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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kiss me right nowHirakawa Tatsuya (LINDBERG)

LINDBERG / Kiss Me Now

Tatsuya Hirakawa, the guitarist for the rock band LINDBERG, is from Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Their second single, “Ima sugu Kiss Me,” was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Sekai de Ichiban Kimi ga Suki!” and became their first and biggest hit.

FreedomNAOKI（LOVE PSYCHEDELICO）

LOVE PSYCHEDELICO – Freedom (Official Video)

NAOKI, the guitarist of LOVE PSYCHEDELICO, is from Shizuoka Prefecture.

LOVE PSYCHEDELICO had a style unlike anything before, so when they emerged it was a shock—and they were really cool.

NAOKI is currently also producing THE BAWDIES.

Whereabouts of TomorrowAsada Shinichi (SMILE)

SMILE “Where Tomorrow Goes”

Shinichi Asada, the vocalist and guitarist of the five-member rock band SMILE, is from Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Their debut single, “Ashita no Yukue,” was selected as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV and reached a peak position of 39 on the Oricon chart.