Description
JUNKO YAGAMI - A Japanese singer-songwriter, is an undeniable Japanese DIVA who has been at the top for 46 years since her debut. In addition to arranging her signature J-pop songs for jazz fans exclusively at Birdland, she will also perform her latest magnificent song ‘TERRA’ for the first time overseas. Junko's dynamic performance takes the audience on a journey to experience the true power of JPOP.
Junko started playing the piano at the age of 3, and she began serious vocal lessons in high school. She made her debut in 1978 after graduating from high school with the first single ‘Omoide ha Utsukushisugite’ followed by the second single ‘Mizuiro no Ame’, which both became huge hits establishing her status as Japan's top singer-songwriter in her debut year.
Junko has continued to actively perform at concerts, captivating audiences with her singing voice and volume, which has not changed since her debut. In 2019, even during the pandemic, she released a single "Here We Go!" using a new distribution method called streaming. In addition, on September 29, 2021, she released the big tune ‘TERRA – here we will stay’. This madjestic 11 minutes long song is filled with her feeling about the earth. At Birdland, she will be performing ‘TERRA’ in its original form without any arrangement. You all must enjoy this magnificent song sounds both beautiful and sad, yet also gives a warm feeling of hope. Junko must show her talent of a true singer who transcends the boundaries of musical genres.
Special thanks to TAKANA MIYAMOTO (piano & chorus) - A multi award winning, internationally acclaimed concert pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger and an educator. Takana has traveled and performed in over 30 countries worldwide, and currently bases herself in back Japan since 2013. Takana’s music go beyond genres ranging from jazz, pops, rock, film music, semi-classical to full orchestra. Her story-telling piano sound and music writing are featured on several albums and concerts of the multi-Grammy nominated jazz artists Kirk Whalum (sax), Nnenna Freelon (voc), Rene Marie (voc), Grammy winner Irene Cara, and Japanese greats such as Junko Yagami, Chikuzen Sato, Lisa Ono, May J., Ayaka, Sarah Alainn, Miki Imai, Maki Oguro, Jun-ichi Inagaki, TOKU, SUGIZO (Luna Sea / X-Japan) , Billboard Classics series, and SNOOPY Christmas Orchestra, Ishidagumi among many others.