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!

Playlist

Musicians, singers, and bands from Shiga Prefecture
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Ephemeral yet eternal sorrowUVERworld		Rock from Kusatsu, a band that inspires emotion
2	Next-door flowerKōga-ryū Ninja! Ponpoko		Activities of the tanuki ninja VTuber Ponpoko
3	Open your heartKamino Yua (SARD ANDĀGURAAUNDO)		SARD UNDERGROUND vocalist who inherits ZARD
4	WHITE BREATHT.M.Revolution		Music by T.M.Revolution, Takanori Nishikawa
5	Song of Hopeurutora tawā		Rock band Ultra Tower from Shiga disbands
6	Hello HelloSebu Hiroko		A composer active in film music and independent projects
7	Pour the oil!Takemoto Yui (Sakurazaka46)		Yui Takemoto, a popular member active in Sakurazaka46
8	SuperCaliTsurubou Shion (JO1)		Shion Tsurubo of JO1 is active in both music and acting.
9	To Aoki HaruWOMCADOLE		Rock band from Shiga, captivating with passionate music
10	AliceKAREN（LUV K RAFT）		Multi-creative activities by KAREN of LUV K RAFT
11	Lesson IKagawa Ryo		Folk singer Ryo Kagawa, his unique musical world
12	I wonder why.Tetsu (Tetsu and Tomo)		Tetsu from Tetsu and Tomo, a master of comedy and singing
13	The song about letting things that come from the right flow to the leftMūdi Katsuyama		The Breakthrough and Musical Life of Moody Katsuyama
14	I did not exist.Kuramaru Riko		The achievements of digital voice actor idol Riko Kuramaru
15	polar bearYUKI（JABBERLOOP）		JABBERLOOP leads Japan’s jazz scene
16	That summer is becoming an addiction.kukkī! (Jenīhai)		Cookie’s super band is active
17	Mother LakeKawamoto Isamu		Developing music and local culture based in Shiga
18	Again Destiny Prelude!Sugi-e Taishi		Expressive power of 2.5-dimensional musical actor Taishi Sugie
19	God knows…Nishikawa Susumu		Susumu Nishikawa, the legendary guitarist supporting Japan's music scene
20	cassisChim Chap		Transcending generations with diverse musicality
21	Key -bring it on, my Destiny-Lenny code fiction		A rock band performing an anime theme song makes its debut!
22	PRINCEHIZAKI		HIZAKI from the metal band Versailles
23	One more time,One more chanceYamazaki Masayoshi		Masayoshi Yamazaki, a multitalented musician and actor
24	Flower of the Heart〜Lefa〜		Shiga music duo Lefa — rooted in the local community
25	Look that waySwimy		Swimmy is a rock band from Shiga.
26	Menhera Circussylph emew		Sylphemeu, a rock band that paints emotions
27	Our SongŌsawa Shin’ichi		Shinichi Osawa is a talented musician.
28	How to tell a lieLOVE LOVE LOVE		A three-member band from a university, known for its realistic lyrics.
29	Aoi Haruyurimeri		The music duo Yurimeri, popular on social media
30	The Summer I Spent With Youtachibana yurika		A single by Yurika Tachibana from Idoling!!!
31	To a vividly colored nightclimbgrow		An aggressive rock band from Shiga
32	Future Saint Fighter Ω? Saint Evolution?Anazawa Jun		Jun Anazawa of Nagareda Project: birthplace and career
33	NanahitsujiShinario Aato		A rock band from Shiga with male and female twin vocals
34	Bluma to LunchBLOOM VASE		The appeal of the three-member hip-hop unit from Shiga
35	Transparent wordsQB and planets		QB and planets disband, leaving behind captivating songs and vocals
36	Hello,I love you.MaRI		MARI from YURIMARI, the anime theme song artist
37	At the End of Broken LoveHayashi Yumika		Predia debuted as a sister unit.
38	Beyond the horizonNaito Safari		A rising emo-punk band from Shiga
39	empty; hollow; desertedKaneki Kazuya		The Appeal of Singer-Songwriter Kazuya Kaneki
40	HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel		L’Arc~en~Ciel is a rock band from the Kansai region.
41	phantomPOM（can/goo）		POM’s can/goo, solo activities, and music
42	One VoiceMINAMI		A singer from Shiga Prefecture produced by Satoru Shimano
43	Fuki and the chickMaiko		Maiko from Shiga, active with nature as her theme.
44	In time for the end creditstricot		A band from Shiga and Kyoto makes its major-label debut.
45	Run, runOoya Rikako		Idol Rikako Oya announces a hit single
46	The Way of ManMori Kohei		Shinsengumi Lien is an idol group born from a life-changing TV show.
47	Cherry blossoms flutter and dance toward youDoll☆Elements		Natsumi Gonda, leader of the idol group
48	YAMATO☆DancingKobayashi Yutaka		Yutaka Kobayashi, BOYS AND MEN’s single
49	Requiem: Lark in the Wheat FieldOkabayashi Nobuyasu		Nobuyasu Okabayashi, the God of Folk, makes his debut
50	I’ve been waiting impatiently.mizuki mai		Enka singer Mizuki Mai, from Shiga Prefecture
51	SonatinaSago’i Mariko		Mariko Sago’i’s Music and Kindness