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

Orpheus and LemonRitomo

Ritomo “Orpheus and Lemon” (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Ritomo, based in Shizuoka City, has been honing a distinctive musical style.

With a clear, translucent voice and delicate melodies as her strengths, she has established her own genre—an innovative blend of sadcore and indie pop—rooted in guitar-and-vocal performances.

In 2014, at the age of 17, she began her full-scale career after serving as the opening act for Shikao Suga’s live tour stop in Shizuoka.

In 2019, she won the Grand Prix at an audition hosted by FM K-mix and went on to host a regular local radio show.

In January 2024, she released her first full-length album, “edge,” produced by music producer Motoaki Fukanuma.

Fusing the sensitivity of solo guitar-and-vocal performances with a full band sound, her music is recommended for those who value a world rich in wistfulness and emotional nuance.

MoveYukichi Kasaku/men

Yukichi Masterpiece/men - 'Move' MV

A singer-songwriter and trackmaker born in 2003 from Shizuoka Prefecture.

A multi-talented creator who not only produces music but also works on video and CG production.

Their hallmark is a free-form sound that blends elements of pop, jazz, electronic music, and hyperpop, and they showed precocious talent by starting to write songs in the sixth grade.

In 2018, they drew attention by winning the Jury’s Special Prize at the Mikakunin Festival.

In May 2021, they made their major debut with the simultaneous release of two EPs, “Karada Portable” and “Horu Assort.” They also gained buzz through collaborations with Soshi Sakiyama and AFRO PARKER.

Since October 2023, they have been working independently, continuing to express themselves across a wide range of activities including songwriting for others and video production.

Recommended for those who enjoy music that defies conventions and experimental sounds.

InfluencerWakatsuki Yumi, Fukagawa Mai (Nogizaka Forty-Six)

Nogizaka46 “Influencer”

Yumi Wakatsuki, a member of Nogizaka46, is from Fuji City in Shizuoka Prefecture, and Mai Fukagawa is from Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Wakatsuki once aimed to attend an art university and is said to be highly skilled at drawing, having achieved the remarkable feat of being selected for the Nika Art Exhibition for six consecutive years.

I got scaredKawakubo Takurou (Kyuso Nekokami)

Kyuso Nekokami – Bibitta (Music Video)

Although Kyuso Nekokami is strongly associated with Kansai since the band was formed there, the bassist Takuro Kawakubo is from Kakegawa City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Their live shows are incredibly intense—vocalist Yamasaki often stage-dives into the crowd and even stands on audience members’ heads, showcasing his wild, unruly style.

Bad AttitudeMurata Yoichi

Yoichi Murata Big Band “Bad Attitude”

Yoichi Murata, born in 1963 in Shizuoka City, is a trombonist as well as a composer/arranger and music producer.

He began playing trombone at age 12, started his professional career while in university, and released his first solo album in 1991.

Centered on jazz, fusion, and big band music, he spans a wide range of genres including bossa nova, Latin, pop, and wind ensemble, and has performed with world-renowned musicians such as David Sanborn and Marcus Miller.

From 1996 for three years, he served as music director of Sadao Watanabe’s big band, and since 2006 he has also been active in television music, arranging for the FNS Music Festival.

He has participated in nearly 400 recording projects, truly embodying the spirit of a master craftsman.

His sound, combining jazz improvisation with meticulously crafted arrangements, is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy authentic jazz.

The hero within youKuribayashi Minami

Minami Kuribayashi – The Hero Within You

Minami Kuribayashi, who is active as a singer-songwriter and voice actress, is from Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture.

Her 24th single, “Kimi no Naka no Eiyū” (The Hero Within You), was used as the ending theme for the TV anime “Mobile Suit Gundam AGA.” The song was created for the anime, and its lyrics reflect the show’s setting and dialogue.

CASANOVAAshita Mi Rio

[TAKARAZUKA REVUE] CASANOVA [1] (Vietsub/Flower Trouple)

Formerly the top star of the Takarazuka Revue’s Flower Troupe, she drew significant attention from her days at the Takarazuka Music School.

Even as an underclassman, she was greatly loved by fans, taking on leading roles in tour performances from a young age and serving as a quasi–top star in the Moon Troupe.

After leaving Takarazuka, she signed with a major agency, and her future endeavors are highly anticipated.