Artists from Tokyo (bands, idols, singer-songwriters, musicians)
When you hear “an artist from Tokyo,” what kind of artist comes to mind?
It’s a little exciting when you discover a favorite band or singer-songwriter from your hometown, isn’t it?
Since Tokyo is the heart of Japan, it’s home to countless famous artists.
From what I’ve researched, there seem to be many rock band vocalists and singer-songwriters with a strong literary flair.
Here, we’re shining a spotlight on a variety of artists from Tokyo!
I hope this helps you discover new music and new favorite artists.
Artists from Tokyo <bands, idols, singer-songwriters, musicians> (1–10)
The BeginningTAKA（ONE OK ROCK ）
ONE OK ROCK is a rock band active on the global stage.
Its vocalist is Taka, whose parents are Shinichi Mori and Masako Mori.
Born in Tokyo, he joined Johnny & Associates in 2001 and was selected as a founding member of the idol group NEWS.
After leaving the group and the agency, he joined ONE OK ROCK in 2005 and made his major debut in 2007.
Taka is also known for his fluency in English—despite having no study-abroad experience, he can respond smoothly in overseas interviews.
Sakura (Solo)Moriyama Naotaro
Singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama hails from Shibuya, Tokyo.
He made his major debut in 2002 with the mini-album “Kawaita Uta wa Sakana no Esa ni Chodo Ii,” and celebrated the 20th anniversary of his debut in 2022.
He also drew attention as an actor in the NHK morning drama series “Yell.” His 2003 release “Sakura (Dokusho)” has been sung for many years, and while Moriyama is widely supported for his classic ballads that color life’s important milestones, songs brimming with unique charm like “Ai Shiteru tte Itte Mina” are also highly recommended.
His songwriting is also notable—he has been active in providing songs, such as “Aldebaran” for Ai.
He is an artist who embodies a uniquely vibrant worldview and a deeply moving expressive power, offering a beautiful sense of Japanese elegance.
HANABISakurai Kazutoshi, Suzuki Hideya (Mr.Children)
Among the members of Mr.Children, a national rock band in Japan, vocalist Kazutoshi Sakurai and drummer Hideya Suzuki are from Tokyo.
It’s said that when the drummer left THE WALLS, the band Sakurai had formed in high school, he invited Suzuki to fill in as a pinch hitter, which became the catalyst for their collaboration.
They made their album debut with EVERYTHING in 1992, and when they topped the Oricon chart with the 1996 album innocent world, their popularity was firmly established.
Since then, they have continued to produce hit songs, and as of 2021, they rank third all-time in total CD sales on the Oricon charts, winning numerous awards including the Japan Gold Disc Award.
dancerVaundy
Vaundy is a next-generation artist who does everything himself, from writing lyrics, composing, and arranging to creating artwork and producing videos.
He made his debut with the 2019 single “Tokyo Flash,” titled after his hometown.
In 2021, he produced “Omokage” for milet, Aimer, and Ikura (Rira Ikuta), and in 2022 his single “Naked Hero” was selected as the opening theme for the anime Ranking of Kings.
He’s a highly talked-about artist who’s always in the spotlight.
AnswerIkuta Rira
The vocalist of the unit YOASOBI, which had a massive hit with “Yoru ni Kakeru,” is Rira Ikuta, known as ikura.
Officially, she is listed as being from Tokyo, but it’s said that she lived in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States until the age of three.
She’s a singer-songwriter known for her clear, translucent voice, and in addition to her work with YOASOBI, she’s also actively pursuing a solo career.
Her 2022 single “Lens” was selected as the theme song for the TBS drama “Is This Love Sustainable? ~The Father and Daughter’s Marriage March~,” starring Juri Ueno.
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
When it comes to the artist who sang the classic Haru yo, Koi, which captures the fleeting nature of spring in Japan, it’s Yumi Matsutoya.
She was born in Hachioji, Tokyo, and attended Tama Art University, where she majored in Japanese-style painting.
She debuted in 1972 under her maiden name, Yumi Arai, and her first album, Hikoki Gumo, released the following year, remains a beloved masterpiece among many listeners to this day.
Her sound was groundbreaking in the Japanese music scene at the time and came to be cherished as a new genre known as “New Music.” Since then, she has produced countless classics, including Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara and Mamotte Agetai.
Lovers — Road (Intersection)Suzuki Masayuki
Masayuki Suzuki, the soul singer known for his trademark sunglasses and mustache, hails from Tokyo and is affectionately nicknamed “Martin.” He made his major debut in 1980 as a member of Rats & Star (formerly Chanels), leaving behind timeless hits such as “Megumi no Hito.” He launched his solo career in 1986 with “Garasu Goshi ni Kieta Natsu,” and has since performed many classic ballads—including one of his signature songs, “Koibito”—earning him the title “The King of Love Songs.” He is also known for numerous cover performances and frequently appears on music programs.
Continuing a remarkably versatile career, in the 2020s he drew major attention as part of the “Double Suzuki” duo with Airi Suzuki—hailed as a “major newcomer in the anime song world”—and for his cover of YOASOBI’s “Kaibutsu,” brimming with fresh interpretation and discovery.
Influenced by his sister, singer Kiyomi Suzuki, he grew familiar with R&B, and his soulful, emotionally rich, beautiful voice captivates listeners.
He is truly a vocalist Japan can be proud of.