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.
- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kanto region
- Tokyo Song List: Classic Songs About Tokyo
- Recommended bands, singers, and artists from Osaka Prefecture
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- Songs about Tokyo: A collection of popular J‑Pop classics [2026]
- Masculine Allure: Artists and Bands with Husky Voices
- Cool Japanese female vocal
- [J-Pop] Masterpiece by a female duo. A popular two-woman unit [2026]
- Popular songs by TOKIO. A collection of tracks recommended for Japanese rock fans.
- Only famous artists! Anime songs that energize the Reiwa era
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- Recommended love songs sung by male artists for the yutori generation
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
Artists from Tokyo <Band · Idol · Singer-Songwriter · Musician> (11–20)
DESIRE -Passion-Nakamori Akina
Akina Nakamori, who debuted in 1982 at the height of the idol boom, is known for numerous hit songs.
She made her debut at 16 with the song “Slow Motion.” That same year, her second single “Shojo A” was released and became a hit.
At the time, she was said to be competing as one of the two leading female singers alongside Seiko Matsuda.
When she released famous tracks like “Kazari Janai no yo Namida wa” and “DESIRE -Jounetsu-,” she was just 20 years old.
Her mature aura, powerful delivery, and exceptional vocal ability convey a top-tier talent that transcended the idol category.
Ninjari Ban Bankyarī pamyu pamyu
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, who became a hot topic for her tongue-twisting name, cute looks, and fashion.
Her full official name is “Caroline Charonplop Kyary Pamyu Pamyu”! She originally started out as a reader model after being street-scouted in Harajuku and appearing in a street snap feature in the fashion magazine KERA.
In 2011, the music video for PONPONPON that she released on YouTube attracted attention not only in Japan but around the world! With her unique worldview and fashion sense in songs like Tsukematsukeru and Fashion Monster, along with her adorable singing voice, she’s someone to keep watching!
Golden MoonSuga Shikao
The artist known for a rock style brimming with funk is Shikao Suga.
He made his major label debut in 1997 with the single “Hitto Chāto o Kakenukero,” and the following year, when he wrote the lyrics for SMAP’s “Yozora no Mukō,” which became a massive hit, Suga’s name spread nationwide.
In 2016, he set a Japanese record as a male solo artist by placing his first ten consecutive albums—from his debut onward—into the Top 10 of the charts.
Born in Tokyo, Suga says he admires musicians who moved to the capital from the provinces.
YouKawabata Kaname (CHEMISTRY)
Kaname Kawabata made his debut as a member of the male vocal duo CHEMISTRY.
He began his solo career in 2012 when CHEMISTRY went on hiatus, and his single “TOKYO GIRL” reached No.
8 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
In 2014, he was appointed a goodwill ambassador for Katsushika Ward in Tokyo, his hometown.
CHEMISTRY resumed activities in 2017 and released their first single in six years.
ButterflyKimura Kaera
Kaela Kimura is an aspirational figure for many women, both as a model and a singer.
Although she started as a reader model, she pursued band activities alongside her modeling, and it’s said she had a strong admiration for singers and bands since childhood.
Speaking of Kaela, the wedding classic “Butterfly” is famous, but I also recommend tracks like “Rirura Riruha,” with its refreshingly lively vocals, and “BEAT,” a song with a strong band sound produced by Tamio Okuda.
things that have formShibasaki Kou
In addition to her well-known success as an actress, Kou Shibasaki also has a strong presence as a singer.
Under the name RUI, she released the theme song Tsuki no Shizuku for the 2003 film Yomigaeri, which became a massive hit, selling over a million copies.
She went on to release Katachi Aru Mono, the theme song for the 2004 TV drama adaptation of Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World, which also sold over 600,000 copies.
She writes most of her own lyrics, and her poetic expressiveness really shines through—her lyrics are wonderful.
Be sure to listen to her touching, resonant voice.
Artists from Tokyo <band, idol, singer-songwriter, musician> (21–30)
Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā
Sho Kiryuin, the vocalist of the visual kei air band Golden Bomber, is from Tokyo.
He writes both the lyrics and music for all of the band’s songs.
Although the band is an air band, he alone can play a full range of instruments, including guitar, bass, drums, piano, and violin, and he also takes on a producer-like role by handling live production and writing scripts for the theatrical segments performed during their shows.