Aya Shimazu in Kyoto

Aya Shimazu is a Japanese enka singer from Kumamoto Prefecture who debuted in 1986 with “Hakama o Haita Wataridori.” She is known for “Kaeranyo” and the Singer album series, which features her interpretations of Japanese and Western pop standards. Aya Shimazu has toured Japan in theatres and concert halls, building programs around enka originals, narrative songs and selections from the Singer series. She has also appeared repeatedly on NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, performing enka and wider popular repertoire at NHK Hall.