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.
- Bands, artists, and singers from Iwate Prefecture
- [2026] Compilation of Bands, Artists, and Singers from Fukushima Prefecture
- Bands, artists, and singers from Yamagata Prefecture
- [Artists from Akita Prefecture] A comprehensive showcase from famous popular singers to up-and-coming bands
- [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.
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Miyagi Songs: Popular tracks that celebrate famous sights and specialties, and timeless pieces filled with love for home
- A must-see for Gen Z men! Easy-to-sing songs by male artists for karaoke
- Singers, bands, and artists from Hokkaido
- Hype songs sung by male artists that are recommended for Gen Z
- [For Seniors] Heartwarming Winter Classics: A Cozy Moment with Nostalgic Kayōkyoku and Traditional Songs
- 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 (31–40)
I’m going to Tokyo.Yoshi Ikuzo
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
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.
SPIDERWaater
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
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.
twilight syndromeHold Out Hope
A band that started in November 2015, delivering their sound from Akita City to the whole country.
While rooted in easycore and pop-punk with a female vocalist at the front, their hybrid style also incorporates piano and EDM elements, which is seriously cool.
In September 2018, they released their first nationally distributed mini-album, “AM.” In July 2017, they were selected as the opening act for the OGA NAMAHAGE ROCK FESTIVAL.
Their appeal lies in a style that blends intense metalcore-like breakdowns with irresistibly sing-along pop melodies, and a clear, transparent singing voice that blooms like a single flower amid their loud sound.
Beloved Voices and Music! Singers and Artists from Tohoku (41–50)
toughnessJETG
A rapper from Akita Prefecture, now based in Yokohama.
Centered on the Japanese drill style, he’s a solo artist rapidly rising in prominence.
His cool hallmark is tearing across hard-edged beats with dense, high-speed bars.
Since 2023, he’s been actively releasing music under his solo name, dropping EPs like “JETLIFE” and “progress” in quick succession.
His performance videos have been buzzing on social media, proving his chops beyond doubt.
In January 2025, he also performed at his hometown event, NAMAHAGE UNITED 2025.
Blending street-level tension with introspective lyrics, his music is sure to resonate with anyone looking to experience cutting-edge Japanese rap.
PainJoelle
A singer-songwriter raised in Akita City who expresses a wide range of worlds with a crystal-clear singing voice.
Born in the United States and immersed in music from childhood, she showed her talent early on, becoming the first scholarship student at the Yamaha Music Academy.
She made her major debut in 2006 with the theme song for the film Trick: The Movie 2, which reached No.
2 on the digital charts.
She’s also known for her work with the fantasy music collective Sound Horizon and her participation in the game FINAL FANTASY XIII-2.
Her appeal lies in a steady, resonant vocal quality and strong English skills that beautifully support grand narratives.
Highly recommended for those who love story-rich music and transparent, breathtakingly beautiful vocals.