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 (21–30)
NanahitsujiShinario Aato
A three-piece band with male-female twin vocals formed in Shiga Prefecture.
Their band concept is “music you read, live shows you watch,” unfolding Scenarioart’s unique worldview.
With an unconventional lineup, their taut, nerve-tingling performances and lyrics brimming with fantasy leave a mark.
The interweaving voices of Hayashi and Hattori create thrilling tension, driving forward with rollercoaster-like momentum that heightens the emotion—a new-generation rock band.
They’re a group from whom even greater evolution and success can be expected.
Menhera Circussylph emew
sylph emew is a five-member rock band from Shiga Prefecture.
“Menhera Circus” is included on their first EP, “Uncontrollable.” The song explores uncontrollable human emotions, instinct, and reason, and its music video expresses this through a black-and-white world.
Musicians, singers, and bands from Shiga Prefecture (31–40)
Our SongŌsawa Shin’ichi
Since his debut in 1993, Shinichi Osawa—a musician from Otsu, Shiga—has been active under a wide range of titles, including bassist, music producer, and DJ.
His prowess is evident from his 1990s production work for renowned divas such as UA, Chara, and bird.
In recent years, he has also written songs for Namie Amuro, JUJU, and Tomohisa Yamashita, continuing to thrive at the forefront of the industry with his broad scope of activity and exceptional musical sensibility.
phantomPOM（can/goo）
POM, the leader of the music band can/goo, is from Shiga Prefecture.
can/goo’s first single, “Maboroshi,” was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Sister Princess RePure.
POM is also active as a solo artist, having released “Wasurenai,” as well as “re/Birth” under the name Takanobu Honda ‘POM’.
The Summer I Spent With Youtachibana yurika
Yurika Tachibana, who belonged to NEO from Idoling!!!, is from Yokaichi City in Shiga Prefecture.
“Kimi to Ita Natsu” was released in 2014 as their third single overall.
It was the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Sakigake! Ongaku Banzuke ~Eight~” in September 2014.
Future Saint Fighter Ω? Saint Evolution?Anazawa Jun
Atsushi Anazawa, a member of the four-piece band Nagareda Project, is from Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture.
Nagareda Project’s debut single, “Mirai Saint Seiya Ω ~Saint Evolution~,” was selected as the opening theme for the New Cloth arc of the TV anime Saint Seiya Ω.
Bluma to LunchBLOOM VASE
BLOOM VASE is a hip-hop unit based mainly in Shiga Prefecture, made up of three MCs: Ove, JiROMAN, and RURU.
With a sound that digests everything from current mainstream American styles to trap and K-pop, they rock from TikTok to live venues.
Their lyrics, which pursue the real lives of the youth, sometimes carry no meaning and sometimes are intriguingly suggestive, hijacking your ears.
Their smooth flow and bouncy tracks are sure to hit just right both in the club and on the street.