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

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.

Turkish Smile (Noodle. Edit)Ishino Takkyu

Noodle. Premium error Collection

Takkyu Ishino, a member of Denki Groove, showcases his versatile talents by producing music events and artists both in Japan and abroad.

In particular, his ongoing leadership of Japan’s techno scene has been highly acclaimed at WIRE, the techno festival that has continued since 1998.

His candid remarks also draw significant attention from many fans and social media users, making his future activities not to be missed.

I love you more than anyone.Tiara

Tiara: “Even though I love you more than anyone.”

Tiara, who works as a singer-songwriter, is from Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

In 2010, she was appointed a goodwill ambassador (Yaramaika Ambassador) for Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka.

“Dare Yori Suki na noni” is included on her first album, “Message for you,” and was used as the ending theme for the Nippon TV program “Poshure Department Late-Night Store.”

loadHonma Toshiyuki (moto THE Toraburyu)

THE T-BOLAN “Road” PV

Toshiyuki Honma, a former member of THE Torajiryu who played guitar and keyboards, is from Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture (formerly Shimizu City).

He left the band around 2010 and is currently performing live in the indie scene.

“Road” is THE Torajiryu’s signature song, and in 2006 it was used as the theme song for Shizuoka Prefecture’s anti-drunk-driving campaign commercial.

To the City of RainbowsTakano Hiroshi

Hiroshi Takano – To the City of Rainbows (CM Version)

Hiroshi Takano, who broke through with “Niji no Miyako” (City of Rainbows), is from Mishima City in Shizuoka Prefecture.

He has collaborated with various musicians, produced, and provided songs, so his activities might not always appear to be front and center, but he seems to be energetically active in music himself, releasing albums and performing live.

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.

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.