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 (41–50)
Fuki and the chickMaiko
Maiko is a singer-songwriter from Shiga Prefecture.
In 2013, her song “Fuki to Hiyo” was featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta and aired from April to May.
Maiko believes that the origin of her music lies in Shiga Prefecture, and many of her works are themed around nature.
Run, runOoya Rikako
Rikako Ōya, a member of the idol group Babyraids JAPAN, is from Shiga Prefecture.
Their 11th single, Hashire, Hashire, reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, the group’s highest position to date.
The song was also used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s Miracle Experiences! Unbelievable.
Cherry blossoms flutter and dance toward youDoll☆Elements
Natsumi Gonda, who serves as the leader of the idol group Doll☆Elements, is from Shiga Prefecture.
Doll☆Elements’ “Kimi ni Sakura Hirari to Mau” was released as their major 5th single and was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s Music Dragon.
In time for the end creditstricot
Vocalist Ikkyu Nakajima and guitarist Motifour Kida are from Shiga Prefecture, while bassist Hiromi Hirohiro is from Kyoto Prefecture.
The band was formed in September 2010 and has been active mainly in the Kansai region, centered around their hometowns of Shiga and Kyoto.
Influenced by groups like Number Girl, they leverage their high level of musicianship and trickily structured, richly unfolding melodies to perform not only in Japan but also across Europe.
Nakajima, who also handles the design of their merchandise, is well known as a member of Genie High.
They made their major-label debut in the first year of Reiwa with the single “Afureru.”
Requiem: Lark in the Wheat FieldOkabayashi Nobuyasu
Nobuyasu Okabayashi is a musician from Omihachiman City in Shiga Prefecture who made his record debut in 1968.
Known as the “God of Folk,” he earned strong support—especially among young people—as a leading figure of protest songs.
He also had a close relationship with the Showa-era songstress Hibari Misora and contributed songs to her, among other collaborations.
I’ve been waiting impatiently.mizuki mai
Mizuki Mai is an enka singer from Aichigawa (now Aisho), Echi District, Shiga Prefecture.
In 2013, she was appointed a Shiga Prefecture Hometown Traffic Safety Ambassador.
In 2014, she released the single “Machiwabite,” with “Biwa-ko Shuko no Uta” included as the coupling track.
SonatinaSago’i Mariko
Mariko Sago’i, a singer-songwriter from and currently living in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture, began her career in 2005.
Introduced to music by her mother at the age of three, she went on to attend a music vocational school and expanded her activities as a singer-songwriter by creating numerous image songs.
With a gentle yet powerful voice and catchy piano playing that stands shoulder to shoulder with her vocals, she is an artist whose music soothes listeners and gives them a push forward.
Her hobby of making accessories has also flourished; at her live shows, fans can purchase her handmade accessories, phone straps, pin badges, and eco-bags, making her a musician known for a warm atmosphere and a close connection with her audience.
