Craftsman spirit!? An artist from Shizuoka. Special feature on bands, singers, and idols.

Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo (Moto Tokyo Jihen)

Ringo Sheena – Kiss Me Here.

Ringo Sheena, who works as a singer-songwriter, was born in Saitama Prefecture and raised in Shizuoka and Fukuoka Prefectures.

From 2004 to 2012, she also performed as the vocalist of the rock band Tokyo Jihen.

“Koko de Kiss Shite,” released as her third single, is one of her signature songs.

Last sceneYoshioka Kiyoe (Ikimonogakari)

Ikimono-gakari “Last Scene” Music Video

Kiyoe Yoshioka, the vocalist of Ikimono-gakari, is from Shizuoka City in Shizuoka Prefecture, and the leader Yoshiki Mizuno is from Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Although some sources list Yoshioka as being from Atsugi City, she was born in Shizuoka Prefecture and appears to have lived there until the age of five.

If I became a catYamauchi Machiko

Machiko Yamauchi – If I Became a Cat (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Machiko Yamauchi, hailing from Shizuoka Prefecture, creates songs that blend nostalgia with modernity through her self-described “time capsule gacha-pop” sound.

Formerly active in the band “Shivaneko,” she was chosen as the opening act for Hamamatsu’s FUNDAY PARK FESTIVAL in 2022.

Launching her solo project in earnest in May 2024, she has been releasing a string of tracks that incorporate elements of city pop and kayōkyoku.

A craftsman-like artist, she founded her own production team, “Machiko Laboratory,” and handles everything from songwriting to artwork and video.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a fusion of nostalgic sensibilities and new pop.

Midnight Shadow BoyChinen Yuri (Hey! Say! JUMP)

Midnight Shadow Boy

Yuri Chinen, a member of the idol group Hey! Say! JUMP, is from Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Their fourth single, Midnight Shadow, was chosen as the theme song for the drama Scrap Teacher: Kyōshi Saisei, starring members Ryosuke Yamada, Yuri Chinen, Yuto Nakajima, and Daiki Arioka.

Ecstasy and MelancholySakai Mitsuki, Kujou Takemasa, Isshiki Hiyori, Tookai Junji (Kiryuu)

Kiryu “Ecstasy and Melancholy” MUSIC VIDEO

All the members of the visual kei band Kiryu (Kiryū) except the vocalist are from Shizuoka Prefecture.

Guitarist Masaki Sakai is from Hamamatsu, guitarist Takemasa Kujō is from Kosai, bassist Hiyori Isshiki is from Kakegawa, and while it’s unclear which city drummer Junji Tomomi is from, it has been announced that he is from Shizuoka Prefecture.

Two LipsAKIRA（EXILE）

EXILE / Two Lips

AKIRA, a performer from EXILE, is from Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Shizuoka is known as a soccer mecca, so he entered a high school with a strong soccer program and seems to have pursued the sport in earnest.

Actress Masami Nagasawa’s family home is also nearby, and their parents know each other—they’re basically neighbors.

It’s enviable to think such a wonderful person lived so close by.

It’s what you might call a misunderstanding.Katsumata Kunikazu (CHA-CHA)

It's what you might call a misunderstanding, cha-cha.

Kunikazu Katsumata, who works as a comedian and actor, is from Gotemba City in Shizuoka Prefecture (born in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture).

In the past, he was a member of the idol group CHA-CHA and served as its leader.

Their second single, “Iwayuru Hitotsu no Gokai Desu,” holds the highest sales among CHA-CHA’s singles.