RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

Artists from Yamanashi Prefecture: A roundup of talented bands and singers

Spotlight on Bands and Artists from Yamanashi!Yamanashi is a region that has produced many beloved artists across generations, including Toshihiko Tahara, Shinichi Mori, and Remioromen.In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of artists from Yamanashi—from well-known bands and singers to locally rooted singer-songwriters, and even groups whose popularity is rapidly rising.Along with their profiles, we also highlight their signature songs, so take this opportunity to give them a listen!

[Artists from Yamanashi Prefecture] A comprehensive introduction to talented bands and singers (1–10)

The Door of SmilesMiura Tomokazu

Tomokazu Miura Photo MV (Door of Smiles)
The Door of SmilesMiura Tomokazu

He is an actor from Kōshū City who debuted in 1972.

He was popular as a handsome leading man, and his marriage to idol singer Momoe Yamaguchi drew attention as a beautiful couple’s union.

“Hohoemi no Tobira” (Door of Smiles) is a single released by Tomokazu Miura in 1978.

I have to live on tomorrow too.OUTLAW

[PV] 'I Must Live On Tomorrow As Well' OUTLAW
I have to live on tomorrow too.OUTLAW

They are a three-member rock band formed in 1996.

They made their major debut in 2004.

All three members—Susumu Yamaguchi, Ryuji Ishikawa, and Yukihiro Fujiwara—are from Minami-Alps City.

“Ashita mo Ikaneba” is OUTLAW’s second single, released in 2004.

To tell you the truth,kayayu- (yangusukinii)

Young Skinny – Actually, You Know, [Official Music Video]
To tell you the truth,kayayu- (yangusukinii)

Kayayu, the vocalist and guitarist of the rock band Young Skinny formed in August 2020, hails from Fujiyoshida City in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The band made its major-label debut in 2023 and quickly gained popularity, especially on social media.

Their talent has been highly praised, including being the only band selected for Spotify’s ‘RADAR: Early Noise 2023’ program.

Embracing “mental rock,” they captivate listeners with straightforward lyrics and sounds that capture the lies and contradictions of everyday life.

From up-tempo tracks to tear-jerking ballads, their wide range of musical moods is another reason they’ve garnered strong support, particularly among younger audiences.

[Artists from Yamanashi Prefecture] A roundup introduction to talented bands and singers (11–20)

Blueberry Nightshattori (makaroni enpitsu)

Hattori, who handles vocals and songwriting/composition for the rock band Macaroni Empitsu—wildly popular especially among young people—is an artist who grew up in Chuo City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

All the members graduated from music universities, and their sound blends pop sensibilities rooted in theory with rock in a way that feels so satisfying! After making their major debut in November 2020 with the EP “You Can’t Use Magic Without Knowing Love,” their songs were successively featured as theme tunes for TV dramas and commercials.

The following year, they won the Best New Artist Award at the 63rd Japan Record Awards.

They’re the perfect artist for anyone searching for words and melodies that truly hit home!

Wave feat. C.O.S.A.Dangaryu

Dengaryu – Wave feat. C.O.S.A. (Music Video)
Wave feat. C.O.S.A.Dangaryu

Dengaryu is a rapper from Ichinomiya, Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

His real name is Takashi Tamura.

In 2004, he formed the rap group stillichimiya with childhood friends from his hometown.

In 2014, they released the 10th-anniversary album “What Happens When You Die.” The track “Zundoko-bushi,” which blends rap with the traditional Zundoko-bushi rhythm, is the kind of song that gets stuck in your head after just one listen.

“Wave feat.

C.O.S.A.” is a track released under Dengaryu’s name in January 2020.

Dengaryu’s hobby is fishing, and he also shares fishing videos.

If this is the abyss, then you are an angel.Kira Tomohiko

ZABADAK · If this is the abyss, then you are an angel PV
If this is the abyss, then you are an angel.Kira Tomohiko

Tomohiko Kira was a Japanese musician also known as a member of the rock unit ZABADAK, which debuted in 1986.

Although he grew up in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, he was originally from Yamanashi Prefecture.

He passed away in July 2016 at the young age of 56.

During his lifetime, in addition to his work with ZABADAK, he focused on composing under his own name.

He also wrote songs for children’s programs such as Inai Inai Baa! and Okaasan to Issho.

His wife, Kimiko Komine, joined ZABADAK as a member in 2011 and has been active as a lyricist.

A Song for Youerica

Erica is a female singer-songwriter from Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Her 2013 release, “A Song for You,” the theme song for MissColle 2014, became a huge hit as a ‘confession song’ and gained strong support from young women.

It reached No.

1 on the DAM★Uta Weekly Ranking.

In 2019, she released “A Song for You 2,” depicting the story five years later, which drew a lot of attention.

With straightforward love songs that resonate with young women as her strength, she continues to be very active today.