A Japanese singer-songwriter known for her catchy, upbeat city pop sound and iconic 1984 hit "Plastic Love," which has gained a cult following worldwide.
Mariya Takeuchi is a Japanese singer and songwriter, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the city pop genre. With a career spanning over four decades, she has sold over 16 million records, making her one of the best-selling music artists in Japan.
Born on March 20, 1955, in Taisha, Hikawa district, now the city of Izumo, Shimane, Takeuchi attended Keio University before pursuing a career in music. She made her singing debut in 1978 after signing with the RCA record label, releasing her debut album "Beginning", which peaked at No. 17 on Oricon Charts.
Takeuchi's subsequent albums, released between 1979 and 1981, achieved commercial success, with her 1980 album "Love Songs" becoming her first work to peak at No. 1 on Oricon Charts. After a temporary hiatus, she made a comeback in 1984 with her sixth studio album "Variety", which was released internationally and shot her to mainstream success, peaking at No. 1 on Oricon Charts.
In 1985, Takeuchi released the single "Plastic Love", which became a surprise hit outside of Japan in 2017, after a YouTube upload of the song went viral. The song has since attained a cult following and is seen as the staple in a revival of interest in city pop in the late 2010s.
Following the success of her ventures throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Takeuchi began releasing albums less frequently, shifting her focus to work and releasing standalone singles. Since 1981, every single she has released has charted on the Oricon Charts. She has remained with the Moon record label, working with its different branches since signing in 1984, and has been signed with Warner Music Japan since 1998.
Takeuchi is married to Tatsuro Yamashita, a singer-songwriter and record producer. The couple has been instrumental in shaping each other's careers, with Yamashita producing many of Takeuchi's albums.
Takeuchi's music has had a significant impact on pop culture, with her song "Plastic Love" being widely sampled and referenced in various forms of media. Her influence can be seen in many modern city pop and Japanese pop artists.
Mariya Takeuchi's contributions to the music industry have left an indelible mark on Japanese pop culture. Her influence continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike, cementing her place as one of the most beloved and respected artists in the city pop genre.
79 Years Old
A Japanese music icon, known for blending folk, rock, and electronic elements to create a unique sound, and producing influential albums that shaped the country's music scene.
74 Years Old
A visionary musician who blends electronic and acoustic elements to create hauntingly beautiful soundscapes, scoring iconic films like "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" and "The Last Emperor".
77 Years Old
A renowned Japanese musician and producer, known for his eclectic and influential work in the city pop genre, blending jazz, funk, and rock elements. He's behind numerous iconic albums and soundtracks, shaping Japan's music landscape.
