A female artist from Fukuoka Prefecture

your bloodThe Fearless

Your Blood / The Fearless

Formed in 2013.

They call themselves a “high-society pop rock” band.

It’s a three-piece with a female vocalist that writes and performs songs across various genres.

They’re also a popular local act—successful enough to headline their own shows—and are expected to keep making waves going forward.

ghostmonokuro panda

Monochrome Panda “Ghost”

A four-piece band exuding a cultish vibe and a uniquely immersive world.

Both their live performances and CD sales seem to be going well, and they’re currently based in Tokyo.

Of course, they continue to perform regularly in their hometown as well.

They’re a band whose future activities I’m really looking forward to.

Maybe it’s love.Hakata Fōku Dōkōkai

Hakata Folk Club 'Koi Kana' Music Video

They’re a noteworthy band formed in 2017.

As a folk club offshoot, they deliver a cute, girl-friendly sound.

It’s very refreshing—surely many people like them.

I’m looking forward to seeing them steadily evolve.

balloonizumi makura

Makura Izumi “balloon” (Official Music Video)

Izumi Makura, a hip-hop MC based in Fukuoka Prefecture, is a rapper known for her whispery, husky voice.

She began her music career in 2011 and debuted in 2012 on the label Jetsnoah (Subenoana).

While rooted in hip-hop, she has built a unique world that incorporates elements of pop and electronica.

Her music has drawn strong media attention, appearing as insert songs on the TV show Terrace House and in Shiseido web videos; she also won Gold and Bronze at the 2016 ACC CM Festival.

Her artwork is created by Tomoko Oshima, whose melancholic girl illustrations visually express Makura’s delicate musical sensibility.

Portraying everyday scenes and emotions from a young woman’s perspective through her distinctive timbre and lyrics, Izumi Makura’s music is perfect for those who want to spend a calm, quiet time.

Raspberry PiNakanomori Ayako

[MV] Nakanomori BAND / Raspberry Pie (full ver.)

Ayako Nakanomori, a singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture who drew intense attention, stunned the music industry by winning the Grand Prix at the 2000 Starlight Audition.

With Nakanomori BAND, formed in 2004, she delivered a pop-rock sound infused with Western influences and a powerful husky voice, securing numerous tie-ins with TV dramas and commercials and quickly rising to mainstream popularity.

She won the New Artist Award at the 47th Japan Record Awards in 2005 and the Gold Award at the 48th Japan Record Awards in 2006.

The band also released the album “OH MY DARLIN’ – Girls having Fun –,” cementing their status as a formidable all-female band.

Although the group disbanded in 2008 to much regret, Nakanomori has continued as a solo artist, consistently releasing songs themed around love and courage, marked by down-to-earth lyrics and an expressive vocal presence.

Lover’s Shangri-LaTHE INCOS

THE INCOS “Koi no Tōgenkyō” Music Video #theincos #KoiNoTōgenkyō

Formed in 2014, this three-piece band is still actively performing.

They’re currently making waves with live shows centered around their hometown and CD sales.

While not hard-edged, they specialize in medium-tempo numbers with an ennui vibe.

Their musical range seems broad, so there’s plenty to look forward to from them.

The three heroesWINDMILL

WINDMILL “The Three Heroes and”

Refreshing, unadorned, and straight.

Nostalgic—so many words come to mind.

Windmill’s sound, born from a deep love for their hometown of Fukuoka, is wonderfully comfortable.

The vocals feel especially honest; while it isn’t exactly thrilling, it’s an easy-on-the-ears track.