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.
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- 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 (1–10)
somedaySaucy Dog
Saucy Dog is a three-piece guitar rock band formed in Osaka by vocalist-guitarist Ishihara from Shimane, bassist Akizawa from Kochi, and drummer Seto from Nara.
Their delicate lyrics, which capture both the scenes they witness and the emotions that arise within them, along with melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia, have been said to strike directly at the heart—and have become a hot topic.
Even everyday happenings turn into songs like magic in their hands.
They’re a group you won’t want to take your eyes off as they continue to rise!
Mikuni Stationaiko
When it comes to artists from Osaka, many people think of aiko! From energetic tracks to mellow tunes, her lyrics resonate with so many listeners, earning her unwavering popularity.
She debuted in 1998 and has continued to release numerous songs and perform live.
Her Osaka dialect during live MCs is super cute and really funny, too! Her cheerful personality—beloved not only by longtime fans but also by new ones—is another one of her charms.
OrangeLavt
Singer-songwriter Lavt, born in 2002 and hailed as a rising star from Osaka, is drawing significant attention.
True to a name that means “sea” in Indonesian, their music is emotionally rich and expansive, like a deep blue ocean.
They began playing bass in second grade, stood out in middle school by posting Vocaloid tracks, and earned the No.
1 spot on the weekly Vocaloid rankings with a piece produced in high school.
Songs released in 2024 steadily entered Spotify’s Viral charts and made a mark on charts in Taiwan as well.
In 2025, they were selected for Spotify’s next-generation artist program, “RADAR: Early Noise 2025,” and their presence on social media is outstanding.
Blending J-rock and indie pop into a singular aesthetic, Lavt captivates music fans with a youthful sensibility.
Osaka StrutUrufuruzu
Formed in 1988 and loved by a wide range of listeners, the rock band Ulfuls also got their start in Osaka.
In their signature song Eenen, they even write the lyrics in Kansai dialect, and that unpretentious attitude contributes to the warmth and approachability that make their music so appealing.
Musically, they have many tracks that incorporate elements of funk, delivering catchy, high-energy songs that are irresistible.
They’re a legendary band with overwhelming popularity not only in the rock scene but also across the J-pop landscape.
Doki itDaigo Nishihata, Shunsuke Michieda, Kento Nagao, Joichiro Fujiwara, Kyohei Takahashi
Leveraging the strength of all being from the Kansai region, Naniwa Danshi continues to captivate audiences with performances brimming with Kansai-specific charm.
They made their CD debut in November 2021, and many of their subsequent releases have ranked high on the Oricon charts.
The group has built a sparkling track record, including winning Best 5 New Artists at the 36th Japan Gold Disc Awards.
Every member is also skilled in acting, thriving across a wide range of fields such as TV dramas, films, and stage productions.
In April 2024, they formed the limited-time unit KAMIGATA BOYZ together with other Johnny’s groups from Kansai, further accelerating their momentum.
They’re highly recommended for those drawn to the blend of friendly Kansai dialect and polished performance.
SquallThe Yellow plan
The Yellow plan, a three-piece rock band coloring Osaka’s music scene, delivers a powerful sound rooted in ’90s–’00s hard rock and post-grunge.
Influenced by bands like Foo Fighters and Soundgarden, they’ve forged a world of their own.
Centered around live-house performances, they remain highly active while valuing connections with fans on social media.
Their energetic performances and high-level musicianship captivate audiences, breathing new life into today’s rock scene.
With muscular guitar riffs and emotional vocals woven together, their sound is sure to be a perfect pick for fans of alternative rock.
ParadiseHirai Ken
A singer-songwriter from Osaka whose wide-ranging musical sensibilities shine through the lack of uniformity—from ballads to pop songs, and even tracks performed dressed as an Indian.
Even before his major-label debut, while still a university student, he worked as a resident singer at live houses in Shinjuku and Yokohama, showing that his vocal talent was highly regarded even in his amateur days.
An artist who excels both as a singer and a composer, his sweet voice—coloring shape-shifting songs—resonates deeply in the heart.
