So unique! An artist and singer from Saitama
When you hear “an artist from Saitama,” does anyone immediately come to mind? Even when it’s about an artist you love, it can be surprising to learn, “Whoa, they’re from there!” From household-name legends to famous actors and actresses who have also made their mark as singers… Finding an artist from your hometown gives you a little thrill, doesn’t it? Saitama has produced many artists, including Gen Hoshino, who is now a national star, and many more besides! I hope this article helps you discover new music and artists to love.
Super unique! Artists and singers from Saitama (1–10)
Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo
Ringo Sheena is a singer-songwriter from Urawa, Saitama Prefecture, and this song was released in 1999 as her third single.
It was used as the ending theme for the Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV program Downtown DX.
Written while Sheena was living in Fukuoka, the lyrics convey her straightforward feelings for the man she was dating at the time.
Pop VirusHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino, known for his work as an actor and solo musician, was born in Warabi, Saitama Prefecture and raised in Kawaguchi, making him Saitama-born and bred.
He was also the leader of the instrumental band SAKEROCK, which disbanded in 2015.
I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka
Yutaka Ozaki, the charismatic icon Saitama is proud of, who kept crying out in rebellion against society and adults.
Rooted in rock and folk, his music seems to speak for the inner turmoil of young people.
He debuted in 1983 with the single “15 no Yoru” (The Night of Fifteen) and the classic album “Jūnanasai no Chizu” (Seventeen’s Map).
His signature songs about breaking free from school and societal norms won fervent support from the youth of the time and even became a social phenomenon.
This debut album was highly acclaimed for its vivid portrayal of young people’s true feelings.
Though he passed away suddenly in April 1992 at the age of 26, his passionate voice and soulful cries still shine as an undying message that never fades.
For those who feel suffocated by everyday life, his straightforward words will surely strike a deep chord.
POISON ~A world where you can’t even say what you want to say~Sorimachi Takashi
Takashi Sorimachi is an actor from Urawa, Saitama Prefecture, and this song was released in 1998 as his fourth single.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama GTO, and it reached No.
9 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
With its masculine, powerful sound, it’s a perfect match for the drama’s content.
I’ll stay true to myself.Shin-yama Shiori
Shiori Niiyama is a singer-songwriter from Saitama Prefecture, and this song was released in 2016 as her eighth single.
It’s a rock-style track that portrays a slice of everyday life while expressing hidden feelings and hope for the future, and it marked her first entry into the Oricon Top 10.
Precious LoveATSUSHI
EXILE ATSUSHI is a singer-songwriter from Koshigaya, Saitama Prefecture, and this song was released in 2014 as his sixth single.
The lyrics and composition were handled by ATSUSHI, and it was used as the commercial song for the wedding magazine Zexy.
With this song, he won the Best Vocal Performance Award at the 56th Japan Record Awards.
red-orangeOoki Nobuo, Sato Masatoshi, Urayama Ichigo
ACIDMAN is a rock band known for its impressive, grand worldview centered on themes like the universe and life.
Vocalist Nobuo Oki, bassist Masatoshi Sato, and drummer Ichigo Urayama are all from Saitama Prefecture.
Their hallmark is a sound rooted in rock that blends elements of post-rock, jazz, and more.
In March 2003, they won “New Artist of the Year” at the 17th Japan Gold Disc Awards, and in recent years they also provided the theme song for the film Golden Kamuy.
Frontman Oki holds a pharmacist’s license, a facet that seems to inform the intellectual depth of his philosophical lyrics.
In 2017, they showcased their hometown pride by hosting their own festival at Saitama Super Arena.
They’re the perfect band for when you want to immerse yourself in music on an epic scale.