Akina Nakamori
Encyclopedia
is a Japan
ese pop
singer and actress. She was one of the most popular singers of the 1980s in Japan. She is known for her deep, power-house voice.
Within two years of her debut, she set herself apart from all the singers of her generation by singing provocative songs, with a chameleon-like image change with the release of each new single. Her mature and rebellious image was to be the direct opposite of the other pop rival, Seiko Matsuda
; who projected a girl next door
, sweet natured charm. The media competed them against each other throughout the 1980s, scrutinising every details of their lives and supposed rivalry. During that period, Akina has always expressed an admiration and respect for Seiko, even humming to Seiko's songs when both happen to be on the same live shows.
Her hair style and dress sense was very much copied by teenagers back in the 1980s. Music wise, her recording company moulded her to be a successor after the mature and sophisticated Momoe Yamaguchi
, a legendary Japanese singer who retired at age 21 for marriage. Her songs were always of heartbreaks, or rebellion, never to stray far from the 'mold'.
, she made her debut in 1982 with the single "Slow Motion." Her first single "Slow Motion", was recorded in Los Angeles. This was released on 1 May 1982 and subsequently sold 174,000 copies, reaching number 30 in the Oricon
charts. The 2nd single, "Shōjo A" was nearly banned for its risque lyrics. This single fared better, most likely due to the controversy, and peaked at #5, selling 396,000 copies. Her next single, a ballad
called "Second Love" proved to be her best-selling single. This sentimental piece debuted at #2 but reached No. 1 the following week, staying at the number one spot for 9 weeks. It sold an impressive 766,000 copies back then (To date, almost close to 1 million sold). In addition to the single releases, Akina also released two albums entitled Prologue and Variation that year, which sold 453,000 and 743,000 copies respectively.
The following year Akina released three singles, two studio albums and her first best-of album. The singles were "Nibunnoichi no Shinwa", which sold 573,000 copies and debuted at #1, making it her best-selling single of that year. "Twilight ~Yūguretayori~", released in May, sold 430,000 copies and debuted at #2. But "Kinku", her last single of that year, fared better, debuting at #1 and selling 511,000 copies. All three aforementioned albums, Fantasy, New Akina Etranger and Best Akina Memoir hit the No. 1 spot.
In 1984, Akina released "Kita WING", which sold 614,000 copies, a bit better than her singles from the previous year, but surprisingly it did not become a number 1 hit. It instead debuted at number 2 and remained at that position for 6 weeks. "Kita Wing" is also rumoured to be Momoe Yamaguchi's favourite Akina Song (Momoe being Akina's idol and icon). Her next single "Southern Wind" brought her back to the number 1 spot, though it sold less than its predecessor at 544,000 copies. "Jūkai (1984)" proved to be another number 1 for her, selling 611,000 copies. The 9th single, "Kazari jya naino yo namida wa" proved to be a turning point in Akina Nakamori's career; as the song is considered difficult to sing with super fast lyrics. It debuted at number 1 and sold 625,000 copies. Many in Japan cite this song and her 1986 single, "Desire ~Jōnetsu~", as Akina's signature songs. Her two album releases of that year, Anniversary and Possibility both fared well and hit the No. 1 spot.
. She became the youngest person at the time (20) to be awarded such an honour. Originally, the single was to be titled "Akaitori Nigeta fly away" (The red bird flies away), but the producers felt that the lyrics were not Samba-ish enough. "Meu Amore" was the result of the newly penned lyrics. "Akaiatori Nigeta fly away" was released as a 12 inch single instead, making the No.1 spot as well. Despite the superb b-side song of Babylon which was remixed, it sold a dismal 354,000 overall. She then released "Sand Beige ~Sabaku e~" which sold 461,00 copies and debuted at number 1. Her next single, "Solitude" also debuted at number 1, but sold merely 336,000 copies.
She also released two albums in 1985. Firstly, Bitter and Sweet, which contained the album version of the earlier hit of "Kazari Janai No Yo Namida Wa" and "BABYLON." It sold 556,000 copies and debuted at number 1 again. Her next album, D404ME, only had a remix version of the hit single "Meu Amore" included. Yet this album sold an impressive 651,000 copies and debuted at number 1.
In 1986, at 21, Akina matured in her singing style and choice of songs. The first single of that year, "Desire ~jōnetsu~," proved to be one of the highlights in Akina's career. This was also the theme song of PIONEER PRIVATE commercial, and was awarded the Grand Prix at the 28th Japan Record Awards
in 1986. She became the youngest winner for two consecutive years. It sold 516,000 copies and debuted at number 1. Her next single "Gypsy Queen" was a calmer song than "Desire ~jōnetsu~" and sold a mere 358,000 copies, but still debuted at number 1. The single "Fin" followed, and sold less than it predecessor, at 318,000 copies. Again, it debut at number 1.
To commemorate her first 4 years in the business, Akina released her first "BEST" album. It sold impressively well, 766,000 copies and a comfortable number 1 debut spot. Then Akina released Fushigi
, a conceptual album with echoing singing and obscure musical arrangement. It caused quite a stir amongst the mainly conservative Japanese public and thus sold 464,000 copies, nearly 200,000 less than Crimson, which featured an entire album composed by only women, which sold 601,000 copies. But both managed to debut at the number 1 spot, Fushigi stayed number 1 for only 3 weeks, while Crimson stayed number 1 for 4.
and the death of her mother at the time. It sold 431,000 copies and debuted at number 1.
She released only one album in 1987, an unsuccessful English debut album called "Cross My Palm." It mainly faltered in the United States music industry because of Akina's heavily-accented English and lack of promotion Stateside. Nonetheless, it was a hit in Japan, selling 343,000 copies and debuting number 1.
On March 3, 1988, Akina released album Stock. Three singles were released in 1988, "Al Mauj", "Tattoo" and "I missed the shock." Other than "I missed the shock," the other 2 debuted at No. 1.
In 1989, a year fans will remember as very dark for Akina, only one single was released due to what was almost a tragedy. "Liar" became her 19th No. 1 single. The single was rumored to reflect her feelings about her then-boyfriend Masahiko Kondō. It came as a shock when news of her attempted suicide broke in July 1989 in Kondō's apartment, after he called off their engagement. Luckily, she was found and hospitalised. However, she retreated from the public eye for a while.
Akina has ventured into acting in the 1990s, with varying success. Ironically, Kome Kome Club
's 1992 single "Kimi ga Iru Dake de
," which sold over 2.89 million copies, was the theme song of Japanese television drama
Sugao no Mamade in which she played a role.
Her live performances continue to be of very high standard, showcasing her vocals. Her 2000, 2002 and 2003 concerts were huge successes. 2006 marked her 25th anniversary in show business. According to the Oricon Charts, she is one of a handful of singers who manage to have albums in the Top 10 in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s; proving her resilience to the taste changing music industry.
Regardless of her lack of prolific songs in recent years, Akina was honoured by the Japanese Music critics as the '5th' best voice in the country's recording history, even ahead of her rival, Matsuda Seiko, at '7th' place.
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese pop
Pop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
singer and actress. She was one of the most popular singers of the 1980s in Japan. She is known for her deep, power-house voice.
Within two years of her debut, she set herself apart from all the singers of her generation by singing provocative songs, with a chameleon-like image change with the release of each new single. Her mature and rebellious image was to be the direct opposite of the other pop rival, Seiko Matsuda
Seiko Matsuda
is a Japanese pop singer-songwriter. Due to her popularity in the 1980s and her long career, she has been dubbed the "Eternal idol" by the Japanese media.- Biography :...
; who projected a girl next door
Girl next door
The cultural and sexual stereotype of the girl next door or the All-American girl is invoked in American contexts to indicate wholesome, unassuming femininity, as opposed to the culture's other female stereotypes such as the tomboy, the valley girl, the femme fatale, girly girl, or the slut. The...
, sweet natured charm. The media competed them against each other throughout the 1980s, scrutinising every details of their lives and supposed rivalry. During that period, Akina has always expressed an admiration and respect for Seiko, even humming to Seiko's songs when both happen to be on the same live shows.
Her hair style and dress sense was very much copied by teenagers back in the 1980s. Music wise, her recording company moulded her to be a successor after the mature and sophisticated Momoe Yamaguchi
Momoe Yamaguchi
is a former Japanese singer, actress, and idol whose career lasted from 1972 to 1980. In that time, she became one of the most notable singers in Japanese music, and an acclaimed actress. She withdrew from the entertainment business at the peak of her career to marry her frequent costar, fellow...
, a legendary Japanese singer who retired at age 21 for marriage. Her songs were always of heartbreaks, or rebellion, never to stray far from the 'mold'.
1982–1984: Beginning
After Akina Nakamori passed the test of Star Tanjō!Star Tanjō!
The was a Japanese talent show from Nippon Television.- Most winners :*Masako Mori*Junko Sakurada*Momoe Yamaguchi*Hiromi Iwasaki*Pink Lady*Mako Ishino*Yoshie Kashiwabara*Kyōko Koizumi*Akina Nakamori*Yukiko Okada...
, she made her debut in 1982 with the single "Slow Motion." Her first single "Slow Motion", was recorded in Los Angeles. This was released on 1 May 1982 and subsequently sold 174,000 copies, reaching number 30 in the Oricon
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
charts. The 2nd single, "Shōjo A" was nearly banned for its risque lyrics. This single fared better, most likely due to the controversy, and peaked at #5, selling 396,000 copies. Her next single, a ballad
Ballad
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads were particularly characteristic of British and Irish popular poetry and song from the later medieval period until the 19th century and used extensively across Europe and later the Americas, Australia and North Africa. Many...
called "Second Love" proved to be her best-selling single. This sentimental piece debuted at #2 but reached No. 1 the following week, staying at the number one spot for 9 weeks. It sold an impressive 766,000 copies back then (To date, almost close to 1 million sold). In addition to the single releases, Akina also released two albums entitled Prologue and Variation that year, which sold 453,000 and 743,000 copies respectively.
The following year Akina released three singles, two studio albums and her first best-of album. The singles were "Nibunnoichi no Shinwa", which sold 573,000 copies and debuted at #1, making it her best-selling single of that year. "Twilight ~Yūguretayori~", released in May, sold 430,000 copies and debuted at #2. But "Kinku", her last single of that year, fared better, debuting at #1 and selling 511,000 copies. All three aforementioned albums, Fantasy, New Akina Etranger and Best Akina Memoir hit the No. 1 spot.
In 1984, Akina released "Kita WING", which sold 614,000 copies, a bit better than her singles from the previous year, but surprisingly it did not become a number 1 hit. It instead debuted at number 2 and remained at that position for 6 weeks. "Kita Wing" is also rumoured to be Momoe Yamaguchi's favourite Akina Song (Momoe being Akina's idol and icon). Her next single "Southern Wind" brought her back to the number 1 spot, though it sold less than its predecessor at 544,000 copies. "Jūkai (1984)" proved to be another number 1 for her, selling 611,000 copies. The 9th single, "Kazari jya naino yo namida wa" proved to be a turning point in Akina Nakamori's career; as the song is considered difficult to sing with super fast lyrics. It debuted at number 1 and sold 625,000 copies. Many in Japan cite this song and her 1986 single, "Desire ~Jōnetsu~", as Akina's signature songs. Her two album releases of that year, Anniversary and Possibility both fared well and hit the No. 1 spot.
1985–1986: Commercial peak
Akina kicked off 1985 with "Meu Amore," another great success for her, debuting #1 with 631,000 copies sold ultimately and also winning Akina the Grand Prix award at the 27th Japan Record Awards27th Japan Record Awards
The 27th Annual Japan Record Awards took place at the Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda, Tokyo, December 31, 1985, starting at 6:30PM JST. The primary ceremonies were televised in Japan on TBS.- Award winners :*Japan Record Award:...
. She became the youngest person at the time (20) to be awarded such an honour. Originally, the single was to be titled "Akaitori Nigeta fly away" (The red bird flies away), but the producers felt that the lyrics were not Samba-ish enough. "Meu Amore" was the result of the newly penned lyrics. "Akaiatori Nigeta fly away" was released as a 12 inch single instead, making the No.1 spot as well. Despite the superb b-side song of Babylon which was remixed, it sold a dismal 354,000 overall. She then released "Sand Beige ~Sabaku e~" which sold 461,00 copies and debuted at number 1. Her next single, "Solitude" also debuted at number 1, but sold merely 336,000 copies.
She also released two albums in 1985. Firstly, Bitter and Sweet, which contained the album version of the earlier hit of "Kazari Janai No Yo Namida Wa" and "BABYLON." It sold 556,000 copies and debuted at number 1 again. Her next album, D404ME, only had a remix version of the hit single "Meu Amore" included. Yet this album sold an impressive 651,000 copies and debuted at number 1.
In 1986, at 21, Akina matured in her singing style and choice of songs. The first single of that year, "Desire ~jōnetsu~," proved to be one of the highlights in Akina's career. This was also the theme song of PIONEER PRIVATE commercial, and was awarded the Grand Prix at the 28th Japan Record Awards
28th Japan Record Awards
The 28th Annual Japan Record Awards took place at the Nippon Budokan in Chiyoda, Tokyo, December 31, 1986, starting at 6:30PM JST. The primary ceremonies were televised in Japan on TBS.- Award winners :*Japan Record Award:**Akina Nakamori for "DESIRE"...
in 1986. She became the youngest winner for two consecutive years. It sold 516,000 copies and debuted at number 1. Her next single "Gypsy Queen" was a calmer song than "Desire ~jōnetsu~" and sold a mere 358,000 copies, but still debuted at number 1. The single "Fin" followed, and sold less than it predecessor, at 318,000 copies. Again, it debut at number 1.
To commemorate her first 4 years in the business, Akina released her first "BEST" album. It sold impressively well, 766,000 copies and a comfortable number 1 debut spot. Then Akina released Fushigi
Fushigi
is Akina Nakamori's ninth album, released on August 11, 1986, and is something of a concept album in that every track features distorted vocals of some kind...
, a conceptual album with echoing singing and obscure musical arrangement. It caused quite a stir amongst the mainly conservative Japanese public and thus sold 464,000 copies, nearly 200,000 less than Crimson, which featured an entire album composed by only women, which sold 601,000 copies. But both managed to debut at the number 1 spot, Fushigi stayed number 1 for only 3 weeks, while Crimson stayed number 1 for 4.
1987–1989: Decline
In 1987, she released "Tango Noir," which sold 348,000 copies and debuted at number 1. (Even though sales of singles were declining, Tango Noir still made it to be the 2nd best selling single in 1987). Her next single was a cover of an American song, but she called her version "Blonde." It sold 301,000 copies and added to her No.1 singles. Her most critically acclaimed single of that year was a heartfelt ballad called "Nanpasen," an emotionally draining song which many people attributed to her rocky relationship with then boyfriend, Masahiko KondōMasahiko Kondo
or Matchy is a Japanese singer, lyricist and actor represented by Johnny & Associates.Kondō is also a semi-professional racing driver and a racing team owner. He founded the racing team Kondo Racing in 2000 which competes in Formula Nippon and the Super GT.- 1980–1987: Early recording career :As a...
and the death of her mother at the time. It sold 431,000 copies and debuted at number 1.
She released only one album in 1987, an unsuccessful English debut album called "Cross My Palm." It mainly faltered in the United States music industry because of Akina's heavily-accented English and lack of promotion Stateside. Nonetheless, it was a hit in Japan, selling 343,000 copies and debuting number 1.
On March 3, 1988, Akina released album Stock. Three singles were released in 1988, "Al Mauj", "Tattoo" and "I missed the shock." Other than "I missed the shock," the other 2 debuted at No. 1.
In 1989, a year fans will remember as very dark for Akina, only one single was released due to what was almost a tragedy. "Liar" became her 19th No. 1 single. The single was rumored to reflect her feelings about her then-boyfriend Masahiko Kondō. It came as a shock when news of her attempted suicide broke in July 1989 in Kondō's apartment, after he called off their engagement. Luckily, she was found and hospitalised. However, she retreated from the public eye for a while.
1990–present
Her return to the music scene in 1990 was met with scepticism and curiosity, propelling the single "Dear Friend" to another No. 1 spot. Akina once claimed that "Dear Friend' is perhaps her only happy song. Nevertheless, she reverted to seeing melancholic, jilted love songs that ultimately did not go well with the public's taste. Her next single "Mizu ni Sashita Hana" became her 21st Oricon #1 single, but she could not reached the top position again after that. The whole decade proved to be a hit or miss musical era for Akina, who somewhat lost her definitive direction in her style of music.Akina has ventured into acting in the 1990s, with varying success. Ironically, Kome Kome Club
Kome Kome Club
is a Japanese pop band formed in 1982. It is widely recognized as the only Japanese pop musical group which achieved commercial success by blending funk, soul and Latin musical styles. They also use the style of rakugo.-1982–1997: Commercial success:...
's 1992 single "Kimi ga Iru Dake de
Kimi ga Iru Dake de
Kimi ga Iru Dake de is a Japanese song by Kome Kome Club released on May 4, 1992. On the Japanese Oricon chart, it sold 924,780 copies in one week and debuted at the number-one position. It held the top rank in total of six weeks...
," which sold over 2.89 million copies, was the theme song of Japanese television drama
Japanese television drama
, also called , are a staple of Japanese television and are broadcast daily. All major TV networks in Japan produce a variety of drama series including murder romance, comedy, detective stories, horror, and many others...
Sugao no Mamade in which she played a role.
Her live performances continue to be of very high standard, showcasing her vocals. Her 2000, 2002 and 2003 concerts were huge successes. 2006 marked her 25th anniversary in show business. According to the Oricon Charts, she is one of a handful of singers who manage to have albums in the Top 10 in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s; proving her resilience to the taste changing music industry.
Regardless of her lack of prolific songs in recent years, Akina was honoured by the Japanese Music critics as the '5th' best voice in the country's recording history, even ahead of her rival, Matsuda Seiko, at '7th' place.
Singles
- 1 May 1982 Slow Motion (Joken Hansha)
- 28 July 1982 Shōjo A (Yume Handan)
- 10 November 1982 Second Love (Kagami no Naka no J)
- 23 February 1983 Nibunnoichi no Shinwa (Nukumori)
- 1 June 1983 Twilight - Yūguretayori - (Drive)
- 7 September 1983 Kinku (Ame no Requiem)
- 1 January 1984 Kita Wing (Namida no Katachi no Earring)
- 11 April 1984 Southern Wind (Yume Haruka)
- 25 July 1984 Jikkai (1984) (Korekara Naturally)
- 14 November 1984 Kazari Ja Nai no yo Namida wa (Moonlight Letter)
- 15 December 1984 Kita Wing (Refrain)
- 8 March 1985 Mi Amore (Lonely Journey)
- 1 May 1985 Akaitori Nigeta (Babylon)
- 19 June 1985 Sand Beige-Sabakuhe (Tsubaki Hime Julianna)
- 9 September 1985 Solitude (Again)
- 3 February 1986 Desire-Jōnetsu (La Bohème)
- 26 May 1986 Gypsy Queen (Saigo no Carmen)
- 25 September 1986 Fin (Abunai Mon Amour)
- 4 February 1987 Tango Noir (Milonguita)
- 3 June 1987 Blonde (Amish)
- 30 September 1987 Nanpasen (Koiji)
- 27 January 1988 Al-Mauj (Bara Hitoyo)
- 18 May 1988 Tattoo (Koakuma Rupuazon)
- 1 November 1988 I Missed the Shock (Bilitis)
- 25 April 1989 Liar (Blue on Pink)
- 17 July 1990 Dear Friend (Caribbean)
- 16 November 1990 Mizunisashita Hana (Angel Eyes)
- 25 March 1991 Futari Shizuka (Wasurete...)
- 21 May 1993 Everlasting Love (Not Crazy to Me)
- 24 March 1994 Kata Omoi (Aibu)
- 2 September 1994 Yoru no Dokokade - night shift- (Rose Bud)
- 5 October 1994 Gekka (Blue Lace)
- 21 June 1995 Genshi, Onna wa Taiyō Datta (Kirei)
- 1 November 1995 Tokyo Rose (Yasashii Kankei)
- 7 August 1996 Moonlight Shadow - Tsuki ni Hoeru
- 21 February 1997 Appetite (Sweet Suspicion)
- 11 February 1998 Kisei -Never Forget- (Tsuki wa Aoku)
- 21 May 1998 Konya, Nagareboshi (Arashi no Naka de)
- 23 September 1998 Tomadoi (Good-Bye My Tears)
- 21 January 1999 Ophelia
- 1 December 1999 Trust Me
- 31 May 2001 It's brand new day
- 2 May 2002 The Heat ～musica fiesta～
- 30 April 2003 Days
- 12 May 2004 Akai Hana
- 7 July 2004 Hajimete Deatta Hi no Yō ni
- 7 December 2005 Rakka Ryūsui
- 17 May 2006 Hana yo Odore
- 23 September 2009 DIVA single version
Original Albums
- Prologue 1 July 1982
- Variation 27 October 1982
- Fantasy 23 March 1983
- New Akina Entranger 10 August 1983
- Anniversary 1 May 1984
- Possibility 10 October 1984
- Bitter And Sweet 3 April 1985
- D404ME 10 August 1985
- FushigiFushigiis Akina Nakamori's ninth album, released on August 11, 1986, and is something of a concept album in that every track features distorted vocals of some kind...
11 August 1986 - Crimson 24 December 1986
- Cross My Palm 25 August 1987
- Stock 3 March 1988
- Femme Fatale 3 August 1988
- Cruise July 25, 1989
- Unbalance+Balance 22 September 1993
- La Alteracion 21 July 1995
- Shaker 21 March 1997
- Spoon 17 June 1998
- Will 1 December 1999
- Resonancia 22 May 2002
- I Hope So 14 May 2003
- Destination 21 June 2006
- ENKA 27 jun 2007
- DIVA 26 August 2009
Cover Albums
- Utahime 24 March 1994
- Zero Album～Utahime 2 20 March 2002
- Utahime 3～Shuumaku 3 December 2003
Compilations
- Best Akina Memowaru 21 December 1983
- Best 1 April 1986
- Best II 24 December 1988
- Best III 10 November 1992
- Your Selection~The Very Best of Akina~ 25 April 1993
- Lyriscism ~Ballad Collection~ 10 July 1993
- Akina 10 November 1993
- Mouhitori no Akina 10 Dember 1993
- Namida no Kawarini... ~Ballad Collection II~ 25 March 1994
- Play With The Danger ~Rock Collection~ 25 March 1994
- Only Woman ~Best of Love Songs~ 18 May 1994
- Akina Nakamori Singles 27 1982-1991 30 November 1994
- True Album ~Akina 95 Best~ 6 December 1995
- Akina Nakamori ~ Collection 1982-1991~ 1 May 1996
- Akina Nakamori Super Best 4 March 1998
- Recollection ~Akina Nakamori Super Best~ 25 May 1998
- Regeneration ~Nakamori Akina Remix~ 25 June 1998
- Regeneration ~Nakamori Akina Remix II~ 25 September 1998
- Akina Nakamori ~Best Collection~ 21 October 1998
- Akina Nakamori Special Best 20 10 1999
- The Century of Akina ~ Warner 30th Anniversary Box 22 November 2000
- Akina Nakamori 20th Anniversary Best 14 November 2001
- For Dear Friends~Akina Nakamori Single Collection Box~ 21 August 2002
- Akina Nakamori~Utahime Double Decade~ 4 December 2002
- Unbalance+Balance + 6 4 December 2002
- Utahime Special Editio n 4 December 2002
- La Alteracion + 4 4 December 2002
- Shaker + 3 4 December 2002
- Akina Nakamori Singles 27 1982-1991 26 February 2003
- Utahime Complete Box Empress Akina Nakamori 1994~2004 1 December 2004
- Best Finger 25th Anniversary Selection 11 January 2006
- Akina Box Akina Nakamori 1982 - 1989 ~ 25th Anniversary Special Box 21 June 2006
Special Releases
- Silent Love 21 December 1984
- My Best Thanks 21 December 1985
- Non-Fiction Ecstasy 10 November 1986
- Wonder 1 June 1988
- Vamp 18 December 1996
External links
- CJ's Akina Nakamori (Archived 2009-10-24)
- All About Akina Nakamori (Archived 2009-10-24)
- Akina Land (Archived 2009-10-24) ( in English )
- VAMP (fan-site)