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 (1–10)
Miraclenavi
GReeeeN, known for all its members working as dentists, was formed in the dentistry department of a university in Fukushima Prefecture, right? Surprisingly, most of the members are from outside the Tohoku region, with only navi being from Miyagi Prefecture.
However, he was raised in Chiba, and it’s said he met HIDE in Tokyo during his prep school days.
They later formed GReeeeN with the current four members in 2004.
In the film Kiseki: Ano Hi no Sobito, which depicts the lead-up to the creation of their signature song Kiseki, Ryusei Yokohama played the role of navi.
Don’t forget, don’t forget.Yamaguchi Takashi
Takashi Yamaguchi, the vocalist and guitarist of Sambomaster—the hottest, most passionately intense rock band in Japan—is from Fukushima Prefecture.
Since he often speaks fervently in a Tohoku dialect during live show MCs, many people may associate him with being from the Tohoku region.
In 2011, he also formed Inawashirokos with fellow musicians from Fukushima, releasing “I love you & I need you Fukushima” as a charity song for the Great East Japan Earthquake.
On that night that couldn’t become the futureAkita Hiromu
Hiromu Akita, who serves as the frontman of amazarashi, is from Aomori Prefecture.
Their lyrics carry powerful messages, and his earnest, heart-piercing vocals resonate deeply.
Once you hear them, you won’t forget.
Their no-face-showing style reflects a desire for listeners to immerse themselves more fully in the world of the songs.
Rather than offering a “let’s keep our chins up” kind of message by likening everyday struggles to rain, they create a warm presence that supports you by staying close to sorrow and accepting it as it is.
rayFujiwara Motoo
Motoharu Fujiwara, the vocalist of the rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN—known for their highly narrative world-building that resonates with many listeners—was born in Akita City, Akita Prefecture.
He writes and composes nearly all of the band’s songs, and their distinctive musicality has won widespread support.
After starting out independently in 1999, the band went on to rack up hits, and in 2013 they dominated the charts with two best-of albums.
They have won numerous awards, including at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC AWARDS, and their richly narrative songs have resonated with many visual works, such as anime theme songs.
Their creative style of waiting for the moment a song is born may be what leads to universally affecting songs that speak straight to the heart.
Fujiwara’s voice—ranging from urgent high tones to gentle whispers—could be called the beating heart of the band.
Tropical ParadiseCRAZYBOY（ELLY）
ELLY, a performer from J SOUL BROTHERS III from EXILE TRIBE, captivates audiences with his exceptional dance.
With roots in Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture, he also shows a different side as a hip-hop artist under the solo name CRAZYBOY.
He began his full-fledged solo career with the 2017 mini-album NEOTOKYO EP.
Within the group, he has also been active as a creator, handling choreography for their signature songs that became social phenomena and making a major contribution to their Japan Record Awards wins in 2014 and 2015.
He’s also known for his warm personality—for example, donating prize money he won at a gaming tournament to support recovery efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
Highly recommended for those who want to experience a different facet from his group activities: cool dance music and the world of hip-hop.
Just, thank you.TAX
Tax, the drummer for MONKEY MAJIK, is from Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture.
This song was released in 2008 as their 10th single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Ando Natsu,” and it expresses feelings of gratitude toward someone special.
HOWEVERHISASHI
When you think of GLAY’s members, the image of them being from Hokkaido is strong, but guitarist HISASHI is actually from Aomori Prefecture.
That said, he moved to Hokkaido in the fourth grade of elementary school.
After TAKURO and TERU formed GLAY in 1988, HISASHI joined the band.
Although he has continued to be active with GLAY as an original member since its early days, he also plays guitar in various other bands such as rally and ACE OF SPADES.