Bands and Singers from Yamaguchi Prefecture | From Superstars to Rising New Artists, All in One Go

Never EndHelloNewWorld

Hello New World [Never End] MV

HelloNewWorld, based in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a three-piece rock band known for the captivating harmonies of its male-female twin vocals.

Centered on high-velocity guitar rock, they deliver an emotional sound that shakes the listener to the core.

Formed in 2016, they released their first EP with the current lineup, “Dear, Beloved Town,” in March 2020.

Selected for newcomer showcases at live houses, they are steadily making their mark on the scene as a band to watch.

Deeply devoted to their hometown and the live house culture, they place great importance on conveying the raw energy that can’t be captured by recordings alone.

Sound(s) of the familyHarada Yūko

Sound(s) of the family

Yuko Harada is a singer-songwriter from Iwakuni City with a background that includes competing in the National Sports Festival in handball.

She began performing solo in 2009 and launched her full-fledged career in 2010 with the single “start.” In 2018, she advanced to the semifinals of Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in New York, earning the title of “Top Dog,” a testament to her skill.

Her mid-range vocals envelop the space, and her straightforward delivery of genuine, down-to-earth feelings resonates deeply.

With an acoustic sound that invites listeners to immerse themselves, she is an artist whose warm yet bittersweet worldview is irresistible to those who want to savor music slowly.

Bark!fūko

“Bark!” by Fuko – ≪OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO≫ “Rugby Cheer Song”

Fuko, who hails from Iwakuni City in Yamaguchi Prefecture and calls herself a “sparkling carbonated singer-songwriter,” delivers catchy J-pop through piano-and-vocal performances based in Hiroshima.

Since beginning her career in 2016, she has expanded her reach through locally rooted tie-ins, including theme songs for TV sports programs and anime.

Her multiple invitations since 2018 to sing the national anthem at official Hiroshima Toyo Carp games speak to her undeniable talent.

With deep love for her hometown and music that energizes listeners, Fuko is an artist you won’t want to take your eyes off.

OrangeMizumoto Satoshi

Official Renofa Yamaguchi Support Song “Orange” by Satoshi Mizumoto

Satoshi Mizumoto is a singer-songwriter from Hofu City in Yamaguchi Prefecture whose beautiful husky voice delivers music that gently nestles close to listeners’ hearts.

His signature song “Utsukushii Hito” (“Beautiful Person”) drew attention when its music video received a special screening at the Damar International Film Festival.

In 2011, he also appeared as a musician in the film “The Compass of the Girls,” showcasing his multifaceted talents beyond music.

He has strong ties to his hometown as well, having created a commercial song for Netz Toyota Yamaguchi and being selected in 2018 as a supporting artist for the Yamaguchi Yume Hana Expo.

Cherry Blossom RainSasahara Shota (absorb)

absorb "Sakura no Ame" MV Full

Shota Sasahara, known as a core member of the three-person unit absorb, hails from Yamaguchi Prefecture.

He’s an artist with a strong creative streak, handling not only vocals and guitar but also songwriting and composition.

His music is characterized by message-driven J-pop centered around acoustic guitar.

Formed in 2005, absorb rose to popularity through video-sharing sites and became widely known for a self-cover of a classic graduation song.

His expansive vocals and warm melodies that resonate with listeners’ hearts are truly captivating.

Me, DreamingNishimura Tomomi

I tried singing 'Watashi Dreaming' (Tomomi Nishimura) at +4 and an octave lower (Take 2)

Tomomi Nishimura, who works as a talent and actress, is from Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

In the past, she was active as an idol singer! In 1986, she won the New Artist Award at the 28th Japan Record Awards for “Watashi Dreaming.” Then, in 1988, she was chosen as the promotional campaign character for the Yamaguchi gubernatorial election.

Daydreamin’Taniyama Kisho

Taniyama Kishō – Daydreamin’ (FULL)

Kishō Taniyama, who works as a voice actor and singer, is from Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

He released his 1st single, “Daydreamin’,” as his debut single.

The title track was used as the ending theme for the TV anime “Sukisho” (full title: “Suki na Mono wa Suki Dakara Shōganai!!”).