Original Singers of LJ's Repertoire

 Often referred to as "The Queen of Enka," she is considered one of the greatest and most influential artists in the history of Japanese popular music. Misora began her singing career at a very young age, and her versatile vocal range allowed her to excel in various genres, including enka, pop, and jazz.  Tragically, she passed away on June 24, 1989, but her legacy endures through her timeless music and contributions to Japanese entertainment, making her an iconic figure in the country's cultural history.

LJ's pick:  Jinsei Ichiro 

 A renowned Japanese singer and songwriter. Born on September 3, 1946, in Nagasaki, Japan, he rose to prominence in the 1970s with his unique blend of enka, folk, and rock music.. Over the years he has maintained a successful career, leaving an indelible mark on Japanese popular music with his powerful and soulful interpretations of songs that resonate with listeners across generations. His name is a play on words with "Yoshi, Ikuzo!" meaning something like "Ok!  Let's Go!!" in English

LJ's pick:  "Ora Tokyo Sa Iguda!"

Born on August 14, 1948, in Osaka, Japan, Mitsuko became a prominent figure in the enka genre. "Kawachi Otoko Bushi" is one of her most famous songs, showcasing her powerful and emotive vocals. Her expressive singing style and the cultural richness embedded in her music contributed to her popularity. Mitsuko Nakamura's contributions to enka have left a lasting impact, and she remains appreciated for her role in preserving and evolving this distinctive genre within the Japanese musical landscape.

LJ's pick:  "Kawachi Otokobushi" 

  His notable contribution to the music industry includes the famous song 'Kitaguni no Haru' ('North Country Spring'), released in 1977, which became his greatest hit. This song garnered significant acclaim, winning the "Long Seller Award" at the 21st Japan Record Awards and selling three million copies. Renowned artists like Aki Yashiro, Teresa Teng, and Misora Hibari have covered this iconic track. Masao Sen strategically emphasized his humble rural origins to shape his public image. In his personal life, he married American jazz singer Joan Shepard in 1972.

LJ's pick: "Kitaguni No Haru"

Born on January 1, 1943, Ozaki was a highly regarded Japanese singer and actor, recognized for his dynamic vocal prowess and distinctive sideburns. Affectionately nicknamed "Kieyo," Ozaki's roots trace back to Chigasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture, with an intriguing British lineage through his grandfather.

In 1971, Ozaki achieved significant success with the release of his greatest hit, 'Mata Au Hi Made' ('Until the Day We Meet Again'). This iconic song not only sold over a million copies but also earned prestigious accolades, including the Japan Record Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards and the Japan Music Award. 

LJ's pick:  "Mata Au Hi Made"

In 1967, Sasaki joined Hori Production as a songwriter in the college folk genre and, in the same year, made his debut as a singer-songwriter with the song "Anata no Subete wo." In 1973, he became a music producer at Tokyo Music Publishing, contributing to a diverse range of genres, from idol-pop songs like "Natsu no Ojousan" (Ikue Sakakibara) to mood songs like "Wakaretemo Sukina Hito" and "3-nenme no Uwaki," and even anime songs like the theme song for "Magical Princess Minky Momo."

Tragically, on March 11, 1985, Tasuku Sasaki passed away at the age of 46 due to acute liver failure. His legacy lives on through the impactful and varied musical contributions he made throughout his career.

LJ's pick;  "Anato No Subete Wo"

 Known for her powerful and emotive vocals, Sakamoto has been a prominent figure in the Japanese music industry since the late 1980s. She gained widespread recognition for her hit song "Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru" released in 1988, which marked the beginning of her successful career. Sakamoto has consistently delivered chart-topping singles and albums, earning her numerous awards, including the prestigious Japan Record Award. With a repertoire that spans traditional enka to contemporary pop, she has showcased her versatility as an artist. Fuyumi Sakamoto remains a beloved and influential figure in Japanese music, admired for her distinctive voice and ability to convey deep emotions through her performances. 

LJ's pick:  "Fuyumi No Soran Bushi" 

Debuting with "Kokoro no Kori" on April 1, 1975, with lyrics by Reki Nakamichi and music by Yasushi Nakamura, he established himself as a singer with a powerful voice, enriched by his expansive lung capacity honed through folk songs. His debut single, "Kokoro no Kori," received widespread acclaim, earning him accolades such as the Broadcast Music Newcomer Award at the 6th Japan Kayo Grand Prix and the Best Newcomer Award at the 17th Japan Record Awards. Achieving the remarkable feat of ranking within the top 10 simultaneously, the song sold 800,000 copies, becoming a massive hit.

LJ's Pick:  "Tsugaru Yama Uta"

 Debuting in 1984, Mika Shinno is a Japanese singer renowned for her versatile talents. She made history by becoming the first Japanese singer to debut in Korea, inspired by the Seoul Olympics. In 1987 and 2003, she was honored with invitations to perform at the prestigious NHK Kouhaku Utagassen. Apart from her musical achievements, Shinno is a practitioner of Shorinji Kenpo, holds a second-degree black belt in Japanese calligraphy, and has demonstrated proficiency in the Korean language, holding a third-degree certification. A master of Japanese dance, she showcases a multifaceted skill set. Notably, her single "Yatsurano ashioto Ballad" served as the ending song for the TV show "Hajime Ninngen Gyaatoruzu." 

LJ's pick:  "Southern Bale Piling Song Shamisen" 

 Ichimaru (市丸), born Goto Matsue (後藤まつゑ) in 1906 in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, was a celebrated geisha and singer during Japan's Showa period. Commencing her journey as a trainee geisha at Asama onsen in Matsumoto at the age of 16, she later honed her geisha artistry, including songs and dances, in Asakusa, Tokyo. In 1926, she was given the name Edokouta Ichimaru (江戸小歌市丸) by Nakamura-ya.  Her early recognition marked the beginning of a career that would leave an indelible mark on Japanese entertainment during that era. 

LJ's pick:  "Shamisen Boogie Woogie" 

 Hideo Murata (村田英雄, Murata Hideo, January 17, 1929 – June 13, 2002) was a prominent Japanese rōkyoku and enka singer who left an indelible mark on the music scene.   Achieving immense success, his 1961 single "Ōshō" sold over one million copies. Murata participated in the prestigious Kōhaku Uta Gassen 27 times, showcasing his enduring popularity. Alongside Hachiro Kasuga and Michiya Mihashi, he became a celebrated enka artist, often viewed in friendly rivalry with Haruo Minami. His contributions to the genre remain influential, and he is remembered as a legendary figure in Japanese music. Hideo Murata passed away on June 13, 2002. 

LJ's pick:  "Muhou Matsu No Isshou" 

 
Kyū Sakamoto (坂本 九, Sakamoto Kyū, born Hisashi Oshima on December 10, 1941 – August 12, 1985) was a highly influential Japanese singer and actor. He gained international fame with his 1963 hit single "Ue o Muite Arukou" (known as "Sukiyaki" in the English-speaking world), which became a chart-topping success not only in Japan but also in the United States. Born in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Sakamoto began his career as a member of the pop group The Drifters in the late 1950s. His solo career took off in the early 1960s, and "Sukiyaki" remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. Beyond his musical achievements, Sakamoto was also a popular actor in Japan, appearing in numerous films and television dramas. 

LJ's pick:  "Sukiyaki" 

 Mariko Takahashi (高橋 真梨子, Takahashi Mariko, born March 6, 1949, in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan) is a highly regarded Japanese female singer known for her emotive ballad pop songs. Her musical journey began in 1973 with cover songs, but she swiftly transitioned to composing her own works. In addition to her vocal prowess, Takahashi is a multi-talented musician proficient in playing the piano and saxophone. One of her notable achievements includes the release of the cover album "No Reason: Otoko Gokoro" on May 20, 2009, featuring renditions of songs by Japanese male singers. The album, which includes her covers of Kyu Sakamoto's "Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o" and Yūzō Kayama's "Kimi to Itsumademo," debuted impressively at No. 7 on the Japanese Oricon album charts.  

LJ's pick:  Theme from "City in the Shadow of the Sun"

Akiko Yano (矢野 顕子, Yano Akiko) is a highly influential Japanese singer, songwriter, and pianist, born on February 13, 1955, in Tokyo, Japan. Known for her eclectic and innovative musical style, Yano has made significant contributions to the Japanese music scene since the 1970s. She began her career as a jazz-influenced pop artist, releasing her debut album "Japanese Girl" in 1976. Yano's versatility extends beyond pop, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, classical, and traditional Japanese music into her work.

In addition to her solo career, Akiko Yano has collaborated with various artists, both in Japan and internationally. She gained recognition for her collaborations with musicians like Ryuichi Sakamoto and Yellow Magic Orchestra. Yano has a distinctive voice and a unique approach to songwriting, often exploring themes related to modern life and urban experiences.

Her discography is extensive, featuring numerous albums that showcase her musical evolution over the decades. Notable works include "Tadaima" (1981), "Ai Ga Nakucha Ne" (1982), and "Gohan ga Dekitayo" (2007).

LJ's pick:  "Chisai Aki Mitsuketa"

 Taeko Ohnuki (大貫 妙子, Ōnuki Taeko) is a highly esteemed Japanese singer and songwriter, born on November 28, 1953, in Suginami, Tokyo, Japan. Emerging in the 1970s, Ohnuki has made a significant impact on the Japanese music scene with her unique voice and sophisticated musical style. She is known for blending various genres, including pop, jazz, and electronic music, creating a distinctive and avant-garde sound.

Ohnuki's debut album, "Grey Skies" (1976), showcased her eclectic approach to music and marked the beginning of a successful career. She continued to explore new musical territories with subsequent releases, such as "Sunshower" (1977) and "Mignonne" (1978), earning critical acclaim for her experimental and genre-defying work.

Throughout her career, Taeko Ohnuki collaborated with prominent musicians, including Haruomi Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Her unique style and ability to seamlessly fuse different musical elements have garnered her a dedicated fan base. Notable songs from her discography include "4:00 AM" and "Summer Connection."

LJ's pick: "4am"

 Shinji Tanimura (谷村新司, Tanimura Shinji) is a renowned Japanese singer-songwriter, born on December 11, 1948, in Koriyama, Fukushima, Japan. With a prolific career spanning several decades, Tanimura has left an indelible mark on the Japanese music scene. He initially gained recognition in the early 1970s as part of the folk music movement.

Tanimura's emotive and poetic songwriting, coupled with his soulful voice, contributed to the success of his early albums, such as "Subete no Hito no Kokoro ni Hana o" (Flowers in the Hearts of All People) released in 1973. One of his most famous songs, "Sabishikute Nemurenai Yoru wa" (Lonely Sleepless Nights), further solidified his status as a prominent singer-songwriter.

Throughout his career, Shinji Tanimura has explored various musical genres, including pop, rock, and classical. His versatility is evident in both his solo work and collaborations with other artists. In addition to his singing career, Tanimura is recognized for his humanitarian efforts and contributions to charitable causes.

LJ's pick:  "Subaru"

 Saburo Kitajima (北島 三郎, Kitajima Saburō) is a highly respected Japanese enka singer and actor, born on August 10, 1936, in Chūō, Tokyo, Japan. With a career spanning over six decades, Kitajima has become an iconic figure in the world of enka, a genre of traditional Japanese music known for its emotive and narrative style.

Beginning his career in the late 1950s, Saburo Kitajima gained popularity for his powerful and soulful singing style, often drawing on themes of love, nostalgia, and the Japanese countryside. His breakthrough came with the 1962 hit song "Matsuri," which showcased his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.

Kitajima's extensive discography includes numerous chart-topping singles and albums, contributing to the enduring popularity of enka. Some of his well-known songs include "Yoake no Blues" (Dawn Blues) and "Zundoko-Bushi." His performances are characterized by a strong stage presence and heartfelt delivery, earning him the nickname "Enka no Kami-sama" (God of Enka).

LJ's pick:  "Journeys Through Wind and Snow"

 Yuriko Futaba (二葉百合子, Futaba Yuriko), born on May 19, 1942, in Tokyo, Japan, is a Japanese singer known for her contributions to the enka genre. She rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, establishing herself as a notable figure in the enka music scene.

Futaba's career is marked by her sweet and melodic voice, which she skillfully employs to convey the emotional depth characteristic of enka songs. Enka, a genre often associated with themes of love, heartbreak, and nostalgia, found a compelling interpreter in Futaba.

Her notable songs include "Onna no Ryōri-ki" (A Woman's Cooking Skill) and "Miren." Futaba's ability to connect with audiences through her heartfelt performances contributed to her popularity during the peak of her career.

 Her enduring legacy reflects the timeless appeal of enka and its ability to evoke profound emotions through the artistry of singers like Yuriko Futaba.

LJ's pick:  "Futaba's Concert Intro"