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!
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Musicians, Singers, and Bands from Shiga Prefecture (11–20)
polar bearYUKI（JABBERLOOP）
YUKI, the bassist of JABBERLOOP—a band leading Japan’s “danceable jazz” scene—is from Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture.
Formed in Kyoto in 2004, JABBERLOOP has built a following with a sound rooted in club jazz and funk, making their major debut in 2007 with the album “and infinite jazz…”.
They have also showcased their talents in visual media, contributing theme songs for the film “Mother Lake” and the TV drama “The Song of Curry.” In their debut year, they won the Domestic Club/Dance Award at the ADLIB AWARDS 2007.
YUKI’s bass playing, guided by the credo of delivering “low end that serves the song,” is the architectural backbone of the band’s groove and catchy melodies—truly a designer of the low frequencies.
He’s an artist you should definitely check out if you want to experience technical yet lyrical performance.
That summer is becoming an addiction.kukkī! (Jenīhai)
Known as a genius comedian, Cookie! hails from Moriyama City in Shiga Prefecture.
The band in which he plays bass, Genie High, launched in 2017.
You may already know it’s a supergroup bringing together talents from different fields: Enon Kawatani, Ikkyu Nakajima, Takashi Niigaki, and Kazuhiro Kokubu.
Their 2018 mini-album “Genie High” topped the digital charts, proving their credentials.
Beyond comedy, he’s also demonstrated his versatility by successfully mounting an art exhibition that drew over 550,000 visitors.
In the band, his bass lines—praised for being “thick and singing”—are a major draw!
Mother LakeKawamoto Isamu
Mr.
Isamu Kawamoto, affectionately known as “Mr.
Lake Biwa,” is a producer who works in many fields based in Shiga—not only as a musician but also as a program host and live house owner.
Around 1990, he formed U★TIME BAND, and in 1996 he produced the album “Thorough Chaos.” His accomplishments shine through in his leadership of Shiga’s culture, including hosting a local information program that has continued since 2002 and opening a live house in 2005 to nurture young talent.
He is someone whom anyone interested in community-building activities should definitely get to know.
Again Destiny Prelude!Sugi-e Taishi
Taishi Sugie, an actor active primarily in 2.5D musicals, hails from Shiga Prefecture.
Since his debut in 2013 with Musical: The Prince of Tennis 2nd Season, he has appeared in numerous popular productions such as the Touken Ranbu stage plays and the Hetalia musical series, captivating fans with his singing voice.
The source of his expressive power may lie in his deep spirit of inquiry, which has led directors to describe him as both an artist and an adventurer.
His delicate vocals, imbued with his characters’ emotions, vividly bring each story’s world to life.
God knows…Nishikawa Susumu
Shin Nishikawa, who has supported the works and live performances of illustrious artists like Ringo Sheena, CHAGE, and Ikimono-gakari on guitar, is from Omihachiman City in Shiga Prefecture! After debuting in a band in 1986, he went on to thrive as a studio musician.
He took part in Ringo Sheena’s landmark album Muzai Moratorium, and his searing guitar on Gibbs, which symbolizes her early sound, left a powerful impact on many listeners.
He also handled the arrangement for Mirai Wakusei on Ikimono-gakari’s album Hajimari no Uta, and the album’s win of the Japan Record Award for Best Album speaks to his skill.
Calling himself an “emotion-direct” guitarist, he’s a consummate craftsman indispensable to Japan’s music scene, known for a performance style that unleashes raw feeling.
cassisChim Chap
Chim Chap is a four-piece crossover band from Shiga Prefecture whose members each come from different musical backgrounds, delivering a diverse range of songs across rock, pop, jazz, funk, and more.
Debuting in August 2024, they have continued to release new work every month up to their October album, Orange.
The band began in their high school light music club and went on to win the grand prize at ESP BAND CONTEST 2023 and Jūdai Hakusho 2024.
Drawing influences from genres beyond rock—such as jazz and funk—they’ve established a unique style that mixes Japanese and English.
Aiming to create music as a universal language, their songs resonate with listeners from Gen Z to older generations.
Musicians, singers, and bands from Shiga Prefecture (21–30)
Key -bring it on, my Destiny-Lenny code fiction
The rock band Lenny code fiction also hails from Shiga Prefecture.
Their major-label debut single, “Key -bring it on, my Destiny-,” released in 2016, was used as the theme song for the anime D.Gray-man HALLOW.
They’ve also provided theme songs for numerous other popular anime, so anime fans may already be familiar with their music.
The band is known for its powerful, straightforward rock sound and the sharp, striking vocals of singer Wataru Katagiri.
