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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- 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 (41–50)
existenceLunv Loyal
A highly skilled rapper from Tsuchizakiminato, Akita City, Akita Prefecture.
He picked up the mic in his teens, and in 2014 began to make a name for himself by joining a compilation curated by SEEDA.
He’s now signed to a major label and has been expanding his reach from Tohoku to the entire country, successfully hosting events that drew around 200 people at local clubs.
His notable tracks include “100” and “Acrophobia Remix.” His rap style combines a cool, narrative delivery with a quiet inner fire, and you can feel his deep connection to Akita—for example, by incorporating hometown festival music into his tracks.
He’s an artist who proudly carries his hometown on his back, and it’s undeniably cool.
One HeartMating Rhythm
Formed in May 2010, they are a six-piece ska band based in Akita Prefecture.
Known for their cheerful performance style, they released their first full-length album, “Minamikaze Swallow,” nationwide in November 2015, followed by their first single, “Tooku Handclap,” in April 2017.
Their strong commitment to their local community is also a hallmark of the band; in 2016, they provided music for a TV commercial as part of an Akita Prefecture initiative.
Their irresistibly bright and powerful band sound is energizing just to listen to.
If you want to get fired up at a live show, this is a band you should definitely check out.
Life is scat.T.O.C.A
A three-piece band from Akita City, active mainly in the Tohoku region.
Combining the catchiness of J-pop with the edge of rock, they began their activities in 2014 and released their first single, “3838,” in 2016.
They’ve also made their mark locally, with one of their songs chosen as the theme for an NHK Akita news program.
Their performances at music festivals have received high praise, and they were selected as the opening act for the Oga Namahage Rock Festival.
It’s a band whose playful spirit coexists with a robust sound—a style that’s truly captivating.
OMG!!ViryKnot
A music producer and guitarist from Akita City.
While rooted in rock, he’s a solo creator who centers on hip-hop and provides tracks to acts both in Japan and overseas.
After responding to a call on X and contributing to a popular rapper’s project, his talent gained recognition, and he began building a full-fledged career with the 2021 EP “AKATSUKI.” His appeal lies in sound design that stays true to a “rapper-first” ethos while skillfully fusing aggressive, rock-derived guitar.
His style—sharp guitar riffs slicing into hip-hop beats—is perfect for listeners seeking stimulation that transcends genre boundaries.
One lifeZeleive
This is a rock group based in Akita City that calls themselves a “V² Mixture Rock Band.” Their hallmark sound blends the vintage feel of ’80s–’90s J-ROCK with the expressive power of visual-kei rock.
In March 2018, they released their first nationally distributed maxi-single, followed by releases including the mini-album “Soul Journey.” Their music features heavy, low-end-driven sound with catchy melodies, and lyrics that move from negative to positive, resonating deeply with listeners.
A unique episode is that their drummer, Napiko, was selected for “Atsushi Tamura’s London Boots No.
17” in December 2020.
Another draw is their cohesive live performance, thanks in part to the guitarist and drummer being actual siblings.
The boy alwaysichibun no yon
A four-piece band from Akita City delivering emotional guitar rock, bringing a fresh breeze to the local music scene.
Working steadily in the indie realm, they consistently produce heartfelt releases such as the single “Thinking of Someone” and their 1st EP “Living With You as My Staple.” In February 2024, they even held a release tour for the EP in their hometown of Akita, steadily growing their fanbase through live performances.
Their greatest appeal lies in their emotionally rich lyrics—written in down-to-earth, relatable words—paired with a straightforward band sound.
If you love direct, Japanese-language rock or want to support a hometown band on the rise, they’re a perfect fit.
Majestic CatastropheSasaki Riko
Hailing from Akita City in Akita Prefecture, she is active in a dual career as both a voice actor and an artist.
Her roots trace back to being selected from about 9,000 applicants to play the lead in the musical Annie during her childhood, an experience that set the stage for her work blending singing and acting.
Her expressive range—capable of delivering everything from pop to dark rock with a soulful voice—is a major draw.
She made her major debut in 2014, and in 2023 she simultaneously released two concept mini-albums, Dawn and Dusk, themed around light and darkness.
On these works she showcased her versatility by writing and composing her own songs and contributing a game theme song.
For listeners who seek music rich in storytelling, the world she creates is sure to be irresistibly captivating.