Kiyoshiro Imawano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kiyoshiro Imawano
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Kiyoshiro Imawano (2003)
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Kiyoshi Kurihara |
| Born | April 2, 1951 Nakano, Tokyo, Japan |
| Died | May 2, 2009 (aged 58) |
| Genres | Rock, R&B, Folk rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals Guitars Harmonica |
| Years active | 1966–2009 |
| Labels | Toshiba EMI, Polydor Japan, Universal Music Japan, Swim Records, avex io, Warner Music Japan |
| Associated acts | RC Succession, Reichi Nakaido, Shigeru Izumiya, Haruomi Hosono, Fuyumi Sakamoto, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Akiko Yano, Kazutoki Umezu, Leyona, Booker T. & the M.G.'s |
Kiyoshiro Imawano (忌野 清志郎, Imawano Kiyoshirō), born Kiyoshi Kurihara (栗原 清志, Kurihara Kiyoshi, April 2, 1951 – May 2, 2009), was a famous Japanese rock musician. He was also a lyricist, composer, and actor from Tokyo, Japan. People often called him "Japan's King of Rock" because of his big influence.
Kiyoshiro formed and led a very important rock band called RC Succession. He wrote many songs against nuclear power after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. He was also known for using the Japanese language in a special way in his songs.
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Kiyoshiro's Life Story
Kiyoshiro was born in Nakano, Tokyo, Japan, in 1951. When he was in high school, he started a band called the Clovers in 1966. This band broke up a year later.
Then, in 1968, he formed RC Succession. This new band started making music for everyone to hear in 1970.
In 1982, Kiyoshiro worked with Ryuichi Sakamoto, another famous musician. They released a song called "Ikenai Rouge Magic." It became a huge hit and was number one on the Oricon music chart.
After RC Succession stopped performing and recording in 1991, Kiyoshiro continued as a solo singer. He also recorded music and performed under different names. Some of these names were Danger, Razor Sharp, HIS, and Ruffy Tuffy. With groups like the Timers and Love Jets, Kiyoshiro used fake names and characters. This way, people didn't always know it was him.
In 1992, he released an album called Memphis. He recorded this album in Memphis, USA, with a famous band called Booker T. & the M.G.'s. The Mayor of Memphis even made him an honorary citizen! After the album came out, Kiyoshiro toured Japan with Booker T. & the M.G.'s. A live recording of their concert at the Budokan was released as the album Have Mercy!.
Kiyoshiro also used his voice for a character in a cartoon. He was the voice of Lord Royal Highness of Atlantis in the Japanese version of "SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis" on Nickelodeon Japan Channel.
On July 3, 2006, Kiyoshiro shared on his official website that he was sick with throat cancer. He canceled all his concerts to focus on getting better. He made a comeback in January the next year, saying he was feeling much better. However, in July, it was revealed that the sickness had returned and spread. This meant he had to cancel all his shows again.
Saying Goodbye
On May 2, 2009, Kiyoshiro passed away from his illness. His funeral was held on May 9, 2009. About 42,000 fans came to say goodbye to him. This was the same number of people who attended the funeral of another famous singer, Hibari Misora, at the same place.
His farewell event was called The Aoyama Rock n' Roll Show. Kiyoshiro's band played music for about 1,000 people. Many famous friends were there, including Keisuke Kuwata and Shinobu Otake.
Music Released After His Death
On June 17, 2009, a song called "Oh! Radio" was released. This is believed to be the last song Kiyoshiro recorded. He wrote "Oh! Radio" as a song for a radio station in Osaka, FM802. Other artists had sung it before.
The version sung by Kiyoshiro was a demo. He recorded it by himself in early 2009, playing all the instruments. This song was first played at his funeral. Fans loved it so much that it was decided to release it for everyone to hear.
Remembering Kiyoshiro with Music
Kiyoshiro was a very popular performer at Japan's Fuji Rock Festival. So, a big tribute concert was held for him at Fuji Rock 2009. This was two months after he passed away.
Many famous Japanese and international artists came to the tribute. They talked about Kiyoshiro and sang his songs or their own songs to remember him. Some of the artists who performed included Chara, UA, Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper, and Wilko Johnson.
Kiyoshiro's Albums
For albums by his band, RC Succession, please see RC Succession discography
- 1982 Dr. Umezu & Kiyoshiro / Danger
- 1985 Danger II
- 1987 Razor Sharp
- 1987 Kiyoshiro Imawano & The Razor Sharp / Happy Heads
- 1989 The Timers / The Timers
- 1991 HIS / Nippon no Hito (a group with Haruomi Hosono and Fuyumi Sakamoto)
- 1992 Memphis
- 1992 Kiyoshiro Imawano + Booker T. & the M.G.'s / Have Mercy!
- 1992 Kiyoshiro Imawano & 2 3's / Go Go 2 3's
- 1993 Kiyoshiro Imawano & 2 3's / Music From Power House
- 1994 Magic
- 1994 Kiyoshiro Imawano & Reichi Nakaido / Glad All Over
- 1995 The Timers / Fukkatsu!! The Timers
- 1995 The Timers / Fujimi no Timers
- 1997 Kiyoshiro meets de-ga-show / Hospital
- 1997 Kiyoshiro Imawano Little Screaming Revue / Groovin' Time
- 1998 Kiyoshiro Imawano Little Screaming Revue / Rainbow Cafe
- 1999 Ruffy Tuffy
- 1999 Kiyoshiro Imawano Little Screaming Revue / Fuyu no Jujika
- 2000 Ruffy Tuffy / Natsu no Jujika
- 2000 Ruffy Tuffy / Aki no Jujika
- 2003 Love Jets / Chinguro
- 2003 King
- 2005 God
- 2006 Yumesuke
- 2008 Kanzen Fukkatsusai – Nippon Budokan Live Album
- 2008 Wanted Tour 2003–2004
- 2009 Aoyama Rock'n'Roll Show 2009.5.9 Original Soundtrack
- 2010 Baby #1
Kiyoshiro's Movies
- 1986 Death Powder ... Dr. Loo
- 2001 The Happiness of the Katakuris ... Richâdo Sagawa
- 2002 Chicken Heart ... Sada
- 2002 "Power and Terror: Noam Chomsky in Our Times"
- 2003 1980
- 2004 Otakus in Love
- 2005 The Great Yokai War ... General Nurarihyon
- 2008 Then Summer Came
