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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 roundup introduction to talented bands and singers (11–20)

Just because, you know.matsuri

Somehow, You Know / Matsuri (Official Music Video)
Just because, you know.matsuri

Matsuri is a singer-songwriter from Fuefuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

Active mainly on TikTok and YouTube, she’s an artist who enjoys strong popularity among younger audiences.

Her music is rooted in pop, featuring lyrics that candidly capture down-to-earth feelings about love, paired with a clear, transparent voice that gently seeps into the listener’s heart.

She began her full-fledged career in May 2020 with “Darling,” which drew significant attention, surpassing one million views within a few months of its release.

In addition to her social media presence, she is also active locally, appearing on programs by YBS Yamanashi Broadcasting.

If you’re looking for songs that will stay close to the hearts of those struggling with bittersweet love, she’s an artist you should definitely check out.

Cute Girlfriendsyudou

【Ka Fu】Cute Girlfriend【syudou】
Cute Girlfriendsyudou

Starting out as a Vocaloid producer on the internet, syudou has now become indispensable in the J-POP scene as well.

He’s actually from Yamanashi Prefecture.

His music is captivating for its lyrics that sharply cut into the essence of society and humanity, and for its unique melodies that stick in your head after just one listen.

He drew attention in 2018 with “Jama,” and went on to create popular tracks like “Bitter Choco Decoration” and “Call Boy.” “Usseewa,” which he provided to Ado, became a social phenomenon and rapidly raised his profile as a composer.

In January 2020, he reportedly left his company job to focus solely on music.

That resolve may be what gives his work such depth.

Spear and ShieldMakita Supōtsu

Makita Sports presents Fly or Die / Spear and Shield
Spear and ShieldMakita Supōtsu

Makita Sports, known both as a comedian and an actor, hails from Yamanashi City in Yamanashi Prefecture.

His true specialty is a style known as “Oto-Neta,” which fuses music and comedy.

His “songwriting-and-composition impersonations,” in which he sharply analyzes the structure of hit songs, are a unique feat that could only be expressed through his distinctive blend of intellectual humor and love of music.

In addition to performing with his band, Makita Gakkyu, he has showcased his versatility as an actor, winning the Best Newcomer Award at the 55th Blue Ribbon Awards for the 2012 film The Drudgery Train.

Since 2023, he has also based his activities in his hometown of Yamanashi, a testament to the depth of his local pride.

self-sufficient (in love) / someone who’s good at being aloneHanaya

Singer Kaya, born in Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture.

She began playing piano at age five and has perfect pitch, with music centered on J-POP.

Her voice is known as a “holy voice,” brimming with a mysterious charm that seems to purify the hearts of listeners.

In January 2022, she made her major-label debut with the single “The Prince on a White Horse and Rosy Me,” sound-produced by Satoshi Takebe.

Even before her debut, her exceptional vocal ability was well recognized, including winning TV Asahi’s “Music Champ” in 2019.

Snow Falling in OkinawaMiyazawa Kazufumi

Kazufumi Miyazawa - Snow Falling in Okinawa (Live)
Snow Falling in OkinawaMiyazawa Kazufumi

He is a singer-songwriter from Kofu City.

He is the vocalist of THE BOOM, but he also pursued solo activities.

He wrote and composed most of THE BOOM’s songs.

“Snow Falling in Okinawa” is a single released in 2001 under the solo name of Kazufumi Miyazawa.

HellolandLotta(MOS)

【MOS】Helloland official MV
HellolandLotta(MOS)

Lotta is a tenor saxophonist from Nirasaki City in Yamanashi Prefecture who performs on the world stage.

She belongs to MOS, a neo-concert band that has been active since 2017, whose “Bradan” performances—fusing music and dance—are truly breathtaking.

Some of you may have seen them reach the semifinals on the audition show America’s Got Talent in 2023.

Lotta’s powerful tenor sound and her signature red member color give her a presence that can be called the face of the group.

She’s also deeply connected to her hometown, planning triumphant return concerts under the title “Koshin-sai,” making her activities impossible to ignore.

[Artists from Yamanashi Prefecture] A roundup introduction to talented bands and singers (21–30)

MemorySTAY ON SOLID

STAY ON SOLID – “Memory” (Official Music Video)
MemorySTAY ON SOLID

STAY ON SOLID is a four-piece rock band whose members all have roots in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Since their 2017 reunion, they’ve been crafting song-centric rock with melodies that balance freshness and poignancy, paired with sincere lyrics that speak straight to the heart.

One of their signature tracks, “Memory,” surpassed 10,000 views within two weeks of its music video release, drawing significant attention.

In 2023, after passing an audition, they performed as the opening act for Mt.FUJIMAKI.

It’s also notable that all the members continue their music while working at a ryokan.