RAG Musicartist
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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.

Very unique! Artists and singers from Saitama (ages 51–60)

TwilightMatsumoto Gōsei

GOING UNDER GROUND – Twilight (Music Video)
TwilightMatsumoto Gōsei

Motoshi Matsumoto, who handles vocals and guitar for the rock band GOING UNDER GROUND, is from Okegawa City in Saitama Prefecture.

Since their CD debut in 1998, the band has continued to work consistently and can be considered one of the leading groups in Japan’s guitar rock scene.

In addition to writing and composing many of their songs, he also provides music for other artists.

AsayakeSakurai Tetsuo

Tetsuo Sakurai is a Japanese bassist.

He was one of the original members of Casiopea, a fusion band that enjoyed idol-like popularity.

While active with Casiopea at the time, Sakurai also attended Keio University in Saitama Prefecture.

The band he formed during his time there seems to have favored a hard rock style.

After leaving the group, he pursued a solo career.

Even at 60, he continues to be an active, performing musician.

STAND BY MEKono Takehiro

GOING UNDER GROUND – STAND BY ME (Music Video)
STAND BY MEKono Takehiro

He is the former drummer and leader of the rock band GOING UNDER GROUND.

Beyond drums, he is a multi-instrumentalist who plays percussion, piano, keyboards, acoustic guitar, violin, and more.

He has also written songs for artists such as Erika Taira, Takako Matsu, and Fumiya Fujii.

In addition, he has worked on TV drama theme songs and film soundtracks.

His wife is the writer Mitsuyo Kakuta.

As It Is, I Will Never Let It End…haino keiji

Keiji Haino is a musician who grew up in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture.

Initially aspiring to theater under the influence of Antonin Artaud, Haino was shocked by The Doors’ “When the Music Is Over” and shifted to music.

Active since the 1970s, he is one of the earliest figures in Japan’s avant-garde music scene and is often regarded as an icon of extreme noise music.

So distinctive! Artists and singers from Saitama (ages 61–70)

That’s important.Tachikawa Toshiyuki

Daijiman Brothers - “That’s Important” [High Quality Audio]
That's important.Tachikawa Toshiyuki

Toshiyuki Tachikawa, the vocalist of Daijiman Brothers Band, is from Soka City in Saitama Prefecture, and the band was formed in Soka City, Saitama.

Released in 1991 as their third single, this song became a massive hit with total sales reaching 1.8 million copies.

It remains a classic that continues to encourage many people.

Passionate BalladKotanikinya

Kotani Kinya | Kotani Kinya “Passion BALLAD” – Jounetsu BALLAD (Official Music Video)
Passionate BalladKotanikinya

Kotani Kinya is a singer from Saitama Prefecture, and this song was released in 2000 as his second single.

It reached a personal best of No.

15 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and is notable for its eccentric costumes and sound.

SHOOTING STARHattan Amika

Amika Hattan is a singer from Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture.

The song was originally released by HIM in 1996 and was covered by Amika Hattan in 1999, being released as her third single.

It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “L×I×V×E,” and with this song she won the Best New Artist Award at the 41st Japan Record Awards.

It remains her biggest hit.