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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] A compilation of artists, singers, and bands from Hyogo Prefecture (41–50)

Looking 4uNeibiss

Neibiss – Looking 4u (Official Music Video)
Looking 4uNeibiss

The duo Neibiss, born from Kobe’s hip-hop scene, has been drawing attention with their unique worldview since forming in 2018.

Comprised of beatmaker/DJ/rapper ratiff and rapper hyunis1000, they’re known for their genre-fluid sound.

They debuted in 2020 with the mini-album “HELLO NEIBISS,” and have released a number of buzzworthy projects, including “Space Cowboy,” a collaboration with tofubeats and Pasocom Music Club.

In 2024, they unveiled their long-awaited full-length album “Daydream Marker,” showcasing their musical evolution.

Their natural, everyday-meets-imaginary lyrics and songs that incorporate a wide range of sounds—electronica, pop, ambient, and more—are bringing a fresh breeze to today’s music scene.

Highly recommended for music fans seeking experimental soundscapes and effortless grooves.

I love TokyoHanami Zakura Kouki

[Kayōkyoku] Hanamizakura Kōki “I Love Tokyo” to be released on February 18
I love TokyoHanami Zakura Kouki

After making his mark as the vocalist of D=OUT, a visual kei band hailing from Hyogo Prefecture, Koki Hanamizakura ventured into the world of enka and kayokyoku.

He made his solo debut in 2021 and has been gaining attention for his unique musical style that skillfully fuses the seemingly opposite genres of visual kei and enka.

In 2022, together with Tsukasa Mogamigawa and Masatsugu Mira, he formed Saibi O-Zensen, the world’s first “2.5D” enka/kayokyoku group, bringing a fresh breeze to the enka scene with innovative staging and performances.

His shows, highlighted by bold makeup and costumes, appeal not only to traditional enka fans but also to younger listeners.

As a trailblazer expanding the possibilities of music, his ongoing pursuit of a new form of enka is perfect for music fans interested in the fusion of tradition and modernity.

Everybody Loves The SunshineKuroda Takuya

Takuya Kuroda, a jazz trumpeter from Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, is based in Brooklyn, New York, and performs internationally.

While rooted in jazz, his hallmark is an innovative sound that blends diverse genres such as soul, funk, and Afrobeat.

He made his solo debut in 2010 with the album “Bitter and High,” and in 2014 became the first Japanese artist to sign with Blue Note Records in the U.S.

He released the album “Rising Son,” which drew major attention in the jazz scene.

His album “Edge” also achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.

3 on the U.S.

radio charts.

Kuroda has been active in the media as well, composing the theme music for TV Asahi’s “Hodo Station.” He is highly recommended for listeners who are captivated by flexible, genre-crossing musicianship and an innovative approach.

A world without youto shiki

Toshiki “A World Without You” Official Music Video
A world without youto shiki

Toshiki is a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture who is active on social media and through street performances.

While rooted in J-pop, he stands out with a distinctive voice and vocal style, making him an artist to watch.

A song he posted on social media in 2022 resonated especially with teens, reaching No.

1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart and No.

2 on LINE MUSIC’s real-time ranking.

It also sparked a huge response on social platforms, with over 4,000 related videos created.

On June 22, 2024, he held his solo concert “YOAKE,” captivating many fans.

With lyrics that vividly portray everyday emotions and experiences and melodies that strike a chord, he’s a recommended artist for anyone who wants to feel the subtleties of love and youth.

HERE COMES ANGER FLARESANGER FLARES

ANGER FLARES MV “HERE COMES ANGER FLARES” (Official)
HERE COMES ANGER FLARESANGER FLARES

ANGER FLARES, an Oi!/Street Punk band representing the Kansai punk scene, was formed in Kobe in 1999.

Although they disbanded once in 2002, they restarted in 2013.

Their music is characterized by a straightforward, powerful sound and wild vocals.

In 2014, they released the album “REBELS WITH A CAUSE,” delivering a thrilling punk sound.

They have shared the stage with many renowned bands both in Japan and abroad, and in 2023 they joined the legendary UK Oi! punk band COCKNEY REJECTS for all dates of their tour.

They’re highly recommended not only for punk rock fans but also for anyone seeking energetic music.

Baby Leaf

Baby Leaf / I Wither. [Music Video]
Baby Leaf

They were a three-piece band active mainly around Kobe.

Unfortunately, they have disbanded.

The video features the lead track from the band’s first mini-album, “When I Wither, It’s When You’re Not Here.” The straightforward guitar rock sound and emotional vocals are enough to bring you to tears.

SUMMER PARADEDEPAPEPE

Guitar duo DEPAPEPE.

Yoshiyasu Tokuoka is from Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, and Takuya Miura is from Nada Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.

They met while working part-time at Chicken George, a long-standing live music venue in Kobe, and decided to form a duo.