Chiyoko Shimakura facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chiyoko Shimakura
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| Background information | |
| Born | 30 March 1938 |
| Origin | Tokyo, Japan |
| Died | 8 November 2013 (aged 75) |
| Genres | Enka |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, lyricist |
| Years active | 1954–2013 (her death) |
| Labels | Columbia Music Entertainment |
Chiyoko Shimakura (島倉 千代子, Shimakura Chiyoko) (born March 30, 1938 – died November 8, 2013) was a very famous Japanese singer and TV presenter. People often called her "the Goddess of Enka." Enka is a special type of Japanese music, like traditional ballads.
Contents
Her Amazing Career
Chiyoko was born in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, Japan. She started her singing journey in 1954. That year, she won first prize in a singing contest held by Columbia Music Entertainment.
In 1955, Chiyoko released her very first song, "Konoyo no Hana." She became a popular Enka singer. She appeared many times on a big TV music show called NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen. She was on the show 35 times, including 30 years in a row! In 1996, she forgot her song lyrics during the show. But she came back and sang on Kohaku again in 2004.
Her Most Famous Songs
Chiyoko Shimakura sang many popular songs. Here are some of her most well-known hits:
- Konoyo no Hana (この世の花) (1955): This was her first recorded song. It means "The Fruit and Bloom in the world." Chiyoko also appeared in a movie with the same name.
- Tōkyō Dayo Okkasan (東京だョお母さん) (1957): This song means "Mummy, here we are in Tōkyō." It was very popular and sold over 1 million copies.
- Jinsei Iroiro (人生いろいろ) (1987): This song means "Life Has Many Things." It was her biggest hit, selling more than 1.3 million copies. It also won a special award for Best Singer. This song stayed on the music charts for 86 weeks!
Awards and Honors
Chiyoko Shimakura received many important awards for her music.
- In 1987, she won the Japan Record Awards for Best Singer. This was for her song "Jinsei Iroiro."
She also received a special honor from the country of Japan:
Japan: 
Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon (1999). This medal is given to people who have done great things in arts or science.
Her Final Years
Chiyoko Shimakura sadly passed away on November 8, 2013. She was 75 years old. She had been battling liver cancer for a long time.
Filmography
Besides singing, Chiyoko Shimakura also acted in movies:
- A Farewell to the Woman Called My Sister (別れの茶摘歌 姉妹篇 お姉さんと呼んだ人 Wakare no chatsumi-uta shimai-hen: Oneesan to yonda hito) (1957)
Images for kids
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Shimakura's grave at her hometown Shinagawa
