Bands, artists, and singers from Tochigi Prefecture

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

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!

Bands, artists, and singers from Tochigi Prefecture (21–30)

Miyata Dai

Dai Miyata First Album Premium Video

Dai Miyata is a cellist born in 1986 from Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture.

He reportedly drew attention for his talent from a young age, even taking first place in every competition he entered.

He continues to perform both in Japan and abroad with renowned musicians and conductors.

He also appears frequently in the media, including multiple appearances on the program “Untitled Concert.”

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mihimaru GT

hiroko

mihimaru GT – Irreplaceable Poem

Hiroko was born in 1984 in Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, and from junior high school onward she grew up in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture.

She graduated from Utsunomiya Municipal Sugagawa Junior High School and the Comprehensive Home Economics Department of Tochigi Prefectural Utsunomiya Chuo Girls’ High School.

Her 12th single, “Kakegae no Nai Uta,” released in 2007 and themed around friendship, became the theme song for the Toho-distributed film Doraemon: Nobita’s New Great Adventure into the Underworld — The Seven Magic Users.

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Bands, artists, and singers from Tochigi Prefecture (31–40)

Letit go

Yatsuzuka Rie

Celebrating 3.5 million views! [Full] Midori Oka × Utagokoro Rie – “Ai no Katachi.” The ‘Uta-Uma Queen Japan-Korea Showdown: JAPAN ROUND’ is available on FOD Premium with all 21 songs by the Japan-Korea divas, uncut.

Rie Yatsuzuka is a singer from Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, born in 1973.

In 1995, she debuted as a member of Letit go with her older sister.

Many of you may remember Letit go’s second single, “200-Bai no Yume” (Dream 200 Times Over), which was featured in a Pocari Sweat commercial.

She has since left Letit go and is now pursuing a solo career, mainly performing mini live shows at live houses and events.

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GREENHERB

GREENHERB is a Japanese reggae BBQ group whose members—DJ gane, MC/DJ mappiy, and featured artist hi-kun—are all from Nasukarasuyama City in Tochigi Prefecture.

Formed around 2005 by gane and mappiy, they are active mainly in Nasukarasuyama.

They are also known as distinguished local youths who help lead the Yamaage Festival, a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property held in their hometown.

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Satō Hiroko

Hiroko Sato “Kiseki” [PV]

Hiroko Sato is a singer-songwriter born in 1981 from Mibu, Shimotsuga District, Tochigi Prefecture.

Her music, which evokes a sense of nostalgia, and her voice—combining gentleness with strength—are truly captivating.

She holds workshops and voice lessons nationwide.

In addition, since April 2018 she has launched a program on FM Tochigi RADIO BERRY, actively working across a wide range of fields.

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FLYING KIDS

hamazaki takashi

Takashi Hamazaki – You Like Whisky, Don’t You (Music Video Short ver.)

Takashi Hamasaki was born in 1965 and hails from Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture.

After serving as the vocalist for the rock band FLYING KIDS, he has been active as a singer-songwriter.

In 2016, he drew attention for his cover of “Whisky ga, Osukidesho” (known from the Suntory commercial).

Before singing this song, Hamasaki had reunited with its composer, Mamoru Sugi, as well as percussionist ASA-CHANG and bassist Akita, which led him to say he felt a special connection to the song.

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Shimizu Takahiro

Kizuna / Takahiro Shimizu (Cafe Bar Pulse)

Takahiro Shimizu is a folk singer from Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, formerly Kurobane Town.

In 2011, he was appointed an Otawara Hometown Ambassador for his native Otawara City, Tochigi Prefecture, and he has also served as a visiting associate professor at Sakushin Gakuin University and as an instructor at Utsunomiya Media Arts College.

He is currently active across Japan, with a focus on his home region of Tochigi.

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