Beloved voices and music! Singers and artists from Tohoku

You are a suspect.Hashimoto Yuta

Yuta Hashimoto “You Are the Suspect” MV inspired by Hina Sakurada

Yuta Hashimoto is a singer-songwriter from Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, whose sweet vocals have won widespread popularity.

The story of how his music box cover videos posted on social media surpassed 50 million views and drew major attention really symbolizes the modern path to stardom.

He made his major debut in 2017 with NEW WORLD, which was used as the ending theme for the TV anime DIVE!!.

His solid track record is another part of his appeal—his 2019 album CHANGE reached No.

1 on Uta-Net.

Actively performing across Asia, his smooth, soul-soothing voice is sure to resonate with fans of J-pop ballads and offer gentle comfort on quiet, restorative nights.

KEEP IT GOING ONSuzuki Akira (WATWING)

WATWING「KEEP IT GOING ON」Music Video

Akira Suzuki, a native of Iwanuma City in Miyagi Prefecture, serves as the vocal leader of the dance and vocal group WATWING.

The group was formed in 2019 and made their major debut in September 2021.

Their music is characterized by groove-forward dance sounds.

Suzuki, a hard worker who won the audition despite having no prior dance experience, not only leads the group with his powerful vocals but also showcases his versatility in songwriting, composition, and brush calligraphy.

In April 2025, he was also appointed as an Iwanuma PR Ambassador.

I’m going to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo

IKUZO YOSHI - We're Headin' to Tokyo (Ore-ra Tokyo sa Igu da)

Yoshi Ikuzo is a singer who transcends the boundaries of enka, showcasing a wide range of talents from comic songs to rap.

He is a singer-songwriter from Aomori Prefecture.

He relaunched his career under the name Yoshi Ikuzo in 1977 and drew attention with “Ore wa Zettai! Presley,” a song he wrote and composed himself.

He went on to release numerous universally known hits, including “Ora Tokyo sa Iguda,” which became a social phenomenon, “Yukiguni,” which topped the Oricon charts in 1986 and won the Japan Record Award Gold Prize, and “Sake yo.” As a composer, his talent is also well established—for instance, “Tsugaru Heiya,” which he provided to Masao Sen, became a hit.

From songs that touch the heart to ones that make you laugh, he’s recommended for anyone who wants to experience music full of humanity.

Purple Rain SentimentFuji Ayako

Ayako Fuji “Murasaki Ujō (Purple Rain Sentiment)” Music Video (1 Chorus)

Speaking of singers with a lustrous voice nurtured by Akita’s rich nature, Aya-ko Fuji comes to mind.

Building on vocal skills honed through folk songs since childhood, she has mainly been active in the enka genre.

After making her second debut with “Onna” in 1989, she scored a major hit with “Kokoro-zake” released in 1992.

The song won the 25th Japan Cable Radio Awards, and she made her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.

Her musical appeal lies above all in her sultry, deeply expressive delivery.

At the same time, she also demonstrates her talent as a singer-songwriter, penning her own lyrics and music under the name “Aya Ono.” She’s the perfect artist for those who want to hear classic, heart-stirring enka or immerse themselves in an authentic voice rooted in traditional folk music.

Awakening Heroism ~THE HERO WITHOUT A “NAME”~Teruyoshi

An Cafe “Awakening Heroism ~THE HERO WITHOUT A "NAME"~” PV

Teruki, the drummer for An Cafe, is from Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture.

It was released in 2008 as their 12th single overall.

The song was used as the opening theme for the MBS/TBS anime “Darker than Black,” and it holds the record for the highest sales among An Cafe’s singles.

SPIDERWaater

Waater – SPIDER (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

A rock band formed by childhood friends from Akita Prefecture, launched in 2018 as an outgrowth of the frontman’s home-recorded solo project.

Rooted in alternative rock while traversing styles like punk and shoegaze, their sound blends a floating, airy feel with raw, early-stage energy.

They’ve released work consistently, including the 2019 EP “Escapes” and the 2023 album “Waater.” The band has drawn media attention for a musicality shaped by sensibilities nurtured under Akita’s overcast skies and a contrasting yearning for pop brightness—an intriguing imbalance.

There’s even a unique story about adding members in a drunken spur of the moment.

A perfect pick for listeners seeking free-spirited rock unconstrained by genre.

marbleHOLLOWS

[MV] HOLLOWS – Marbles

A three-piece rock band based in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, formed in February 2018.

Having come together after a previous band, they were known from the outset for their mature musicality.

They play pop, catchy guitar rock dubbed “shonen rock,” releasing the EP Bokurano in 2018 and Ochiru Bida in 2019.

The vocalist Pō’s clear, boyish voice—often praised with comments like “has his voice even changed yet?”—is a truly one-of-a-kind charm.

Their music will resonate with listeners who love fast-paced guitar rock and airy, transparent vocals.