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> (21–30)
Like when we first metEvery Little Thing
Kaori Mochida, the vocalist of Every Little Thing, is from Tokyo.
In fact, she was active as a child actor, appearing in numerous TV commercials and fashion magazines.
As ELT, she was originally slated to debut as a solo artist, but due to various circumstances, the plan shifted to a duo with Igarashi.
Furthermore, because Igarashi wanted guitar in the music and felt uneasy, they brought in Ichirō Itō—who had previously been in a band with them—and debuted as ELT as a three-member group.
For the First Time in ForeverKanda Sayaka
She was born in Tokyo as the eldest daughter of actor Masaki Kanda and singer Seiko Matsuda.
She is active mainly as a singer, actress, TV personality, and voice actress.
In 2014, she formed the music unit TRUSTRICK, serving as the vocalist, and has been expanding her range of activities.
Artists from Tokyo <Bands · Idols · Singer-Songwriters · Musicians> (ages 31–40)
Mannequin in a uniformNogizaka 46
Produced by Yasushi Akimoto, Nogizaka46 debuted in 2011 as the “official rivals of AKB48.” Among the members, Manatsu Akimoto (raised in Saitama), Erika Ikuta, Asuka Saito, and Yuuri Saito are from Tokyo.
The number “46” in Nogizaka46 was reportedly chosen by general producer Yasushi Akimoto to express the determination that even with fewer members than AKB48, they would not be outdone.
ContrastTOMOO
TOMOO is an artist who creates music that gently touches listeners’ hearts with simple piano tones and an emotionally rich voice.
She began her career in the early 2010s and made her major debut in 2019.
While taking on a wide range of genres from pop to ballads, her dedication to a stripped-down, singer-songwriter style is also striking.
Many of her signature songs have been used as drama theme songs, and in 2022 she successfully held her solo concert “Estuary” at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA.
Her strong will, standing on stage after overcoming health issues, moved many fans.
Her songs, often themed around nature and the passage of time, are gentle yet deeply resonant.
She’s an artist especially recommended for those who want to reflect on their inner selves through music.
From here onkepura
Kepla is drawing attention with down-to-earth lyrics that resonate with listeners and a driving, high-speed sound.
Formed in September 2020, the four-piece rock band has a youthfully evocative backstory: all members are classmates from Tokyo Metropolitan Saginomiya High School.
They made their debut in July 2021 with the mini-album “Days of Youth,” achieving a remarkable milestone as its tracks surpassed 100,000 views on YouTube.
In September 2024, they made their major-label debut with EMI Records, fully blooming with the skills they honed during their indie days.
Another appeal is their fan-centered approach: the members themselves handle merch and jacket design, keeping a close connection with their audience.
Their songs, which feel like snapshots of fleeting moments of youth, feature fresh sensibilities and lyrics that evoke real empathy, steadily growing their fanbase—especially among younger listeners.
acneshiritsu ebisu chūgaku
Formed in 2009, the idol group Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, also known as Ebichu, with the concept of being “eternally middle school students” and styled as Class 1-B of the fictional school Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, has many members from Tokyo, including Riko Nakayama, Rina Matsuno, Rika Mayama, and Ayaka Yasumoto.
sentimentalyutori
“Shortcut feat.
Yui Yaguchi,” posted in 2020, went viral.
The group behind the song is the rock band yutori.
They originally planned to release just one track and then disband.
However, the response was so overwhelming that they decided to continue as a full-fledged band.
A hallmark of their music is how they capture the delicate emotions of youth and heartbreakingly poignant love stories in their songs.
They’re very active with live shows and festival appearances, so be sure to experience their world in person if you can.
