You might know that the smash-hit piano pop bands Official HIGE DANDism and Omoinotake have members who formed or hail from Shimane Prefecture, but did you know Shimane has produced many other artists as well?
From long-active players in Japan’s music scene to up-and-coming bands on the verge of a breakthrough, and powerhouse singer-songwriters—there are tons of artists you won’t want to miss!
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of musicians from Shimane all at once.
We especially hope this becomes a chance for you to discover wonderful young bands and singer-songwriters.
- Bands, artists, and singers from Tottori Prefecture
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- Official HIGE DANDism Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [Song of Shimane] Izumo, Matsue, Tsuwano... Exquisite masterpieces depicting Shimane
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- [2026] Popular male artists. Recommended Japanese (J-pop) singers
- Recent songs sung by male vocalists in Japanese music [2026]
- MIYAVI’s famous and popular songs
- [2026] A lineup of next-generation artists! Autumn songs we want people in their 20s to hear
- Must-listen masterpieces by Official HIGE DANDism
- A lineup of buzzworthy artists! Ranking of MAISONdes' popular songs
- [Ones to Watch in 2026!] Recommended Female Singers & Recent Female Artists
- Top songs ranking of Atarayo, a three-member band whose popularity exploded from social media
[Featured New Artists] List of Bands and Musicians from Shimane Prefecture (1–10)
LaughterKozasa Daisuke (Official Hige Dandism)

Daisuke Ozasa, the guitarist of the four-piece band Official HIGE DANDism, which is currently a huge hit, is from Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture.
The other three members aren’t from Shimane, but I’ve heard they were all in the light music club at Shimane University, so you could say the band is essentially a Shimane band.
Their songs are often catchy and beautiful, with a strong pop appeal, but interestingly, Ozasa’s musical roots seem to lie in punk, starting with bands like Hi-STANDARD.
Summer IllusionOmoinotake

Omoinotake, a three-piece band from Shimane Prefecture, is a group expected to break out even further from here.
They’re a guitarless piano trio, and when you hear “piano band,” you might immediately think of a sound like Official HIGE DANDism.
However, their appeal lies in a musical style that’s distinct from HIGEDAN.
Their songs have a sophisticated, stylish vibe rooted in R&B, and when combined with vocalist Reo Fujii’s clear, mellow voice, they result in tracks that leave a very beautiful impression.
Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi has many familiar, heart-touching songs such as “Genki wo Dashite” (Cheer Up).
A singer-songwriter from Taisha, Izumo City, she is married to Tatsuro Yamashita.
She began her music career while attending Keio University and debuted in 1978.
With her third single “SEPTEMBER,” which stayed on the charts for a long time, she won the Best New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards, and went on to release hits like “Fushigi na Peach Pie” and “Jun’ai Rhapsody.” In 2018, the 40th anniversary of her debut, “PLASTIC LOVE” found a wide audience primarily on video platforms, becoming one of the driving forces behind the overseas city pop boom.
With her album “Turntable” reaching No.
1 in 2019, she became the first female artist to top the charts in the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras.
Many of Mariya Takeuchi’s works are timeless masterpieces that resonate across eras, and combined with her gentle vocals, they have a comforting quality that wraps you up when you’re feeling a bit worn out.
love at first sightFunatsu Mahiro

Masato Funatsu is a singer-songwriter from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, who is drawing attention for his music style rooted in pop and ballads.
His 2024 TikTok smash hit “Hitomebore” (Love at First Sight) quickly gained popularity, landing on Spotify’s Viral Top 50 for three consecutive weeks.
Known for emotionally rich lyrics and melodies, his songs resonate with many listeners.
In high school, out of admiration for Yutaka Ozaki, he held his own graduation live show at Shinjuku RUIDO on the same date as Ozaki’s debut live—an oft-told episode.
As a solo artist, he values closeness with audiences through street performances and shows at school festivals.
Skillfully leveraging social media, he creates music that blends a modern sensibility with a touch of nostalgia—highly recommended for listeners across a wide range of ages.
LONG WAYIkuo

IKUO is a bassist and singer-songwriter from Masuda City.
His red hair is his signature charm point, and his artist name comes from his real name.
He began as a member of the band Ex-iT, and his solo debut song “LONG WAY” became the opening theme for the anime The Prince of Tennis.
He has also written and performed several anime songs, including for Digimon.
With top-tier technical skill in Japan, he has also been active as a support bassist for acts like Momoiro Clover Z and T.M.Revolution.
Searching for loveginger

Ginger is a three-piece rock band from Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture.
Soon after forming in 2018, they were featured in a commercial, won contest awards, and even landed their own show on a local radio station—this is a rapidly rising band! They’ve gradually started appearing at festivals around the country and on tours with popular bands, and they’re sure to attract even more attention going forward.
Their songs strike a balance between laid-back and passionate, with a nostalgic sound that irresistibly brings back memories of youth.
They’re a band that seems poised to win over a growing number of young listeners.
knot; tie; bind; concludeIshihara Shinya (Saucy Dog)

The rock band Saucy Dog.
Shinya Ishihara, who handles vocals and guitar, is from Matsue City.
He’s been an original member since the band formed in 2013, and while he wrote fewer songs at first, after the lineup changes he’s been responsible for most of Saucy Dog’s tracks.
He’s a refreshing, handsome guy, right? Their appeal lies in their pleasant, easy-to-listen-to melodies.
His voice has a clarity that feels like a breeze is passing through as you listen.
The setting of their masterpiece “Itsuka” is Matsue, the city that shaped Ishihara.


![[Latest Featured Artists] List of Bands and Musicians from Shimane Prefecture](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/kff_DXor7jc/maxresdefault.webp)

