Bands and Singers from Yamaguchi Prefecture | From Superstars to Rising New Artists, All in One Go
Yamaguchi Prefecture, which also serves as the gateway between Honshu and Kyushu, is a land rich in nature, home to sights like the Kintai Bridge and the giant limestone cavern Akiyoshido.
Its cuisine is also in the spotlight, featuring seafood such as fugu (pufferfish) and hamo (conger pike), as well as specialties like kawara soba.
In this article, we’ll introduce bands, singers, and artists from Yamaguchi! Yamaguchi has also produced several prime ministers, including Hirobumi Ito and Aritomo Yamagata.
The lineup of artists is truly diverse.
Enjoy discovering new facts as you read—“Wait, they’re from Yamaguchi too?!”
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Bands and Singers from Yamaguchi Prefecture | A Comprehensive Introduction from Mega-Stars to Rising Newcomers (11–20)
OrangeMizumoto Satoshi
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)
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.
Shabada-ba doo~Michishige Sayumi (moto Mōningu Musume.)
Sayumi Michishige, who was active as the 8th leader of the idol group Morning Musume, is from Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
She was the member with the longest tenure in the group’s history.
The 57th single, “TIKI BUN/Shabadaba Dū/Mikaeri Bijin,” was her graduation single, and “Shabadaba Dū” is her solo song.
Let’s praise ourselves once in a while.SION
A singer-songwriter representing Yamaguchi Prefecture, he made his indie debut with the 1985 album “In a Corner of Shinjuku,” followed by his major-label debut with “SION” in 1986.
With a husky, distinctive voice and lyrics brimming with message, he creates a truly one-of-a-kind world.
He is admired by many artists—most notably, it’s well known that Masaharu Fukuyama is among his admirers.
Beyond music, he has also worked as an actor, appearing in the drama “Private Detective Mike Hama,” showcasing his multifaceted appeal.
Even as his career has grown long, SION’s presence only continues to increase—he’s incredibly cool!
A solitary journey to MichinokuYamamoto Jōji
Joji Yamamoto is a leading figure in the enka world.
Because of the image of his smash-hit classic “Michinoku Hitoritabi,” some people might associate him with the Tohoku region, but he is actually from Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
“Michinoku Hitoritabi” was released in 1980, when he was 30.
After many years of working his way up, it became his first hit and finally launched him into the ranks of enka stars.
Incidentally, there’s also a story that in 1967, when he was a third-year student at Hayatomo High School, he even participated in the Summer Koshien as a representative of Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Me, a little bird, and a bellchihiro
Chihiro expresses the poetic world of children’s poet Misuzu Kaneko through her unique melodies and spoken-word storytelling.
Chihiro hails from Yamaguchi City in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
She ramped up her activities with a CD release commemorative concert in Nagato, Kaneko’s hometown, and has composed music for numerous poems, including “Are You an Echo?” and “Stars and Dandelions.” Her strength as a narrator has been highly regarded—one radio special she appeared in won the Runner-Up Grand Prize at the Japan Broadcasting Culture Awards, among other honors.
In February 2025, she was appointed a “Misuzu Kaneko Ambassador.” There’s even a unique anecdote about miso that is aged while listening to Chihiro’s songs.
Bands and singers from Yamaguchi Prefecture | A comprehensive introduction from super-popular artists to rising newcomers (21–30)
Me, DreamingNishimura Tomomi
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.