Michiya Mihashi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michiya Mihashi
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michiya Kitazawa 北沢 美智也 |
| Also known as | Michiya Mihashi 三橋 美智也 |
| Born | November 10, 1930 Hokkaido, Japan |
| Died | January 8, 1996 (aged 65) |
| Genres | Min'yō, Enka |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1954–1996 |
| Labels | King Records |
Michiya Mihashi was a super famous Japanese singer who lived from 1930 to 1996. He was born Michiya Kitazawa in Hokkaidō, Japan. He became one of the most important singers to create and popularize a type of Japanese music called Enka. Think of Enka as a traditional style of Japanese pop music, often about feelings and everyday life.
Michiya Mihashi was known for his amazing high-pitched and flexible singing voice. He recorded about 2,500 songs during his career! By 1983, he had sold more than 100 million records, which is a huge achievement! Another famous singer, Takashi Hosokawa, was one of his students.
Michiya Mihashi's Life Story
Michiya Mihashi started his music journey by singing Japanese folk music, also known as min'yō. When he was just 11 years old, he won a min'yō competition in his home area of Hokkaido.
In 1954, he officially started his recording career with a song called Sake no Nigasayo. The very next year, his song Onna Sendō Uta became a big hit!
In 1960, Michiya Mihashi sang the main theme song for a special TV show called Kaiketsu Harimao. This show was known for its special effects and action.
Later in the 1970s, he changed his style a bit. He started hosting a radio show that was popular with young men. Because of this, he even got a cool nickname, "Michie"! In 1983, he made history by being the first Japanese singer ever to sell 100 million records.
Sadly, Michiya Mihashi passed away in a hospital in Osaka on January 8, 1996. He was 65 years old and died due to health problems.
Michiya Mihashi's Songs
Here are some of the popular songs Michiya Mihashi recorded:
- Onna Sendo Uta (おんな船頭唄, Female Waterman Song) : 1955
- Ah Shinsengumi (あゝ新撰組) : 1955
- Ringo Mura Kara (リンゴ村から, From Apple Village) : 1956
- Aishu Ressha (哀愁列車, Melancholy Train) : 1956
- Kojo (古城, Old Castle) : 1959
- Takeda Bushi (武田節) : 1961
- Tsugaru Jongara Bushi (with Takeshi Terauchi & Bunnys) : 1967
