Song Introduction (Isezakichō Blues)

Song Title: Isezakichō Blues (Title meaning: Isezakichō is the Town’s name in Yokohama city, Kanagawa prefecture in Japan)
Artist: Mina Aoe
Lyricist: Yasunori Kawauchi
Composer: Yōichi Suzuki
Label: Victor Records
Overview:

Released on January 5, 1968, “Isezakichō Blues” entered the Oricon charts’ top 10 within five months and maintained the 5th position for three weeks.
In 1968, the song earned accolades such as the Japan Record Award for Best Performance.
The song’s distinctive sigh “Haan” was noted for its sultry quality, sparking controversy at the time.

Source of Article:
Isezagicho Blues – Wikipedia
Mina Aoe – Wikipedia

About the Song

The song “伊勢佐木町ブルース” (Isezakichō Blues) is set in Yokohama’s bustling Isezakichō district, making it a well-known local song.

The lyrics depict the port town of Yokohama with its ship whistles, the sea breeze sweeping through the streets, and the lights of Isezakichō illuminating the area.

It portrays a woman crying in the shadows (possibly working at night), with her tears transforming into flowers, and the lights of Isezakichō glowing once again.

The evocative lyrics vividly bring to life the neon-lit streets of Yokohama’s port town, and the combination of melody and lyrics creates a poignant, tear-inducing classic.

Song Video

Sponsored link

Artist Introduction (Minna Aoe)

Artist: Minna Aoe (Real Name: Shizuko Ihara (Later Suzuki))
Date of Birth: May 7, 1941
Place of Birth: Koto City, Tokyo, Japan
Active Period: 1966–1999
Official Website: Victor Entertainment

Artist Trails

Minna Aoe began her career singing in clubs before making her major debut in 1966 with “Kōkotsu no Blues.”

Two years later, she achieved significant success with hits like “Isezakicho Blues” and “Nagasaki Blues.”

In 1969, her song “Ikebukuro no Yoru” sold 1.5 million copies, leading to her receiving the Japan Record Awards’ Vocal Performance Award for two consecutive years.

Aoe is remembered as a pioneering figure in Japanese kayō and enka music.

She passed away on July 1, 2000, at the age of 59 due to illness.
But she was able to marry her long-time partner, Reiji Hana, while she was on her deathbed.
He was not only her lover but also the composer behind many of her songs.
Despite their deep connection, they had not married earlier due to her focus on her successful career as a female singer.

I think that she passed away in a state of profound happiness, surrounded by the love and fulfillment she had always cherished in the end.

P.S. Although I didn’t fully grasp her beauty as a child when I saw her on television, watching her videos now, I can appreciate what a remarkable and beautiful artist she was.