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 (41–50)
Utsumi Kiyoshi
Mr.
Kiyoshi Uzumi, born in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, was a beloved, highly skilled singer who helped define an era in Japan’s postwar popular music scene, representing both Showa-era pop and melancholy ballads.
His career peaked from the late 1940s through the 1950s, and in signature songs such as “Hawai Kōkūbin” (Hawaii Airmail), “Asatarō Tsukiyo” (Asatarō on a Moonlit Night), and “Sasurai no Tabiji” (A Wanderer’s Journey), he vividly captured the spirit of the times.
His duet with Hamako Watanabe, “Aa Montenrupa no Yoru wa Fukete” (Ah, the Night Deepens in Muntinlupa), drew attention for tackling postwar social issues.
With a richly inflected voice and a touch of wistfulness, he is highly recommended for those interested in the Showa era’s cultural backdrop or who enjoy emotionally expressive kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).
Bands, artists, and singers from Tochigi Prefecture (51–60)
Annō Nao
Nao Anno is a singer-songwriter from Mibu, Tochigi Prefecture, who is active in a wide range of roles including chorus artist and vocal trainer.
Under the name “NaO,” she released the digital single “Brightest Love” in 2011, making a spectacular debut by topping the weekly chaku-uta (ringtone) chart for two consecutive weeks.
She has performed backing vocals for numerous major artists such as Yusuke, Ikusaburo Yamazaki, and Momoiro Clover Z, and won the Grand Prix at the “mysta Female Vocalist Audition 2018.” In addition to crafting songs influenced by Superfly and aiko, Anno is also active on live-streaming apps, making her a recommended artist for those who want to explore diverse ways of enjoying music.
Ishibashi Yoshiko, Azumi
CiON is a five-member girls’ unit gaining attention for its unique style that fuses instrumental performance with vocals and dance.
Formed in 2016 and debuting in 2017, they made their major-label debut with Avex in 2024.
Among the members are two natives of Tochigi Prefecture: Keiko Ishibashi, an alto saxophonist from Nikko City, and Anmi, a pianist—the two were classmates in high school.
Known for their dazzling performances dubbed “Bradol” (brass × idol) and songs leaning toward pop and kayōkyoku styles, they’re a must-check for anyone interested in the fusion of instrumental music and idol elements.
Aya
Formed in 2004 by Aya from Mashiko, Tochigi and keyboardist Hotta, i-nos is a music unit that captivates many fans with a unique sound that blends rock and electronica on a pop foundation.
They made their debut in 2008 with their first album, “HEART FOR LIFE,” and drew attention when their recovery support song for the Great East Japan Earthquake, “Yuki ni Natte mo Sakura ni Natte mo,” reached No.
5 on the overall album chart at Tower Records Shibuya.
They have also created official support songs for the pro cycling team Utsunomiya Blitzen and theme songs for films, actively working across a wide range of scenes.
Centered on the concept of “strength within kindness,” their songs feature profound lyrics themed around life and love, paired with emotionally rich melodies—highly recommended for those seeking music that truly resonates.
Hana Shōnen Baddīzu
Formed in 2009, Hanashōnen Buddies is a visual-kei rock band featuring vocalist Baku from Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture.
Embracing the catchphrase “Defective Breed,” they captivated many fans with a distinctive worldview that explores the inner conflicts of boys and girls while advocating “Absolute Happiness.” Their 2010 release Otome Zakura topped the Oricon indie chart, and the following year’s Buranko was selected as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s V no Ryūgi, steadily building their popularity.
After going on hiatus in 2014, they reunited in 2022 and held their first solo concert in ten years in 2024.
With their indomitable spirit and energetic performances, they are a must-check for music fans interested in visual-kei.
Sunaga Tatsuo
Affectionately known as the “Record Banchō,” Tatsuo Sunaga hails from Sano City in Tochigi Prefecture and began his career as a DJ in the 1990s.
He initially worked as a punk-rock DJ, but after opening the club Organ Bar in Shibuya’s Udagawacho in 1995, he increasingly gravitated toward jazz.
In 2001, he released his first album, Kuroca, as the solo unit Sunaga t experience, and has since pursued a fusion of jazz and club music through works such as DOUBLE STANDARD and A Letter from Allnighters.
With his extensive musical knowledge and exceptional curatorial sense, he has earned high acclaim within the music industry, and the “Night Jazz” MIX CD series enjoys broad support among music fans.
He is an artist that any listener exploring new possibilities in jazz should definitely check out.
Iizuka Runo
Runo Iizuka, drawing attention as a new-generation entertainer who took flight from Tochigi Prefecture, is actively working as a member of the nine-person co-ed group ONE LOVE ONE HEART.
They debuted with the digital single “Now or Never” in April 2022, released the album LOVE1 in January the following year, and held a solo concert at Zepp Shinjuku in January 2024.
Her expressive power—shaped by jazz hip-hop dance, which she has studied since third grade, and her skill in calligraphy—perfectly suits the group’s all-around entertainment style.
Beyond music, she is also an actress and model, and in February 2024 she was appointed Tochigi Future Ambassador.
She is an artist especially recommended for those interested in entertainment in all its forms.