Artists from Toyama Prefecture (bands, idols, singer-songwriters, musicians)
When you hear “an artist from Toyama,” who comes to mind?
It’s exciting to discover musicians from your hometown—whether they’re singers active in the J-pop scene, singer-songwriters, rock bands, and more!
And beyond music, Toyama has produced many distinctive figures, such as manga artist Fujiko F.
Fujio and YouTuber Hajime Syacho.
While researching, I also came across some surprising discoveries that made me think, “Oh, really?!”
I’d be thrilled if this could be a chance for you to discover the charm of Toyama, as well as new favorite music and artists you’ll love.
- A classic song that sings of Toyama. The enduring heart of our hometown.
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Band Rankings Popular Among People in Their 40s [2026]
- [J-Pop] Masterpiece by a female duo. A popular two-woman unit [2026]
- Takashi Yu's masterworks and popular songs
- Yumi Matsutoya (Yuming)'s classic and popular songs
- Ichirō Fujiyama Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Folk songs, children's songs, and nursery rhymes of Toyama: the enduring heart of our hometown passed down through song
- Recommended for high school students! Stylish J‑pop and songs by trending popular artists
- Hidden gems and lesser-known songs by popular Japanese rock bands
- Recommended male vocalists for anime songs
- Recommended female vocalists for anime songs
Artists from Toyama Prefecture <bands, idols, singer-songwriters, musicians> (ages 21–30)
Day to StorySadowara Kaori
Kaori Sadohara, a voice actress and singer known for roles such as Annaka in the anime Nichijou, was born in Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture.
Well-versed in vocal music and able to play the harp and drums, Sadohara is also a member of the voice actress unit sweet ARMS, making her a figure deeply connected to music.
She has performed songs such as Day to Story, the ending theme of Date A Live II.
She has a bright, refreshing voice that is pleasant to listen to.
Incidentally, her husband is also a voice actor, Yoshihisa Kawahara.
distanceSAITARO、PxOxN（LONG SHOT PARTY）
LONG SHOT PARTY is a rock band known for “distance,” which was used as the second opening theme for the anime NARUTO Shippuden.
The band’s bassist, SAITARO, is from Toyama City, and the drummer, PxOxN, is from Uozu City.
They earned support for their musical style incorporating brass instruments.
After their major-label debut, they released four singles and one album, and sadly disbanded in 2010.
PxOxN continues his musical activities under the name Hiroyuki “PxOxN” Watanabe.
Jade Coastkitokito
The members of Kitokito, a three-person unit formed for the NHK BS2 program project “Hey, Japan: Today We’re All About Toyama Prefecture,” are from Toyama Prefecture.
They made their CD debut with “Jade Coast.” The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, and in addition to Jade Coast, they mention Toyama Airport and Kojō Park.
But / demo (demonstration) / DEMOOTO (ankoku tairiku jagatara)
Jagatara, a rock band that was active in the 1980s and still enjoys a cult following today.
OTO, the guitarist, is from Toyama Prefecture.
Their extreme performances drew attention, and they blazed through Japan’s rock scene at breakneck speed.
Although the band disbanded after the death of their vocalist, Edo Akemi, they resumed activities in 2020 under the name Jagatara2020 with a new lineup.
OTO is currently engaged in farming in Kumamoto Prefecture.
License to KillNogiwa Yoko
Strictly speaking, she isn’t originally from here, but let me introduce her.
This is Yoko Nogiwa, who was born in Ishikawa Prefecture and lived in Toyama City until the age of three.
As an actress, Nogiwa appeared in numerous films and TV dramas.
She originally worked as an announcer for NHK and pursued acting after leaving the broadcaster.
As a singer, she released Hijo no License in 1968 and Love That Ended in Paris in 1970.
Her mature voice captivated listeners.
In 2017, after a battle with illness, she passed away from cancer.
Unbalance UmbrellaAmemiya Iori, Mizuki Yumeko (Mousou Calibration)
Iori Amemiya and Yumeko Mizuki, who were active as members of the six-person idol group Moso Calibration, are from Toyama Prefecture.
With their major second single, Unbalance Umbrella, the group achieved their first Top 10 entry on the Oricon chart.
I cried at the udon shop.W.C. Karasu
Singer-songwriter W.C.
Karas was born in Oyabe City, Toyama Prefecture, and now lives in Takaoka City.
He made his CD debut in 2013 at the age of 48.
His soulful musical style—rooted in blues, Black music, and funk—has earned strong support.
In everyday life he works in forestry, writes a regular essay column for a newspaper, and has had his activities featured on NHK news programs, conveying the sense that he’s living life in a way that’s true to himself.