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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?!”

Bands and singers from Yamaguchi Prefecture | From super-popular artists to notable newcomers—an all-in-one introduction (41–50)

shi-ne-maPikaso (Tsujihata Tetsuya)

Tetsuya Tsujihata, who handles vocals and guitar for the band Picasso, is from Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

After their song “Shi・Ne・Ma” was selected as the ending theme for the TV anime Maison Ikkoku and became a hit, they gained a wide range of fans, especially among anime enthusiasts.

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Festival NinjaNinja (Masaki Shinya)

Shinya Masaki, who was active as a member of the idol group Ninja, is from Waki, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

The group released Omatsuri Ninja as their debut single and won the Best New Artist Award at the 32nd Japan Record Awards.

After Ninja went on hiatus, Masaki has focused his activities on live performances and stage productions.

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Harbor Love SongTsuruta Rokurō

Rokuro Tsuruta, who was active as a singer, was from Oshima in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

He appeared five times on NHK’s Red and White Song Contest, and sang “Minato no Koiuta” in the 1st and 4th editions.

After retiring from singing, he taught singing at karaoke classes and culture centers.

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Sentimental CarnivalYoshimoto Miyoko

Miyoko Yoshimoto - Sentimental Carnival
Sentimental CarnivalYoshimoto Miyoko

Miyoko Yoshimoto, affectionately known by her nickname “Micchon,” is a singer and actress from Ube City in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

She auditioned in junior high school but did not pass; later she was scouted, trained, and made her debut in 1985 with “Shiroi Basket Shoes.” Her sultry, lustrous singing voice is wonderful.

Although she initially faced stiff competition from top idols like Minako Honda and Yoko Minamino and did not score major hits, she won the Newcomer Award in Theater at the 28th Golden Arrow Awards in 1990, after which she focused on acting and steadily increased her presence.

She has appeared in works such as “Umizaru” and “Pretty Proofreader,” so people in their 20s and 30s are likely familiar with her as well.

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To the center of the sunBivattchee(Tsutsumi Shinichi)

Shinichi Tsutsumi, from Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture, is the vocalist of the rock band Bivattchee (pronounced “Bivatché”).

The members met at a university in Hiroshima and formed the band in 1997, eventually making their major-label debut, but they disbanded in March 2009.

Many people may remember “Taiyo no Mannaka e,” which was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Eureka Seven.

His passionate, manly storytelling and performances move audiences deeply.

He is currently the executive producer of the music production company Bon Voyage Studio and is active in a wide range of fields, including as a voice coach and actor.

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In conclusion

You might not often hear people introduce themselves as being from Yamaguchi Prefecture, but chances are some artists you know well or bands you’ve been following were on that list.

Keep an eye on artists coming out of Yamaguchi—you won’t want to miss what’s next!