The beauty of the things that reside in the words of Miyuki Nakashima: the trajectory of her poetry and voice (1975 - present)

The beauty of the things that reside in the words of Miyuki Nakashima: the trajectory of her poetry and voice (1975 - present)

Miyuki Nakashima is one of Japan's leading singer-songwriters, poets, stage writers, and storytellers, born in February 1952 in Sapporo, Hokkaido and raised in Obihiro City, Japan.

He continued to produce such masterpieces as "Wakareta," "Akujo," "Sora to Kimi no Aida," and "Jichijo no Hoshi (Stars on Earth)," and gained national support. His songs have swallowed folk, rock, pop, and even enka-like sentiments, creating a one-of-a-kind world.

Miyuki Nakashima's lyrics capture the voiceless voices of those living on the margins of society. Loneliness, defeat, sorrow, and hope. Miyuki has been writing, directing, and starring in the musical "Night Party" since 1989, bringing the world of her songs directly to the stage.

Many people have lavishly praised his talent. Takuro Yoshida praised Miyuki Nakashima, saying, "Miyuki Nakashima was nominated directly by the 'God of Song'" and paid tribute to her in "Lie to Me Forever," which they performed together. Yumi Matsutoya said, "Miyuki's songs have 'prayer' in them. Her words reach places I cannot reach. In the world of performing arts, Kankuro Kudo praised "Yakai" as a treasure of Japanese performing arts. Also, Ringo Shiina says, "I wouldn't be where I am today without 'Miyuki Nakajima.'" She continues to be a pioneer who lights up the light for the younger generation of female artists.

Filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda also highly appreciates Miyuki's storytelling that goes beyond music, saying, "Miyuki Nakashima's lyrics are like a 'movie script'; a life is packed into one song.

One of her best-known songs, "Jidai" (1975), is a song about the cycle of rebirth and hope that transcends time, as symbolized by the line, "Mawaru mawaru yo jidai wa mawaru. Wakaare Uta" (1977) is a lyrical poem that simultaneously expresses the dignified strength of a woman going through a breakup and her uncontrollable sorrow. In "Bad Woman" (1981), she sings earnestly about her determination to break off love as a "bad woman," leaving a deep aftertaste in the listener's heart.

In 1994, "Sora to Kimi no Aida ni" (Between the Sky and You), released as the theme song for the drama "Ienakako," became an explosive hit. The song struck a chord with its deep empathy for the oppressed and the tenderness with which it accompanies them. In 2000, "Jichi-no Hoshi" became the theme song for "Project X." The song celebrated the struggles of nameless engineers and laborers, giving them a quiet light. The images of the field reflected in the lyrics seemed to symbolize the countless lives lived beyond the TV screen.

Miyuki Nakajima has never participated in the Kohaku Uta Gassen, nor does she appear frequently on television. However, her presence is always somewhere, accompanying someone's life. Her words and voice, which are not flashy but surely light up people's hearts, will continue to live beyond the times.