories through a unique perspective and distinctive word choices, and a singular, charming voice that remains vibrant with age, she is an artist who continues to blossom with a wide range of talents.