Akina Nakamori

Japanese singer and actress Akina Nakamori signed her first record deal at age 16 after winning the Japanese talent competition Star Tanjō! on her third attempt. ∙ Her popular sophomore single, “Shoujo A,” was nearly banned from the radio due to lyrics that were deemed too risqué. ∙ At age 20, she became the youngest person ever to win the coveted Japan Record Awards Grand Prix. ∙ She is one of Japan’s most prolific artists, with 3 EPs, 15 albums, and 22 singles all reaching No. 1 on the charts. ∙ While best-known as a J-pop artist, she has recorded in a variety of styles, including disco, folk, jazz, Latin, and R&B. ∙ Primarily a vocalist, Nakamori has also written several songs under the pen name Miran:Miran. ∙ Nakamori has appeared in several films and TV shows, including Ai: Tabidachi, Tsumetai Tsuki, and Purimadamu.