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More than you might expect!? A roundup of second-generation singers and musicians who inherited shining talent

When you watch TV, you often see second-generation celebrities—people with famous parents—getting a lot of attention, right?

Having grown up with celebrity parents from a young age, many of them are thriving by making the most of the talent they’ve inherited.

There are actually quite a lot of these second-generation stars in the music industry, too!

Some have singers or musicians as parents, of course, but there are also second-generation musicians whose parents are actors or actresses.

In this article, we’ll be introducing a range of second-generation singers and musicians who have celebrity parents.

Enjoy their talent-filled performances, honed since childhood.

Surprisingly many!? A roundup of second-generation singers and musicians who have inherited shining talent (41–50)

Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki

Masakazu Sakai, well known as an MC on variety shows, used to be a member of the Group Sounds band The Spiders.

His father is Shunji Sakai, a comic actor.

After The Spiders disbanded, his solo release “Saraba Koibito” (Farewell, My Lover) became a huge hit.

This is my love… my love.Kawasaki Mayo

Mayo Kawasaki: This Is My Love... My Love
This is my love... my love.Kawasaki Mayo

Masayo Kawasaki, the son of actor Jo Azumi, debuted as an idol and was active as a member of the Sundays on “Let’s Go Young.” He later thrived as a stage actor, and after marrying Kaya, the two frequently appeared together on variety shows.

Nancy of Summer ColorsHayami Yū

Yu Hayami is the daughter of jazz singer Ryo Inoue.

She has been active as a singer and TV personality.

In the 1980s, she became hugely popular as a healthy, sun-kissed idol.

Her song “Natsuiro no Nancy” is a classic that has since been covered by many artists.

Happy☆BoogieShuri

“Happy☆Boogie” (Yoshie Nakano, Yu Sakai, Shuri) Lyric Video
Happy☆BoogieShuri

Born into an entertainment family, Shuri’s father is actor Yutaka Mizutani and her mother is actress Ran Ito.

She made her acting debut in 2011, and her performance in the film “Just Only Love” earned her the Best Leading Actress Award at the 33rd Takasaki Film Festival and the Newcomer of the Year Award at the 42nd Japan Academy Film Prize.

In 2023, she drew attention by showcasing her singing voice in the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Boogie Woogie.” Shuri’s natural yet powerful vocals are sure to resonate with music lovers.

Song of LoveHenmi Emiri

Ai no Uta / Emiri Henmi — “Song of Love” / Emiri Henmi
Song of LoveHenmi Emiri

The daughter of Teruhiko Saigō and Mari Henmi—this is Emiri Henmi’s “Ai no Uta” (Song of Love).

I wonder if it’s not widely known that Emiri Henmi was active as a musical artist.

It’s a ballad with a very lovely and memorable singing voice, and I can deeply relate to the lyrics.

Romantic RoadAota Hiroko

Hiroko Aota – Romantic Kaido (Romantic Street) 1984/09/20
Romantic RoadAota Hiroko

Noboru Aota’s daughter, Hiroko Aota, made her debut as the heroine when the 1980s hit shōjo manga “Tsuki no Yoru Hoshi no Asa” was adapted into a film.

She also performed the theme song and launched her career as a singer.

The film’s cute image made her popular.

We’ll be fineRen

ReN – We’ll be fine / THE FIRST TAKE
We'll be fineRen

ReN is a singer-songwriter from Tokyo and the son of Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi.

He has even shared the bill through his friendship with Taka from ONE OK ROCK.

On stage, he performs solo with just a guitar, crafting a refined sound using a loop station.

He drew attention in 2019 for a live appearance on the morning show “Sukkiri.” His restrained yet emotional vocals convey a strong sense of message.

Also, keep an eye on his adorable cover art.