Bands, artists, and singers from Yamagata Prefecture
When you hear about artists and musicians from Yamagata Prefecture, who comes to mind?
Maybe not many, but in fact, Yamagata has produced some very famous artists and musicians!
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of artists from Yamagata Prefecture all at once.
From band and idol group members to producers and composers/arrangers, we’ve picked broadly across genres—so take this opportunity to give their music a careful listen!
- Artists from Yamanashi Prefecture: A roundup of talented bands and singers
- [Yamagata Songs] Beloved local tunes and classic tracks celebrating majestic nature and hometown pride
- Beloved voices and music! Singers and artists from Tohoku
- Bands, artists, and singers from Yamagata Prefecture
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- [Artists from Akita Prefecture] A comprehensive showcase from famous popular singers to up-and-coming bands
- [Ones to Watch in 2026!] Recommended Female Singers & Recent Female Artists
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
- Recommended songs about mountains: classic and popular tracks for mountaineering and mountain songs
- Songs by male artists known for their captivating deep voices. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks.
- Tear-jerking masterpieces sung by male artists that I’d recommend to Gen Z
- [Folk Songs of Yamagata] The Heart of Our Hometown Passed Down in Song: Feelings Woven into Nostalgic Melodies
Bands, artists, and singers from Yamagata Prefecture (1–10)
heavy rainSasaki Shuu (THE MODS)
THE MODS are a popular band that have remained active in the Japanese rock scene from the 1980s to today.
They’re known for a sound that’s the very definition of rock ’n’ roll, and their drummer, Shu Sasaki, hails from Yamagata Prefecture.
Fans might remember this well: Sasaki joined the band in 2009.
He was 23 at the time—more than 20 years younger than the other members—when he came on as their drummer.
Yet the powerful, hard-hitting sound he delivered quickly made him a core pillar of THE MODS.
the legacyTHE BOHEMIANS
If you want edgy rock ’n’ roll, it’s them! THE BOHEMIANS are a rock band from Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Formed in 2005 by Hirata Panda and Beat Ryo, who attended the same university in Yamagata.
After Honma Domino joined, they moved to Tokyo, expanded their lineup with Hoshikawa Don’t Let Me Down and Chiba O’Reilly (and The Lawless World), and broadened their activities.
Be sure to turn up the volume for their songs! You’ll be electrified by their catchy, cool sound!
Say Good-byeLeika
Singer-songwriter Leika, who has played numerous instruments since childhood—including piano, trumpet, and trombone—and made her major debut in 2010, hails from Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture.
Before her debut, she showcased her talent across genres, performing in bands and serving as a resident vocalist at an oldies live house.
Her strong hometown pride also stands out: her first single, “Tobira,” is an arrangement of the Tohoku folk song Hanagasa Ondo, and her second single, “Cherry,” is themed around Yamagata’s famous cherries.
Known for down-to-earth lyrics and a sound that evokes jazz and R&B, she also serves as a Tsuruoka Hometown Tourism Ambassador.
Bands, artists, and singers from Yamagata Prefecture (11–20)
White kiteKobayashi Takeshi
Takeshi Kobayashi—known as a former member of the music unit My Little Lover, commonly nicknamed “Maira-ba,” and also renowned for producing the rock band Mr.Children—hails from Shinjo City in Yamagata Prefecture.
Thanks to his high level of musicality, performance skill, and unique pop sensibility, he was in high demand even before stepping into the spotlight as My Little Lover’s keyboardist, contributing to the songs and live performances of numerous leading musicians.
He remains highly active today, performing with Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.Children in the superband Bank Band, and in 2021 he received a Special Award at the 63rd Japan Record Awards, among other achievements.
presentSutō Mitsuru (TRIX, moto THE SQUARE)
Mitsuru Sutoh, known as the former bassist of the instrumental band THE SQUARE—which has released many famous songs in jazz and fusion styles—hails from Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture.
Not only during his time with THE SQUARE but also after leaving the band, he has consistently taken on MC duties at guest appearances and milestone concerts such as the 20th and 30th anniversaries, demonstrating a presence within THE SQUARE that goes beyond that of just a bassist.
He is currently active as a member of the fusion band TRIX, and with his outstanding bass playing and stage performance, he continues to be a leading figure in Japan’s fusion scene.
LOVE DokkyunSora（CLUB PRINCE）
The music group CLUB PRINCE, which made a name for itself with the party tune “LOVE Dokkyun♥,” inspired by host club calls, had a member named Sora who hails from Yamagata Prefecture.
They were active from 2011 to 2018, and during that time, Sora was reportedly a central figure in their dance performances.
CLUB PRINCE had incredible momentum back then! I wonder if we’ll have a chance to see Sora and the others, who defined an era, perform again.
Another worldSatō Harumi (E-girls, Flower)
Harumi Sato, who was active as a member of the female dance and vocal groups Flower and E-girls, is from Tendo City in Yamagata Prefecture.
During her time in E-girls, she was so tall that she and fellow member Kaede were known as the Twin Towers, and her outstanding figure also led to success as a fashion model.
She began her solo career in 2021, and her positive aura and commanding performances have captivated many listeners, not only fans from her E-girls days.
In addition to her music career, she is a female dancer who has made her presence felt across a wide range of stages, including TV dramas, commercials, and theater.