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 | From Superstars to Rising Newcomers, Introduced All at Once (31–40)
metropolisMusshu Yoshizaki (Kurisutaru Kingu)
The singer known for the hit “Daitokai,” who sometimes appears on TV under the name Crystal King.
His name is Monsieur Yoshizaki, and although Crystal King was originally a band, after repeated member changes and departures, Crystal King has effectively become his solo project.
Monsieur Yoshizaki is from Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and while those who only know his recent look may be surprised, his trademark used to be a punch perm.
Teenage dreamUtsumoto Naoki (moto DEEN)
When people think of DEEN, many may picture it as a duo consisting of vocalist Shuichi Ikemori and keyboardist Koji Yamane, but there were also periods when a guitarist and a drummer were official members depending on the time.
Notably, Naoki Uzumoto, who served as the second drummer and was a member from 1994 to 1999, was also active in songwriting, composing pieces such as Yume de Aru you ni, the theme song for the PlayStation game Tales of Destiny.
Oathjealkb(haderu)
Atsushi Tamura, who performs as part of the comedy duo London Boots No.1 No.2, is from Hikoshima in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
He is also the vocalist for the visual kei rock band jealkb under the name haderu.
They made their major-label debut with their first single, “Chikai” (Oath).
O skyJinnai Taizo
Taizo Jinnouchi, a singer-songwriter, is from Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Born into a pastor’s family, Jinnouchi himself is also a Protestant Christian.
He became familiar with music from a young age through the piano in the chapel, and in high school he formed a band called Nocturne.
Since his debut in 1988, a cover of Hong Kong’s “First Snow” became a turning point, leading to his own songs being loved across Southeast Asia.
He has a wide range of hobbies; one of them is watercolor painting, and he has even designed his own CD covers.
He also makes soba noodles and is a Hanshin Tigers fan.
This multifaceted style is reflected in his work as well, including producing—such as writing songs for others—and serving as a radio DJ.
In the shade of a horse chestnut treeMatsushima Utako
Utako Matsushima, who was active as a singer, was from Hizumi Village in Kuga District, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is now part of Yanai City.
She received the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Rosette, in 1978, and was named an Honorary Citizen of Yanai City in 1991.
In 1937, her self-accompanied song “In the Shade of the Marronnier” became a hit.
Bands and singers from Yamaguchi Prefecture | From super-popular artists to notable newcomers—an all-in-one introduction (41–50)
HighwayYamakatsu
Launched in 2010 as the local Yamaguchi idol group Yamaguchi Kasseikai, the project officially started in 2011 under the name Yamaguchi Kassei Gakuen.
In 2017, they were renamed Yamakatsu.
In addition to releasing albums and touring, they have appeared at major idol events such as Idol Koshien and the U.M.U AWARD, and have hosted events inviting regional idols from western Japan, continuing activities that go beyond the bounds of a local idol group.
VanillaSantara (Tamura Kyouko)
Kyoko Tamura, who handles vocals and harp in the two-person unit Santara, is from Iwakuni City in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
They made their major-label debut with the single “Vanilla.” “Vanilla” was selected for power play at 10 FM stations and reached No.
90 on the Oricon chart.