Beloved voices and music! Singers and artists from Tohoku
Who comes to mind when you hear “a musician from the Tohoku region”? Some people might think of someone right away, while many others may struggle to name a musician from Tohoku.
But if you look, you’ll find plenty—ranging from artists everyone knows to members of popular rock bands—who hail from Tohoku.
In this article, we’ll introduce a comprehensive list of Tohoku-born musicians researched by our editorial team.
We’ve picked a wide range across genres and generations, so please enjoy discovering various artists.
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- [Bands and Artists from Aomori] A comprehensive introduction from veterans to up-and-coming talents
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
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- Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido
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- Songs by male artists known for their captivating deep voices. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks.
Beloved voices and music! Singers and artists from Tohoku (21–30)
Can we do it?Sakuma Toru (MELOGAPPA)
Vocalist Toru Sakuma, a native of Shiroishi City in Miyagi Prefecture.
He made his major debut in 2015 as the frontman of the rock band NIHONJIN and worked on songs for commercials for professional baseball teams.
He is now enjoying nationwide popularity as part of the music YouTuber unit MELOGAPPA.
By creating projects that explore music from multiple angles—such as turning hit songs into minor keys—they have broadened their support, and in 2022 they won the Silver Prize in the Video Production category at the Tokyo International Choir Competition.
As a songwriter, he has also provided music to artists like Arashi and Sexy Zone, and a co-written piece was used as an ending theme for the anime NARUTO Shippuden, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
Reason why XXXSasaki Sayaka
Sayaka Sasaki is a singer nicknamed “Saya-nee,” who won the All-Japan Anisong Grand Prix in 2009.
“Reason why XXX” is a single released in July 2012 and is the theme song for So, I Can’t Play H!
Get OverFRAM（Unwave）
FRAM, vocalist of the unit Unwave and also active as a singer-songwriter, hails from Kesennuma City in Miyagi Prefecture.
While attending a vocational school, she formed Unwave in March 2017 and began her music career, initially based in Sendai.
After moving to Tokyo, she produced works including the album “Combination!”.
She has also been proactive in her solo career: in 2022, after being in charge of an ending theme for a game title, she was subsequently selected to perform theme songs for a string of popular TV anime.
Her strengths lie in songwriting powered by perfect pitch cultivated since childhood, and a vocal style that combines clarity with power.
In April 2024, she was appointed “Minato Kesennuma Ambassador,” reflecting her deep love for her hometown.
Under the clock towerhalogen
Halogen is a four-piece rock band from Miyagi Prefecture, with all members born in 2005.
Since forming in 2021, they’ve been active mainly in their hometown of Sendai, attracting attention with lyrics written in an authentic voice and a genre-blending rock sound.
Their talent was proven by an unprecedented feat: reaching the finals for two consecutive years in the teen gateway competition Senkou Riot.
In 2023, they also won the Grand Prix at the Miyagi Prefecture High School Band Battle.
Their sound—combining vocalist Shota Ono’s clear yet resilient voice with an ensemble that reflects their sincere personalities—is truly captivating.
Gentle lovershimamo
Singer-songwriter Shiamo, hailing from Miyagi Prefecture, is known for her piano-based performances and impressive self-producing skills, handling everything from lyric writing to arrangement.
She made her CD debut in 2017, and her signature song “YOU” became a massive hit with over 600 million views on TikTok.
The track was also selected as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s program “Music Saturday.” With hard rock as part of her musical roots, she draws attention for her expressive range, spanning from delicate ballads to a more rock-oriented side.
Fooled by a love songmachigai sagashi
Machigai Sagashi is a four-piece band based in Sendai.
While all members are said to be from Miyagi Prefecture, their profiles remain undisclosed, giving them an alluring air of mystery.
True to their theme of “introspective music,” their rock-rooted yet emotionally restrained sound resonates deeply.
They began full-fledged activities after a 2011 audition, took a four-and-a-half-year hiatus, and now release music videos online that integrate closely with visual imagery.
If you prefer savoring lyrics and scenery over flashiness, this band will be right up your alley!
People dream twice.Kubo Shiori (Nogizaka Forty-Six)
Shiori Kubo, who hails from Miyagi Prefecture, is a prominent member of the nationally popular idol group Nogizaka46.
She showcases her multifaceted talents as an idol, actress, model, and radio personality.
She joined the group in 2016 as a third-generation member and was an active member during the period when Nogizaka46 won the Japan Record Award consecutively with Influencer and Synchronicity.
In addition to her clear, transparent singing voice, her solid expressive skills honed on stage are also among her strengths.
Deeply connected to her hometown, she values her bond with Miyagi—serving, for example, as a support manager for the Rakuten Eagles—and that attitude continues to captivate fans.