Craftsman spirit!? An artist from Shizuoka. Special feature on bands, singers, and idols.
Who comes to mind when you hear about artists from Shizuoka? Sometimes it’s surprising to learn, “Oh, really? I didn’t know that!” From veteran artists everyone knows to multi-talented celebrities… Finding someone from your hometown gives you a little thrill, doesn’t it? Shizuoka is home to many artists, from core members of popular bands to highly skilled up-and-coming musicians! Feel free to use this article to discover some wonderful artists.
Craftsman spirit!? An artist from Shizuoka. Special feature on bands, singers, and idols (1–10)
RewriteGotō Masafumi (ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION)
Masafumi Gotoh, the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, hails from Shimada City.
Formed in 1996 in a university music club, the band went through an indie phase before making their major debut in 2003 with the mini-album “Houkai Amplifier.” Signature songs like “Rewrite” and “Soranin” have also been beloved as theme songs for anime and films.
In 2004, they won New Artist of the Year at the Japan Gold Disc Awards.
Alongside his band activities, Gotoh founded the label only in dreams in 2010 to nurture young talent, and in 2024 he established a music production base in Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture, continuing efforts to support music culture from his home region.
Their songs, which combine socially conscious perspectives with universal emotions, transcend the boundaries of rock and resonate with a wide range of listeners.
LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu
A singer-songwriter and music producer who laid the foundations of Japanese R&B in the J-pop scene.
1986年6月にシングル「失意のダウンタウン」でメジャーデビューし、その後「Cry On Your Smile」や「You were mine」などのヒット曲を次々と発表した。1989年にはベストアルバム『the BADDEST』がミリオンセラーとなり、1996年にはフジテレビのドラマ主題歌となった「LA・LA・LA LOVE SONG」が大ヒットを記録した。
Influenced by Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, his musical style traverses a wide range of genres—from funk and soul to hip-hop—while powerfully conveying the distinctive groove of Black music through Japanese lyrics.
He is an artist recommended not only for those seeking authentic R&B sounds, but also for anyone who wants to savor a voice that truly resonates.
It feels like I’m not myself.Matsumura Hokuto (SixTONES)
Born in 1995 and hailing from Shizuoka Prefecture, Hokuto Matsumura is a member of SixTONES who is active both as a singer and an actor.
He practiced karate from childhood and placed second in a prefectural tournament; inspired by his admiration for TV dramas, he sent his résumé to Johnny & Associates, which led to his entry into show business.
He joined the agency in 2009, SixTONES was formed in 2015, and they debuted in January 2020 with Imitation Rain / D.D., produced by YOSHIKI.
As an actor, he has appeared in dramas such as Perfect World and 10 no Himitsu, as well as films like xxxHOLiC and Suzume, and he won the Best Actor award at the 98th Kinema Junpo Best Ten.
Known for his deep vocal tone, cool demeanor, and richly expressive acting, he’s recommended for those drawn to multi-talented performers who combine the glamour of an idol with the profound expressiveness of an actor.
lampSakiyama Soshi
Soshi Sakiyama is a singer-songwriter from Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
He picked up the guitar at age four and poured his passion into music from an early age, forming a band in junior high.
After releasing a digital single in 2018, he emerged on the music scene with the album “Itsuka Mita Kuni.” In 2021, he made his major-label debut with the album “find fuse in youth.” He has handled many tie-ins for TV dramas and anime, drawing attention for his uniquely immersive worldbuilding.
His music blends diverse elements—folk, rock, and electronica—characterized by poetic lyrics and melodies that resonate deeply.
He himself has described music as “like a diary,” a means of expressing emotions.
He’s highly recommended for listeners seeking original sounds and a richly textured artistic vision.
Summer SongŌsawa Atsushi (Uchikubi Gokumon Dōkōkai)
When it comes to Japanese heavy metal bands, Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai comes to mind.
Atsushi Oosawa serves as the band’s vocalist and guitarist.
In 2018, he was appointed a Hamamatsu Yaramaika Ambassador for Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture, reflecting his strong local pride.
He’s also tough enough to handle writing and composing all of Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai’s songs and managing most aspects of the band’s operations.
BURNYoshii Kazuya (THE YELLOW MONKEY)
Kazuya Yoshii, the vocalist of the rock band THE YELLOW MONKEY, is from Shizuoka City in Shizuoka Prefecture (he was born in Kita, Tokyo).
Their 13th single, “BURN,” was used as the theme song for the TBS drama The Teachers’ Room and became their biggest hit.
In addition to his work with the band, Yoshii is also active as a solo artist.
I should be able to fly (in the sky).Tamura Akihiro, Miwa Tetsuya (Supittsu)
Akihiro Tamura, who plays bass for the four-member rock band Spitz, and Tetsuya Miwa, who also plays bass, are from Fujieda City in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Their 8th single, “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“I Should Be Able to Fly”), was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Hakusen Nagashi.
It earned their first No.
1 on the Oricon charts and became a million seller.