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 super-popular artists to rising newcomers (21–30)
canaryAnjī
Angie is a rock band formed in Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture, that gained a cult following in the Fukuoka music scene.
Their sound is highly distinctive, blending the impulses of punk and new wave with fairy tale–like lyrics.
They made their major-label debut in 1988, and many people may have discovered them through the independently produced album Nageki no Bambi.
Their theatrical performances—such as handing out fruit to the audience at shows—were also part of their appeal, and a memorable episode is the memorial concert they held in their hometown in 2000 for a member who had passed away.
Mogami River Love Songotowa shinobu
Shinobu Otowa, who brings color to the enka scene with her assured vocal ability and stage presence, hails from Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
After debuting while still in high school and undergoing two name changes, she made a third debut in 2001 under the name “Shinobu Otowa,” a testament to her resilience.
In her debut year, she won the New Artist Award at the 43rd Japan Record Awards.
She also received the Wired Music Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards in 2002 and 2005, underscoring her proven talent.
Under composer Hideo Mizumori’s guidance, her performance brims with theatrical storytelling and a smooth kobushi (ornamental vibrato) that resonates deeply with listeners.
Bands and Singers from Yamaguchi Prefecture | From Superstars to Rising Newcomers, Introduced All at Once (31–40)
DAY AFTER DAYBEAT CRUSADERS (Mashita)
Mashita is a native of Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture and the drummer of BEAT CRUSADERS, a band that stayed true to pure rock ’n’ roll.
He also served as the drummer for the former NATSUMEN, a hardcore free jazz band.
After BEAT CRUSADERS disbanded, he has worked as a freelance drummer supporting many artists, including Superfly, Ikimono-gakari, and Huwie Ishizaki, and is also active as a member of God bless you.
His frequently updated, down-to-earth tweets are a must-see!
Day by DayImai Asami
Asami Imai, who works as a voice actress and singer, is from Tokuyama in Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is now Shunan City.
She made her major debut with her first single, “Day by Day/Shining Blue Rain.” “Day by Day” was used as the ending theme for the Nintendo DS game Kemeko Deluxe! DS: Yome to Meka to Otoko to Onna.
Peter Pan syndromeSound Schedule(Oki Hiroshi)
Hiroshi Oki is from Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and is active as the bassist of the three-piece band Sound Schedule.
Although the band disbanded in 2006, after a reunion in 2011 that was initially planned to be temporary, he has continued activities as an annual project alongside his main career.
Together with bandmate Masayoshi Oishi—who became famous for producing numerous anime songs such as Kemono Friends—he also writes lyrics and composes music.
His stylish look, especially how well he suits a hat, is also memorable.
In 2019, the band celebrated its 20th anniversary, and it’s getting harder than ever to take your eyes off their future activities!
Gently, just like this.Hayashi Isao
Isao Hayashi, who was active as a singer and composer, was born in Oki Village, Asa District, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is now Shimonoseki City.
He is said to be Japan’s first singer-songwriter.
He received the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 1975 and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, in 1983.
He appeared a total of 11 times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, performing “Sotto Kono Mama” at the 8th and 9th editions.
SPIRALpool bit boys(KINJI)
KINJI, who performed as part of the two-member music unit pool bit boys, is from Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Pool bit boys was formed through a project on the variety show ASAYAN and debuted with their first single, SPIRAL.
The title track was also used as the ending theme for ASAYAN.