Musicians, singers, and bands from Shiga Prefecture
When you think of artists from Shiga Prefecture, home to Lake Biwa—the largest lake in Japan—who comes to mind? For many, the first name that pops up is probably Takanori Nishikawa, who also serves as a Shiga Hometown Tourism Ambassador.
But of course, Shiga has produced many artists across genres like J-pop, rock, and hip-hop beyond just him.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of musicians from Shiga, spanning genres and covering everyone from top-tier mainstream singers to up-and-coming indie bands.
We’ll feature each artist along with one of their signature songs, so enjoy exploring them together!
- A classic song that sings of Shiga. The enduring spirit of our hometown passed down through song.
- [Ones to Watch in 2026!] Recommended Female Singers & Recent Female Artists
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- Kansai-dialect Songs | A Kansai-born writer thoroughly explains their charm!
- A lineup of buzzworthy artists! Ranking of MAISONdes' popular songs
- Coloring the drama of youth! Heartwarming songs perfect for school sports days and athletic festivals
- [2026] Recommended Indonesian Artists Collection
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Emotional songs you’ll want to listen to in summer: classic tracks by rock bands and singer-songwriters.
- Recommended songs by Takanori Nishikawa. Carefully selected masterpieces that will captivate you once you listen.
- Takanori Nishikawa’s Most Popular Songs Ranked: Exquisite Tracks You’ll Love More with Every Listen
- Songs related to Mie Prefecture. Beloved local tunes of Mie that continue to be cherished.
Musicians, singers, and bands from Shiga Prefecture (1–10)
I wonder why.Tetsu (Tetsu and Tomo)
Familiar in his red tracksuit, Tetsu of the duo Tetsu and Tomo hails from Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture.
He originally aspired to be a singer and actor, studied acting at university, and is known for his clear, resonant singing voice and sharp physical expression.
After forming the duo in 1998, they sparked a social phenomenon in 2003 with their song that sings about everyday questions, “Nandearo,” winning the Grand Prize at the New Words and Buzzwords Awards.
In the world of performing arts, their prowess is unquestioned, with accolades such as the Gold Prize at the Hanagata Performing Arts Awards in 2002.
Their stage, where music and comedy become one, is perfect for anyone looking for music the whole family can enjoy!
The song about letting things that come from the right flow to the leftMūdi Katsuyama
Moody Katsuyama, hailing from Kusatsu City in Shiga Prefecture, took the nation by storm with his unique melodies while dressed in a white tuxedo.
Around 2006, he broke through with comedy songs that set everyday occurrences to mood kayō (moody enka-style) music, charming households across Japan.
His signature number, “The Song of Letting What Comes from the Right Flow to the Left,” became a phenomenal hit, surpassing 2.1 million downloads on mobile platforms.
On the musical side, he also appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen as a chorus singer for Kiyoshi Maekawa.
If you want to enjoy a performance where music and comedy blend perfectly, don’t miss him!
Hello HelloSebu Hiroko
Composer Hiroko Sebu, who grew up in Kusatsu City, Shiga Prefecture.
She is a musician with two sides: a composer of film and visual music, and an artist who performs under the name sébuhiroko.
Since her 2008 debut with the album “Ouchi wa Doko?” (Where Is Home?), she has scored numerous films and TV dramas.
Many may have heard her delicate melodies in the NHK morning drama “Beppin-san.” For her music for the film “Karaoke Iko!” (Let’s Go Karaoke!), she won the Best Music Award at the 48th Japan Academy Prize.
She has also arranged for and supported Mr.Children, demonstrating talent that transcends genres.
Her narrative, classically rooted music is perfect for those who love films and the beautiful sound of the piano.
Musicians, Singers, and Bands from Shiga Prefecture (11–20)
I did not exist.Kuramaru Riko
This is Riko Kuramaru, who was active as a member of the digital voice actress idol group 22/7.
While the group’s musical style centered on idol pop, she showcased a wide expressive range by performing enka-style songs in her character’s solo tracks.
They made their major debut in September 2017.
Affectionately known as “Mizuhan,” she was a mood-maker with her friendly Kansai dialect talk.
Many people may also know her under the name Mizuba Kuraoka.
Lesson IKagawa Ryo
Ryo Kagawa, a singer-songwriter indispensable to any discussion of Japan’s folk scene, was born in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture.
While rooted in pure folk, his music was distinguished by the incorporation of folk rock and West Coast-inspired sounds.
An impromptu appearance at the 1970 Nakatsugawa Folk Jamboree led to his debut the following year with the classic album “Kyōkun” (Lessons).
The oft-told anecdote that Takuro Yoshida once said he was “jealous of the songs Ryo Kagawa wrote” speaks to Kagawa’s extraordinary talent.
Unmoved by commercial success, he stayed true to his path as a traveling troubadour.
His way of life—and music—brims with a charm that deserves to be heard by listeners who believe in the power of words and want to immerse themselves deeply in the world of song.
Pour the oil!Takemoto Yui (Sakurazaka46)
Yui Takemoto, who is active in Sakurazaka46, joined the group after the Sakamichi Joint Audition in 2018.
Within the group, she has taken part in songs such as “Start over!” and, since the group was renamed Sakurazaka46, she has steadily raised her profile, being selected for the senbatsu as many as seven times.
Beyond music, she has also expanded her activities by leveraging her bright personality—since 2023, she has been a regular on a radio program.
Her energetic performances and approachable demeanor are sure to win your heart.
SuperCaliTsurubou Shion (JO1)
Shion Tsurubo, a core performer of the global boy group JO1, has roots in Shiga Prefecture.
After appearing on an audition program in 2019, he debuted in March 2020.
JO1 blends EDM and hip-hop in their sound, and their songs “Trigger” and “Love seeker” won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards for two consecutive years.
Their win of “Best New Asian Artist” at MAMA also speaks to their prowess.
Tsurubo’s appeal lies in his powerful low-tone rap, honed during his trainee days in South Korea, and his dynamic stage presence.
Beyond music, he has starred as an actor and boasts diverse activities, including ranking first in the NEXT category of ViVi’s National Treasure-Level Handsome Ranking for the first half of 2022.