Who is your favorite female Japanese singer?
Utada Hikaru
Koda Kumi and AI
Hamasaki Ayumi, Amuro Namie and
BoA
The above 6 are either obvious or random selections. When it comes to Japanese music, there seems to be tons of new artists popping up every week. How does one stand out from the rest? It isn't necessarily always about talent or look (this is true in any country). The real question is who has the best marketing technique. Tell us your thoughts. Who's your fave? It doesn't have to be one of the ones we mention. Please tell us why you like them too!
Some basic information about the singer's pictured above:
Utada Hikaru:
Alias - Queen Utada. She seems to have much of the Japanese world in the palm of her hand. Her persona doesn't spit commercialism or ads, though she does a few. She is one of the seldom few who have a raw natural talent for singing, writing, producing and playing a multitude of instruments. She recently had a Japan-wide tour where she even sang a few of her English Songs from her recent U.S. cd release. Style is a variety, perhaps Pop, Rock and R&B.
Official Site: (English available)
Hikki Video
Koda Kumi:
Had a few misses. Became quite popular after being asked to sing the theme songs of Square Enix's Final Fantasy X-2 video game in 2003. Style is mainly R&B and Pop. Has a fierce rivalry with current new upcomer Otsuka Ai and has been referred to as the Japanese Christina Aguilera.
Official Site
Kuu-chan Video
AI:
Pronounced "I" as in me. Her style is R&B. She speaks perfect English as she was born in L.A. Half Italian-half Japanese, she continues to rock the charts with her Japanese flavor on R&B. Newest album "What's Goin' On" to be released at the end of September, 2006.
Official Site
AI Video
Hamasaki Ayumi:
Often referred to as Utada Hikaru's rival, though their styles are quite different. In the media, Ayumi tries a bit more. So it's interesting that the rivalry remains with the absence of Utada's face on every magazine, poster or commercial. Ayu (nicknamed) has been dubbed the pop princess of Japan. Though she does not write her music, she does dabble in lyric writing. Her recent album "(Miss)understood" was produced by Sweetbox (English) and most of the songs on Ayumi's album were also displayed on Sweetbox's "Addicted" album.
Official Site
Ayu Commercial
Amuro Namie:
Long-time rivalry and Pop Queen prior to Hamasaki Ayumi. Her westernized flavor skyrocketed her success. From 1998-2001 she fell from the charts as several events led her to take a break from her career. She has recently resurfaced in the R&B genre with large success with her new album "Queen of Hip Hop". Apparently it was Ayumi's unbridled success that led her to jump back in the ring. Rivalry's are good sometimes aren't they?
Official Site
Namie Video
Zeebra, AI, Namie Video
BoA:
Last, but definitely not least, BoA (Beat of Angel), the Korean-born international star. She rose in Korea with songs like "ID; Peace B", "No. 1" and "Valenti". Managers then decided to market her internationally to countries like Japan, Taiwan/China and eventually America. She began tough language lessons and became fluent in Japanese and I would say...average in English and Mandarin Chinese, last time I heard. Her persona began as "cool" with extrodinary dance cheorgraphy. Recently, she seems to dance less and has gone a little more sexy. Lesson: BoA's grown up.
Official Site
BoA Video
posted by Fudocom - Celina @ 4:23 PM
4 Comments:
Hmm out of females I would have to go with maybe Hikki (Utada) and Namie-chan. I also used to like Mai-K (Kuraki Mai) but that comes and goes. I like Hikki because she knows what she's doing and has a really nice voice. She's not about looking done up and pretty. I've liked Namie-chan from the beginning because of her funky style, voice and dances. Ayu and her clones can't compare, I think.
I noticed that recently Ku-chan (Koda Kumi) is becoming so popular. I like that her voice is different but I can't enjoy most of her songs. Either the style or her voice not matching. I also wonder if she is really the sex-fiend she often portrays herself as. At the beginning she was cute and quiet. I hope this is really her personality. Sorry, my English is not good.
One person you haven't mentioned is Tommy. She has two personalities. Tommy February6 and Tommy Heavenly6. February is geeky and cute, and Heavenly is like a rock alter personality. The Heavenly personality reminds me of Avril Lavigne, though Tommy Heavenly6 sings about candy and things. I don't like the February personality, but Heavenly is ok. I like that she is 31 years old and still rocking.
Ja ne.
Maki, Osaka
I wuv Utada!! Actually I went to her concert recently in Saitama. She made her songs a lot beatier-if that makes sense. It was excellent! As for someone I DON'T like, I would go with Yuki. She reminds me of Bjork. However, Bjork is fundamentally cute and can actually sing. Go to yukiweb.net and click on "profile" and you can see what I mean. In her recent music video she wore a red dress that makes it look like she was sitting on a throne with a kitty on the arm rest. Very creepy!
Hi guys! Thanks for your replies.
Lessee, I guess I haven't made my choice yet.
Hmmmmmmm I rather like Crystal Kay, though I guess I haven't listened to much of her lately. I also rather like Bennie K. Not that I don't like the musicians mentioned here but I thought I would throw in a couple more names. Tommy and YUKI are not my favorite. It's actually a little too J-popy for me. Not that J-pop is so bad. I have been known to own a Morning Musume cd.
i rather like Maki Goto both in Morning Musume and out.
lee in tokyo
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