Saori Minami facts for kids

Saori Minami (born July 2, 1954) is a famous Japanese singer. Her real name is Akemi Shinoyama. She was a very popular Japanese idol in the 1970s. She also sang for a few years between 1991 and 1997.

Her Life and Music

Saori Minami was born in Okinawa on July 2, 1954. Her Christian name is Cynthia.

Becoming a Star

Saori Minami started her music career in the summer of 1971. Her first song was "17-sai" (which means "17 Years Old"). This song quickly became very popular. It reached the number 2 spot on the Oricon music charts. It was one of the best-selling songs in Japan that year.

The composer, Kyōhei Tsutsumi, asked Saori what her favorite song was. She said it was "Rose Garden" by Lynn Anderson. So, Tsutsumi used that song as inspiration for "17-sai."

The Three Girls

Saori Minami, along with two other Japanese entertainers, Rumiko Koyanagi and Mari Amachi, helped create what we now know as the modern Japanese idol. These three singers were often called "The Three Girls" (San nin musume). They were very famous and set the stage for future idol groups.

Saori Minami was nominated for "Best Newcomer of the Year" at the 13th Japan Record Awards. She also performed her hit song "17-sai" on a big TV show called Kōhaku Uta Gassen. She appeared on this show 8 times during her career.

More Hit Songs

After "17-sai," Saori released more popular songs. "Shiokaze no Melody" (Melody of the Seabreeze) and "Tomodachi" (Friends) both reached the top 10 on the charts.

In 1972, "Junketsu" (Chastity) became one of her most successful songs, reaching number 3. Her next song, "Aishu no Page" (A Page Full of Sorrow), also reached number 3. It even had an English introduction.

In 1973, she released "Kizutsuku Sedai" (Wounded Generation), which had a Rock 'N' Roll feel. Later that year, "Irozuku Machi" (Painted City) became one of her biggest hits. Saori herself said it was one of her most important songs. She continued to release popular songs throughout the 1970s.

Retirement and Return

Saori Minami stopped performing in 1978. However, she came back for a few years between 1991 and 1997. During this time, she released some mini-CD singles and did live shows. After that, she retired again from the music world.

Personal Life

Saori Minami is married to a photographer named Kishin Shinoyama. They have a son named Akinobu Shinoyama.

Saori took English classes at Sophia University. When she was singing, she performed many folk and pop songs in English. She even traveled to Los Angeles, California to record an album called Cynthia Street. She worked hard to improve her English speaking skills. Besides English, Saori also learned to speak Spanish.

Saori Minami is a Roman Catholic. Sometimes, during her singing career, she was also known by her Christian name, Cynthia.

Her Music Albums

Singles

Studio Albums

EPs

Live Albums

Compilations