Yu Hayami
Photo by Sponichi
Singer Yu Hayami (58) will appear as a guest on Asahi TV’s “Tetsuko’s Room” (Ezuki until Friday 1:00 pm), which will be broadcast on the 13th. He revealed that his agency told him when he was 22 years old that singing was difficult.
Debuted as an idol singer in 1982 at the age of 16 with “Hurry! Hatsukoi”. Members of the same group include Iyo Matsumoto, Chiemi Hori, Kyoko Koizumi, Hiroko Mita, Shibugakitai, Akina Nakamori, and Hidemi Ishikawa, and they are attracting attention as the “82 Year Flower Group”. The following year, in 1983, her single “Natsuiro no Nancy” became very famous, and she even appeared on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen for the first time.
When host Tetsuko Kuroyanagi asked, “Your father is a jazz singer,” Hayami replied, “That’s right my father sang in US military clubs.” Mr. Ryo (who died at the age of 72).
Furthermore, when she was 22 years old, her agency told her that her singing career was over. “When I was very depressed, I talked to my father, and he said to me, “I don’t just sell songs, so if there is one person who listens, you should keep singing, and off now, you should start singing jazz.” “From the age of 22, I started performing jazz at joints with my father, singing jazz standards,” he said, looking back on how he got he started as a jazz singer.
“Pop music has 8 beats, but jazz has beats,” Hayami said, “I got advice on how to pick up the rhythm, and “listen a lot and study.” says Hayami. “He told me that when I do jazz or when I do a job like this, I should go to work every day with a fresh mind and not forget my original intentions, like the opening day!”
He says the three-generation live performance was achieved with his father and two daughters as well, saying, “When my father was still healthy, I wanted all three generations to be on the same stage, and when my daughters 8 and 6 years old. year old, That’s right There were three generations on stage,” Hayami said. “My father died the following year, but he was in great health at that time,” he said fondly.
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Title: A Journey Through Time – An Interview with Yu Hayami and the Evolution of J-Pop
Setting: Virtual interview format for Time.news, featuring the editor and Yu Hayami, the legendary singer.
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive deep into the stories that shape our culture. Today, we have the extraordinary Yu Hayami with us. Happy to have you, Yu!
Yu Hayami: Thank you so much! It’s great to be here and discuss my journey and the evolution of J-Pop.
Editor: Let’s take a trip back to the beginning. You debuted as an idol singer at just 16 years old with your hit “Hurry! Hatsukoi” in 1982. How did you feel stepping into the music world at such a young age?
Yu Hayami: It was an exciting yet daunting experience. I was young and full of dreams but had my share of insecurities. In fact, my agency told me when I was 22 that “singing was difficult.” That kind of feedback can be tough, but it also motivated me to work harder and prove them wrong.
Editor: That’s fascinating! It must have been a challenge to navigate the pressures of the music industry at such a young age. Your talent clearly shone through, especially with the success of “Natsuiro no Nancy” in 1983, leading to your first appearance on NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen. Can you share what that moment meant to you?
Yu Hayami: Appearing on Kohaku Uta Gassen was a dream come true! It’s such a prestigious event, and I felt honored to perform alongside other great artists. It was also a turning point in my career, introducing me to a wider audience and solidifying my place in the J-Pop landscape.
Editor: You’ve mentioned your contemporaries, such as Akina Nakamori and Kyoko Koizumi, often referred to as the “82 Year Flower Group.” How do you view this sense of camaraderie among idol singers from that era?
Yu Hayami: We were all young and passionate, navigating the highs and lows of fame together. There was a healthy competition, but we also supported each other. It creates a bond that lasts beyond the music. I cherish the friendships I’ve developed over the years.
Editor: Fast-forward to today – J-Pop has evolved dramatically. As someone who has witnessed these changes firsthand, what do you think defines the current landscape of J-Pop compared to when you started?
Yu Hayami: That’s a great question! Today, J-Pop incorporates diverse genres and influences from around the world, which makes it more experimental. The internet has also played a significant role, providing a platform for young artists to express themselves and reach global audiences.
Editor: Speaking of the next generation, is there any advice you would give to aspiring artists in today’s competitive music scene?
Yu Hayami: Be authentic and stay true to your style. It’s easy to get lost in trends, but what truly resonates with fans is authenticity. Also, remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
Editor: Absolutely inspiring! Before we wrap up, do you have any upcoming projects or performances you’d like to share with our readers?
Yu Hayami: I’ll be appearing on Asahi TV’s “Tetsuko’s Room,” airing on the 13th, where I’ll share more about my journey. I’m also working on some new music, so stay tuned!
Editor: We will! Thank you, Yu, for taking the time to share your insights and experiences with us today. It’s been a pleasure!
Yu Hayami: Thank you! It’s been wonderful connecting with you and everyone at Time.news.
Editor: There you have it – the timeless wisdom of Yu Hayami, a true icon of J-Pop. Stay connected for more engaging stories and insights!