'Queen of Enka' Aki Yashiro dies at 73

TOKYO, Jan 10 (News On Japan) - Acclaimed Japanese enka singer Aki Yashiro, known for hits like "Funauta," has passed away at the age of 73.

According to her office, Aki Yashiro died on December 30th last year.

In September of last year, she was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, specifically anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis and rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia, both of which are designated intractable diseases. She continued to receive treatment and rehabilitation, aiming for an early return to health, but her condition suddenly worsened.

The funeral was held on January 8th, attended only by office staff, with a memorial service planned for a later date.

【訃報】
演歌歌手八代亜紀さん12月30日に死去73歳「膠原病」で８月活動休止　「雨の慕情」「舟唄」 #八代亜紀 https://t.co/mTSQIOxnUY
— 日刊スポーツ (@nikkansports) January 9, 2024

Yashiro achieved a groundbreaking success as the first female enka singer with seven top 10 singles on the primary Oricon chart. Additionally, she ranked as the fourth enka artist overall, following male singers Kiyoshi Hikawa, Hiroshi Itsuki, and Shinichi Mori. Her success extended to the Oricon album charts, where she secured top 10 positions for three consecutive years from 1974 to 1976.

by Brian Dentry

Source: ANNnewsCH

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