Bands, artists, and singers from Tochigi Prefecture
Which famous person from Tochigi Prefecture comes to your mind first?
In this article, we’ll introduce bands, artists, and singers from Tochigi!
Of course, we’ll cover well-known names, but we’ll also spotlight artists from Tochigi who may not be very famous yet and deserve to be discovered through this opportunity.
If you’re curious about what kind of artists come from Tochigi Prefecture, be sure to check this out!
If you’re also from Tochigi, you might feel a sense of closeness—don’t miss it!
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Bands, artists, and singers from Tochigi Prefecture (11–20)
Shibano Mariko
Mariko Shibano is from Nasu-Karasuyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, and was born in 1984.
She is the vocalist for the rock band LOOP CHILD.
When LOOP CHILD debuted, they performed under the name Shibano Mariko, and she is now the only remaining original member.
Her singing voice has a solid, powerful quality.
BAKU
BAKU is a rock band from Tochigi Prefecture.
The duo of Koji Kurumatani and Hiroyuki Abe joined forces with Soichi Taniguchi and Hideyuki Kato to form BAKU.
They gained popularity performing at the pedestrian paradise in Harajuku—known as “Hokoten,” a hugely popular spot among young people at the time—made their indie debut, and later went major.
This is a song released in 1991 that became a big hit, and it was so well-known that even elementary school kids could sing it.
Teshima Yū
Gravure idol Yuu Tejima from Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture.
In 2010, she made her CD debut as part of the unit “Bakunyuu Yankee,” formed with Mami Hojo and MAO.
The following year, she was appointed a tourism ambassador for her hometown of Ashikaga.
She also drew attention when she confessed that she had lied about her real age.
Lucie, Too
Formed in Utsunomiya in 2016, this all-girl indie rock band drew attention as a trio with a wide-ranging sound spanning from alternative rock to pop punk.
They made their debut in 2017 with the digital single “Lucky,” whose music video became a hot topic, racking up 400,000 views in three months.
The following year, they actively ventured overseas, appearing on Fuji TV’s “Love music” and embarking on a North American tour.
Their bright, catchy melodies paired with introspective lyrics are compelling; they released their first full-length album, “Fool,” in 2021, and in 2025 their music was even featured in a Calbee commercial, steadily building their career.
Highly recommended for fans of Western-leaning indie rock and all-female bands!
Itabashi Fumio
Fumio Itabashi, born in 1949 in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, is a pianist and composer who discovered jazz while studying at Kunitachi College of Music and made his professional debut in 1970 with the Sadao Watanabe Quintet.
From 1974 to 1979 he performed with ensembles such as the Terumasa Hino Quintet and the Takeo Moriyama Quartet while also forming his own trio, engaging in an energetic range of activities.
He also showcased his talent in film music, including scoring Mitsuo Yanagimachi’s film “A 19-Year-Old’s Map,” and has continued to captivate many fans with a performance style that combines powerful touch with a delicate melodic sensibility.
Through performances in a wide array of settings—from solo to trio, quintet, and even a duo with Takeo Moriyama and collaborations with Kazutoki Umezu—Itabashi constantly pursues new musical possibilities.
His music is highly recommended for those seeking expressions that transcend the boundaries of jazz.
Nonaka Saori
Born in 1972, Saori Nonaka is an enka singer from Utsunomiya City in Tochigi Prefecture who has been active for over 35 years.
With her emotionally rich vocal skills and lustrous timbre, she has captivated many fans and established a solid position in the enka world.
Since her debut in 1989, she has produced signature songs such as “Tsugaru Koibinyo” and “Hiburi-zake,” releasing many works that linger in listeners’ hearts through her delicate expressiveness and deeply emotive singing.
Appointed as a Tochigi Future Ambassador, Nonaka is also proactive in promoting the charms of her hometown.
She is a highly recommended artist for those who want to pass on the appeal of enka to the next generation or who seek a voice that resonates with the heart.
Bands, artists, and singers from Tochigi Prefecture (21–30)
Kawaguchi Kyogo
Kyōgo Kawaguchi is a singer-songwriter born in 1974 from Sano, Tochigi Prefecture.
You’ve probably heard his song “Sakura,” which was used as the ending theme for “Ano Koi o Mo Ichido: 130 Million People’s Melodrama.” In 2018, he also made his voice acting debut in the Japanese-dubbed version of the Hollywood film “SING.”