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

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

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 (21–30)

This wonderful worldQwai

QWAI / This Wonderful World

This wonderful worldQwai

Qwai is a four-piece rock band formed in 2006.

They made their major debut in 2010.

All four members—Ryoichi Okubo, Tetsuya Amemiya, Yuta Inoue, and Toshiyuki Nagata—are from Kofu City.

“Subarashii Kono Sekai” is a song included on a limited single released in 2016.

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Orionabaranchi

Sequel (ex. AVALANCHE) – Orion [MV]

Orionabaranchi

Avalanche is a rock band from Yamanashi Prefecture.

The members are four: vocalist Yohei Chino, guitarist Shuto Masuyama, bassist Yuki Suzuki, and drummer Tetsuya Aoki.

In October 2014, they moved their base of operations from Yamanashi to Tokyo and have been active since.

In November 2018, they released their full album Higanbana to Okitegami (Red Spider Lily and a Letter Left Behind) as their first nationwide distribution.

The song Orion is a track released in 2020 as a venue-limited single—a delicate and beautiful ballad that depicts looking up at the night sky while thinking of someone dear.

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Under the big onionSanpuraza Nakano-kun

2015/5/24 Under the Big Onion / Sunplaza Nakano-kun (Bakufu Slump) @ Laos Festival (Yoyogi Park)

Under the big onionSanpuraza Nakano-kun

“Sunplaza Nakano-kun” is a singer from Kofu City and the vocalist of the rock band Bakufu Slump, which debuted in 1984.

Since Bakufu Slump went on hiatus in 1999, he has been active as a solo artist.

“Okinawa Tamanegi no Shita de” (Under the Big Onion) is a song by Bakufu Slump released in 1989, but it is also included on Sunplaza Nakano-kun’s solo album.

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Self-portrait of an invisible manFuji no an

Self-portrait of an Invisible Man in a solo acoustic performance

Self-portrait of an invisible manFuji no an

A singer from Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, affiliated with azu-pro.

Because of their mechanical voice, they are referred to as a human vocaloid.

“Self-Portrait of an Invisible Man” is Fuji no An’s second single, released in 2016.

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King of SolitudeSagano Yuuki

A singer-songwriter from Yamanashi Prefecture who began musical activities in 2005.

They also create music for commercials and background music, and are active as a radio personality on FM Yatsugatake.

“Kodoku no Ōsama” (The Lonely King) is the debut single by Yuuki Sagano, released in 2015.

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Letter Without an AddresseeOno Meguri

Ono Junshu, 'A Letter to No One'

Letter Without an AddresseeOno Meguri

Meguru Ono was a singer from Kofu City who debuted with Victor Records in 1935.

He was a former police officer who became a singer and also served in the military.

He mainly performed wartime songs.

The single Atanaki Tegami (Letter Without an Addressee) was released by Meguru Ono in 1942.

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Seeds of “Like”Sabata Aika

[MV] “Suki” no Tane Short ver. <SHOWROOM Selection> / AKB48 [Official]

Seeds of “Like”Sabata Aika

Ayaka Hidaritomo, an idol from Yamanashi Prefecture better known by her nickname “Hida Aya.” She was introduced in 2014 as a member of AKB48 Team 8 and is currently part of both Team 8 and Team K.

Her signature catchphrase, which plays on her unusual name “Hidaritomo,” is adorable: “Up? Down? Right? Left? Hmm, in the end it’s gotta be Hi-ddaritomo!” “Suki no Tane” is a track included on Type E of AKB48’s 53rd single “Sentimental Train,” released in 2018.

Ayaka Hidaritomo also participated as a selected member on this song.

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