Artist Kingdom: Artists, Singers, and Idols from Fukuoka

I just can’t stopYamamoto Rinda

Can't Stop It for the Life of Me & Direct Hit

Linda Yamamoto, who played a central role in the idol scene of the 1960s–70s with her powerful vocals, is half Japanese with an American father.

Making the most of her looks, she began her career as a model for Soen magazine.

After debuting with the smash hit “Komacchauna,” she became an artist who defined the era.

She’s definitely one of the key figures in the world of Showa-era pop music.

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Hane Keisuke

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cowardAzusa Michiyo

Michiyo Azusa - Coward

She usually gives off the image of a tough, no-nonsense woman in her songs, but this one quietly mourns a goodbye.

She once said on stage that someone went out of their way to tell her on a plane, “I really like this song.” I think it’s a hidden gem.

I am crying.ririi

I Am Crying

When this song came out, I had the impression that Lily was an oddball.

That was just because I was a kid and didn’t really understand how good the song was.

What a stylish arrangement.

It’s not just a simple heartbreak song.

The way she sings, sparsely and solitary, brings me to tears.

Slide ‘n’ StepTachibana Keita (w-inds.)

[MV] KEITA / Slide ‘n’ Step (Full ver.) [Official]

He is a member of the dance-vocal unit w-inds.

He is also active as a composer, music producer, and actor.

In 2006, he debuted as a solo singer with the single “Michishirube” and made his first appearance on the TV Asahi music program Music Station.

In 2014, he expanded into Asia with the album SIDE BY SIDE, winning the Hong Kong Top Sales Music Awards 2013 Best Sales Release in the Japan-Korea category, and set a record as the youngest male solo artist to receive the award.

SachikoTanaka Osamu (Nikkunyūsā)

Sachiko – Nick Newsa

I think it’s enka, but maybe not, perhaps because of the title.

Listening closely, it’s also a kind of local song.

I believe it’s a song about a lonely man—a man who’s always heartbroken, unrequited in love, never rewarded.

It’s the kind of song you sing when you want to vent.

Save meNishiuchi Mariya

Mariya Nishiuchi / 4th single “Save me” MUSIC VIDEO

I mainly work as a fashion model, singer-songwriter, and TV personality.

In July 2007, I began my career as an exclusive model for the preteen fashion magazine Nicola.

In 2014, I debuted as a singer with LOVE EVOLUTION, winning the New Artist Award and the Best New Artist Award at the 56th Japan Record Awards, as well as the New Artist Award at the 47th Japan Cable Radio Awards.

The flowers were late.Kitayama Takeshi

Backstreet in the Rain — Takeshi Kitayama — Cover by misaki888

I’d wondered whether this song would suit an enka singer, but I enjoyed it—the performance had power yet a clear, unaffected delivery.

The spoken lines are a highlight, and they delivered them without any awkwardness; that’s true professional spirit and vocal skill.

I was drawn in.

They really can sing anything.