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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.

Beloved voices and music! Singers and artists from Tohoku (21–30)

Under the clock towerhalogen

halogen – Under the Clock Tower [Music Video]
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

Shimamo – Gentle Lover [Official Music Video]
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.

Beloved voices and music! Singers and artists from Tohoku (31–40)

Fooled by a love songmachigai sagashi

Fooled by a love song / Spot the mistakes
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.

All of YouKanō Yoshimasa (BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE)

BALLISTIK BOYZ – ‘All of You’ Official Music Video
All of YouKanō Yoshimasa (BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE)

Yoshimasa Kanou, who is active as a vocalist for BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE, is from Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture.

After being selected as a finalist in the 2017 audition VOCAL BATTLE AUDITION 5, he was chosen to join the group.

Their debut album, BALLISTIK BOYZ, released in May 2019, reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

His standout, commanding vocals—and the group as a whole—have proven their talent, with accolades such as winning the Rising Star Award at the MTV VMAJ 2019.

CandyRyuya Miyase

Ryubi Miyase (宮世琉弥) / “Candy” MV
Candy Miyase Ryuya

Singer-songwriter and actor Ryuya Miyase hails from Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture.

His stage name is said to embody the sentiment “From Miyagi to the world,” conveying a strong pride in his hometown.

He made his major-label debut in April 2024 with the album “PLAYLIST,” after first gaining major attention as a member of the on-screen group 8LOOM in the TBS drama “Kimi no Hana ni Naru.” His commanding stage presence—powered by an actor’s expressive range—is remarkable, and in connection with his appointment as a supporter for TBS’s 2025 World Volleyball, he is also creating songs that he wrote and composed himself.

You won’t want to take your eyes off his journey as an expressive artist.

Karmic Retribution AntinomyKoizumi Kousaku (Gen’in wa jibun ni aru.)

Causality retribution antinomy | The cause lies within myself. [GNJB]
Karmic Retribution AntinomyKoizumi Kousaku (Gen'in wa jibun ni aru.)

Hailing from Miyagi Prefecture, Kosaki Koizumi shines as a member of the dance and vocal group Genin wa Jibun ni Aru.

The group officially debuted in 2019 and has drawn attention for its experimental sound that blends diverse elements like Vocaloid and Japanese rock.

In January 2021, they reached No.

1 on the Oricon Daily Ranking with their first album, Multiverse Interpretation.

Koizumi’s talents extend beyond music as well—he has also appeared as an actor in the Fuji TV drama Billion×School.

If you enjoy literary lyrics and distinctive performances, you’re sure to be captivated.