The music artist known as Snorkel is most accurately identified as the Japanese rock band Snowkel, whose name is sometimes romanized as Snorkel or Shunokeru. This three-piece band from Fukuoka, Japan, was formed in January 2004. The core members are Nishimura Shinya, known as Nishi, on guitar and vocals; Kabamura Masami, known as Kaba, on bass; and Yamada Masato, known as Yama, on drums. All lyrics and compositions for the band's songs are written by vocalist Nishimura Shinya. The group signed with Sony Music Japan and made their major label debut in 2006 after building a local following with independent releases.

Snowkel is most notably connected to the anime industry through several theme song credits in the mid-2000s. The most direct example is their fourth single, solar wind, released on August 23, 2006. The title track was used as the second ending theme for the anime series Kiba, specifically for episodes 14 through 26 which aired from July to September 2006. This single, which peaked at number 69 on the Oricon charts, also included the B-sides Nyuudougumo and Dangan Runner. The song solar wind was later included on the band's second studio album, EQ, which was released on October 3, 2007.

Beyond their work for Kiba, the band has several other significant anime credits. Their second single, Namikaze Satellite, was used as the seventh opening theme song for the long-running series Naruto. Another single, Kiseki, served as the sixth ending theme for the anime Gintama. These credits established Snowkel as a contributor to the popular J-pop and J-rock soundtrack scene of the era.

The musical identity of Snowkel is rooted in Japanese guitar rock, blending the energy of J-rock with accessible pop melodies. Their style has been described as incorporating folk approaches and programmed elements, characterized by clear, high-register vocals and a refreshing, summery sound often referred to as a blue vocal quality. This sound was prominently featured in their debut major album SNOWKEL SNORKEL, released in April 2006, which included the singles Tabibito Beginner, Namikaze Satellite, and Ooki Na Mizutamari. Their second album, EQ, continued this style and included their most famous anime-related tracks, solar wind and Kiseki.

The band's industry significance comes from their consistent contributions to major anime franchises during a peak period of J-pop and anime integration. After a period of activity that included tours and festival appearances, Snowkel announced a hiatus in 2010. The band members reunited in 2014 and have since resumed musical activities, releasing new albums such as EYE in 2015, popcornlabyrinth in 2017, and NEW POP in 2018. Their legacy in the anime music world remains tied to the enduring popularity of the series they contributed to, with Namikaze Satellite being selected for the Naruto theme song compilation album NARUTO FINAL BEST by fan vote.