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[2026] A roundup of artists, singers, and bands from Hyogo Prefecture

Who comes to mind when you think of artists from Hyogo Prefecture?

These days, many people might think of Aimyon, who’s from Nishinomiya.

Kobe is also a city that attracts many people, so there are plenty of rock bands either from Kobe or based there.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of bands, singers, and musicians from Hyogo Prefecture all at once!

You might even discover for the first time, after reading this article, “I didn’t know this person was from Hyogo!!”

We’ve picked broadly across genres and eras, so please take your time and enjoy.

[2026] Summary of Artists, Singers, and Bands from Hyogo Prefecture (71–80)

ET-KING

itokin

ET-KING – To My Beloved
itokin

Itokin, a member of the J-POP group ET-KING, was from Sanda City in Hyogo Prefecture.

His nickname “Itokin” came from his resemblance to Shigeru Ito, a character in the manga Boku to Issho (Me and the Devil Blues).

He sadly passed away in 2018 due to illness at the young age of 38.

hometownnikoichi

Nikoichi, formed in 2007, is a duo of vocalist Fuyuki Isashi, a former baseball club member, and guitarist/vocalist Hiroshi Matsuda.

They teamed up and began street performances in Sannomiya, eventually making their major debut in 2015.

They also produce songs for events and for the city of Kobe, sharing the charms of Hyogo Prefecture nationwide in an acoustic style.

Their gently resonant melodies are truly wonderful, aren’t they?

non

Non – I Am Baby [Official Music Video]
non

Non, formerly known as Rena Nōnen, who starred in the drama “Amachan” and became a hugely popular actress, is from Kamikawa Town in Kanzaki District, Hyogo Prefecture.

The song in the video is included on her first album, “Super Heroes,” released in 2018.

Since music was originally her hobby, her sense really shines through.

Not enough abnormality.Arukara

Alcala was formed in Kobe in 2002.

They call themselves “the eccentric masters of the rock scene,” with guitar sounds flying freely all over the place—truly danceable! Their musical style might be somewhat close to bands like KEYTALK and THE ORAL CIGARETTES.

The vocalist, Inamura, shows a multifaceted side by also playing the violin.

They’ve been based in Tokyo since 2010, but since 2013 they’ve been energizing their hometown of Kobe by hosting the live circuit event “Neko Fes.” If you like danceable rock, be sure to check them out!

An Ruisu

Ann Lewis, a songstress born in Kobe and one of Japan’s most iconic singers.

She debuted in 1971 with “Shiroi Shūmatsu” (White Weekend), and in 1974 scored a massive hit with “Good Bye My Love.” She went on to release numerous hits, including “La Saison” and “Roppongi Shinju.” With an American father and a Japanese mother, she is praised for breaking down the barriers between rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese pop of the era).

She calls her own style “Kayo-Rock,” characterized by pop, melodious vocals and hard-edged guitar sounds.

In 2005, she released the self-cover album “REBIRTH,” marking a return to music activities.

Highly recommended for those who want to be captivated by her powerful voice and singular artistic world.

Kida Tarō

Professor Taro Kida — The Great Proposal Strategy
Kida Tarō

The composer known as the “Mozart of Naniwa,” Taro Kida, was born in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture.

He created numerous commercial jingles that many Japanese would instantly recognize.

There are so many that will make you think, “Wait, he wrote this one too?” There are too many to list here, so please look them up yourself.

The bandKyūso Nekokami

Kyuso Nekokami – “The band” MUSIC VIDEO (YouTube ver.)
The bandKyūso Nekokami

Kyuso Nekokami is known for their catchy sound.

The guitarist, Kazuma Okazawa, is from Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo Prefecture.

The band itself was formed at Kwansei Gakuin University in Nishinomiya.

The song in the video is included on “Koete Ike/The band,” released in 2018 as their fifth single.

They sing in straightforward words about the way they want their music to be.