Bands, artists, and singers from Shikoku
When you think of bands and artists from Shikoku, who comes to mind?
Many people probably think of Chatmonchy, a flagship all-girl band, or the singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.
But bands and artists from Shikoku aren’t limited to just them!
From up-and-coming singer-songwriters to incredibly skilled vocalists, the region has produced a wealth of popular artists.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of artists from Shikoku, so let’s dive right in!
- Bands, artists, and singers from Tokushima Prefecture
- Bands, artists, and singers from Kagawa Prefecture
- Passionate bands, artists, and singers from Ehime Prefecture
- Bands, artists, and singers from Shikoku
- Bands and Singers from Yamaguchi Prefecture | From Superstars to Rising New Artists, All in One Go
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
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- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
- Hype songs sung by male artists that are recommended for Gen Z
- Chatmonchy’s iconic and popular songs
- Chatmonchy Ballad Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Bands, artists, and singers from Shikoku (11–20)
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
Mayo Okamoto’s debut single, “TOMORROW,” became an instant smash hit.
A singer-songwriter from Kochi Prefecture, she debuted in 1995.
Selected as a TV drama theme song, her debut track sold two million copies and was even used as the entrance march at the 1996 Spring High School Baseball Invitational (Senbatsu).
Known for her gentle yet resonant vocals, Okamoto also made her debut as a pianist in 2016 under the name “mayo.” She has strong ties to her hometown of Kochi; in the summer of 2010, she appeared as a secret guest at a local event, and in 2018 she was appointed a Kochi Prefecture tourism ambassador.
BACKSTAYsakaiyuu
Singer-songwriter Yu Sakai hails from Tosashimizu City in Kochi Prefecture.
He debuted in 2009 and is signed to Office Augusta, known for artists like Masayoshi Yamazaki, Sukima Switch, and Motohiro Hata.
After traveling to the United States and being deeply moved by gospel music, he began creating his own music.
Praised by veteran artists such as Koji Tamaki, his refined pop songs leave listeners with a feeling of happiness.
Some of his songs are like anthems that embrace feelings with nowhere to go; at times stylish, at times straightforward.
His clear, gentle, silky voice resonates deeply.
All the love I haveSatō Taiji (Shiatāburukku)
THEATRE BROOK is a band that plays Black music–influenced sounds centered on funk and rock.
The band’s vocalist and guitarist, Taiji Sato, hails from Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture.
He formed a band in 1986 with himself at the core, and made his major debut in 1995 with the mini-album “CALM DOWN.” He calls himself a “ROCK STAR,” and true to the name, he’s gained popularity for his charismatic guitar playing.
As a producer and composer, he has provided songs for artists such as Mika Nakashima and CHEMISTRY, and has also produced for Kiyoharu and Atsushi Sakurai of BUCK-TICK.
In addition to THEATRE BROOK, he is active in various other bands and units, including Taiji All Stars and Rabbit.
Pen and notebookwatson
Watson, a rising rapper who’s been drawing attention, hails from Komatsushima City in Tokushima Prefecture.
After graduating from high school, he moved to Osaka, where he started rapping.
The release of “18k” quickly put his name on the map.
His down-to-earth lyrics, which reflect his upbringing and stance, are a major draw—so start by giving his tracks a careful listen.
As you do, you’ll likely get a feel for his background and personality.
Also, be sure to check out his Instagram account.
JUSTadICEOmori Seiko
Seiko Oomori is a superstar singer from Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture.
In addition to her solo work, she performs as part of Oomori Seiko & THE Pink Tokarev and the idol group ZOC, captivating audiences with immense charisma and overwhelming performances.
Her shows are highly addictive, and many artists and idols have been influenced by her.
While she’s strongly associated with the underground scene at live houses in Koenji, Tokyo, she’s actually from Ehime.
She’s truly one of the stars born of Shikoku.
Dream FlowerEn Hiroshi
Hiroshi Madoka is a singer-songwriter from Kochi Prefecture.
He made a breakthrough with his 1978 debut single, “Musōka” (Dreaming Flower).
That same year, he won the Grand Prix at both the Yamaha Popular Song Contest and the World Popular Song Festival, cementing his place in the music industry.
He has worked across a wide range of genres, including New Music and rock, and has also flourished as a TV personality mainly in the Kansai region.
In 1999, he developed panic disorder, and by speaking openly about his experience, he has given courage to many people.
With his distinctive vocals and unique songs, he continues to captivate numerous fans to this day.
If you love music, he’s an artist full of charm that you should definitely listen to at least once.
Bands, artists, and singers from Shikoku (21–30)
My SunShineROCK’A’TRENCH
ROCK’A’TRENCH, a band named after a Bob Marley song.
Drummer Hayato Ohtake is from Niihama City in Ehime Prefecture, and the band was formed in 2004 around vocalist Daisuke Yamamori and keyboardist Takuya Hatakeyama.
Their song “My SunShine,” which was the theme for the drama Mei-chan no Shitsuji, was the sun for rock kids at the time! Although they went on hiatus in 2011, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 the members uploaded a remotely recorded session video.
ROCK’A’TRENCH’s warm vibe and melodious, pop sound are uplifting to listen to.