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 of bands, artists, and singers from Wakayama Prefecture! (21–30)
MEGA SHAKE IT!Yamasaki Seiya
Formed in a university light music club and centered around members who gave up on job hunting due to a tough employment market, the five-piece band Kyuso Nekokami features vocalist-guitarist Seiya Yamasaki, who hails from Gobo City in Wakayama Prefecture.
Their driving, straightforward lyrics and rock sound resonate with younger generations, and many listeners may find a charismatic quality in Yamasaki’s vocals in particular.
In addition to his musical activities, he has appeared on the variety show Ariyoshi Seminar, where he became the first artist to successfully complete a competitive eating challenge, making him a rising figure whose media presence is also highly anticipated.
Yhoo!You’re!Yhoo!Furuie Manabu
Manabu Furuya, who is active as a musician, is from Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture.
His Wakayama-dialect rap “Yhoo! You’re! Yhoo!” spread by word of mouth mainly in Wakayama and the Kansai region, and has been covered by various media outlets.
In 2011, to mark the 15th anniversary of his debut, he moved his base of activities to Nanki-Shirahama in Wakayama Prefecture.
Pick Up Bands, Artists, and Singers from Wakayama Prefecture! (31–40)
With tenderness for sorrowSakai Ayumi
Ayumi Sakai is a singer from Hashimoto City in Wakayama Prefecture.
She originally worked as a model for the fashion magazine CanCam and made her singing debut in 2009.
Her first single, “Kanashimi o Itoshisa de,” was used as the theme song for season 4 of the drama Tokumei Kakarichō Tadano Hitoshi and drew a lot of attention.
She also appeared frequently on variety shows such as Gyoretsu no Dekiru Hōritsu Sōdansho.
Today, she is popular as an Instagrammer.
She has an unpretentious, straightforward singing voice.
To the lovely city of 47AKB48 Team8
Ruka Yamamoto, who is active as a member of the idol group AKB48, is from Wakayama Prefecture.
She joined as a Team 8 member in 2014.
Her first participation in a single was “To the 47 Wonderful Towns,” included on the theater edition of the 37th single, “Kokoro no Placard.”
Nana-iro DanceNegishi Karen
Karen Negishi, who is active as a member of the idol group Takoyaki Rainbow, is from Wakayama Prefecture.
Takoyaki Rainbow was formed as a sister group to Momoiro Clover Z and Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku.
They made their major debut with the single “Nanairo Dance,” which reached No.
7 on the Oricon weekly chart.
Ieyan★ComplexZagaDa
The members of ZagaDa, a local idol group from Wakayama Prefecture, are all from Wakayama.
They were active in their hometown to promote Wakayama, but they have been on hiatus since 2013.
They debuted with their first single, “Ieyan★Complex.”
Precious WordsButterfly Kiss
Mitsuko Enomoto, the vocalist of ButterFlyKiss, is from Shingu City in Wakayama Prefecture.
Their song “Taisetsu na Kotoba” ranked first in the Women’s Pop category on Mobage Town and is gaining nationwide support.
Alongside her music career, Enomoto also works as a nurse.