Sub directory: Japanese Artists

First 'real' post so to speak. We'll add on.

In alphabetical order (ongoing)

:: Arai Akino(新居昭乃) ::


Very limited knowledge. I only have this one album, which's produced by Yoko Kanno, one of my favourite composers.

Album: Sora no uta
-> Official Site


:: Ayano Tsuji(过亚弥乃) ::


Theme song performer of Ghibli animation film 'The cat returns'. Our ukulele lady!! She said she wanted to play guitar but her hands were too small, so she ended up choosing a very special Hawaiian instrument - ukulele. Her style is a combination of pop and folk singing and it's always very light and comfortable.

Album:
Balanco | CALENDAR CALENDAR | 春蜜柑(Haru mikan) | 春は遠き夢の果てに | Cover Girl | 恋恋风歌(Renrenfuka) | 恋爱眼镜(Koi suru megane)

Single:
桜の木の下で | 雨音 | パレード | 幻化成风 (Kaze ni Naru) | Yubikiri/Hoshi Furu Yoru no Christmas

-> emule library link


:: Chara ::


Most people recognize Chara as the singer and actress from Shunji Iwai's film 'Swallowtail Butterfly' & 'Picnic'. Her singing is very very emotional. Despite the unconventional voice which may at first sound discomforting (like a child's whining), her passion will pull you right into her world.

Album: A senery like me | Chara best | Montage

-> Official Web


:: Do As Infinity ::


Do As Infinity (DAI) is a great Jpop rock band. They officially disbanded in late September 2005. DAI is probably one of the rare Jpop groups who perform live just as great as studio recordings, if not better. The lead vocal Van Tomiko's working on her solo career and the guitarist Ryo formed a new group called Missile Innovation.

Album:
Break of dawn | New world | Deep forest | True song | Gates of heaven | Need your love
Do the live | Live in Japan | Do the B-side | Do the A-side

-> Official Site


:: GARNET CROW ::


GARNET CROW, my favourite Jpop group ever. They certainly don't blend into the conventional 'Jpop' genre, and surely shouldn't be categorised so. They performed a couple of well known songs used in the anime series 'Detective Conan'. Some of them are 'Mysterious Eyes', 'Natsu no Maboroshi' (summer illusion), 'Yume mita ato do'(after waking up from a dream).

Albums: 1st Kaleidscope | 1st Soundscope | Sparkle | Crystallize | I'm waiting 4 you
BEST album| Remix album|

Singles: 1-20

-> Official Site

Here's my fansite (Seven Seas) dedicated to them, in both Chinese and English.



:: The Gospellers ::


The Gospellers, much like a small ensemble of talented choir boys who perform in a wide range of styles. Unfortunately they're no longer active.

Albums: Soul serenade | Love notes | FRENZY | A capella | Dressed up to the nines

-> Official Site


:: Love Psychedelico ::


A two-membered Japanese band with the style of the 60s' rock n blues. The lead vocal (Kumi) sings in a mixture of Japanese and English (perfect English!). Her voice is very powerful and versatile.

Albums: The Greatest Hits | Love Pschedelic Orchestra | LP III | Early Times

-> Official Site


:: Maaya Sakamoto(坂本真綾) ::

Grapefruit | DIVE | Lucy | Easy listening | Shonen Alice | Yunagi Loop
Hotchpotch | Nikopachi | 23-ji no ongaku (23h music)


:: Namie Amuro(安室 奈美恵) ::
181920 | Love enhanced | STYLE


:: Rie Fu ::


A talented solo artist who writes her own songs and she sings in English most of the time. Her style is a blend of pop and country music . Most well-known song is 'Life is like a boat'.

Album: Rie Fu
Singles: 1 - 3

-> Official Site


:: Salyu ::


Salyu's most often known as 'lily chou' from Shunji Iwai's movie. She collaborates with the famous music composer Takeshi Kobayashi and she's still considered a new comer in J music. She has a very unique 'ethery' voice.

Albums: Kokyu (breathe) | Landmark
Singles: 1-6

-> Official Site


:: Utada Hikaru (宇多田ヒカル) ::
First love | Distance | Deep river | Exodus