Pick up bands, artists, and singers from Wakayama Prefecture!
When you hear “an artist from Wakayama Prefecture,” who comes to mind?Wakayama is home to many captivating spots, from the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes to Nanki-Shirahama.Beyond its famous sights and specialties, the region has produced numerous charismatic singers as well.In this article, we shine a spotlight on bands and singers from Wakayama Prefecture, introducing each artist’s appeal along with their signature songs.You might discover, “I didn’t know this person was from Wakayama!”Enjoy reading to the end.
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Pick up bands, artists, and singers from Wakayama Prefecture! (11–20)
RealizeTamaki Nami
In addition to her musical activities, Nami Tamaki—a female singer known for her wide-ranging work as an actress and voice actress—is from Wakayama City in Wakayama Prefecture.
Influenced by the classical ballet she began studying in childhood, she originally aspired to be a dancer, but her talent drew attention from her teenage years, including winning New Artist of the Year at the 18th Japan Gold Disc Awards in 2004.
Many people may have heard her direct, translucent singing voice at least once.
She is also known as a gamer and launched a YouTube channel in 2021, making her an artist you still can’t take your eyes off.
Go, my hometown!Yabushita Masato
Singer-songwriter Masato Yabushita, who has released many songs connected to his hometown—including “Ganbare Furusato,” which won the Eigo Kawashima Music Award for Best Work—is from Yura Town in Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture.
Centered in Wakayama, he is active across the Keihanshin area and has earned excellent results in various contests thanks to his powerful yet gentle singing voice.
For the production of “Mugi no Sato,” which focuses on a social welfare corporation engaged in support for people with disabilities, he actually visited the workshop facilities, learning about the organization’s early history and the thoughts of people with disabilities—an effort that reflects his deep love for his hometown.
Beyond his musical activities, he also appears on television and radio, showcasing his multifaceted talents as a musician.
Don’t lose your passionUinzu Hirasaka
Yoshihisa Hirasaka, leader of the rock band WINDS Hirasaka, which is mainly active in Wakayama Prefecture, is a native of Wakayama.
The group originally performed under the name WINDS and was especially well known in the Kinki region as the artist behind Joshin Denki’s commercial song “Don’t Lose Your Passion.” After transitioning from a band to a duo, since 2009 the act has continued as a band with only Yoshihisa Hirasaka as the official member.
He is also known for having supported singer-songwriter Yasuhiro Yamane in parallel with his band activities.
In 2018, he received the Hashimoto City Cultural Encouragement Award, and he remains an artist expected to stay active on the front lines.
A woman… a solo journeyTagawa Toshi-mi
Enka singer Toshi Mi Tagawa, who hails from Wakayama City in Wakayama Prefecture, won the Grand Prix at the 13th Nagasaki Kayō Festival at age 13 on the recommendation of MBS Mainichi Broadcasting and made her debut in her teens.
In the year of her debut, she won the Best New Artist Award at the 25th Japan Cable Awards, making her talent widely known at a young age.
In addition, with her 2002 release “Nyonin Kōya,” she delivered a performance that set her apart from traditional enka—singing while strumming an electric guitar and wearing an outfit that fused elements of a kimono and a dress—showcasing her remarkable spirit of challenge.
She continues to be an energetic performer, winning the Masato Fujita Prize in 2018, among other achievements.
dancerKita Koji
Koji Kita, who formed Four Leaves in 1967 and served as its leader—the male idol group often said to represent the early days of Johnny & Associates—was born in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture.
As a student, he was considered the most talented gymnast at his school and was so athletic that the local community expected he might one day become an Olympic athlete.
After the group went on an indefinite hiatus, he remained active, energetically pursuing solo work, including releasing a cover recording of Four Leaves’ signature song, Odoriko (The Dancer).
He passed away in 2012.
His presence continues to live on in fans’ memories as an artist who laid the foundation for today’s Johnny’s idols in the J-pop scene.
ESCAPEKashiyama Kei
Kei Kashiyama, who played drums for the rock band MOON CHILD—which announced its breakup in 1999 despite scoring a major hit with their 5th single “ESCAPE,” used as the theme song for the TV drama FiVE—is from Kamitonda, Wakayama Prefecture.
Active as a central figure since the band’s earlier days as Tambourines, he now showcases his talents by producing visual kei bands and working as a drum tuner.
He also remains musically active in a wide range of projects, including performing with DECAYS, led by DIR EN GREY guitarist Die.
Pick-up of bands, artists, and singers from Wakayama Prefecture! (21–30)
scenario.Buzz cut sheep
Buzz cut sheep is a rock band whose members have performed together since high school, all hailing from Wakayama Prefecture.
They’re a formidable act, honed in Osaka’s live house scene.
In 2017 they released “Mei-Mei,” followed by “Memory’s Surface” in 2018.
Their appeal lies in an emotional sound that carries on the lineage of guitar rock.
Their live performances are highly regarded as well—among other achievements, they won the audition for MIKROCK, one of the largest free festivals in the Kansai region.
Vocalist Kosuke Sekiguchi’s crafted lyrics and the band’s dramatic song structures are must-hear.
Their music will especially resonate with listeners of a generation grappling with everyday conflicts and a sense of restlessness.