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Naoko Ken

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Naoko Ken
Birth nameNaoko Asada (浅田 なを子) (maiden name)
Naoko Noguchi (野口 なを子)
Born (1953-07-07) July 7, 1953 (age 71)
OriginAmagiyukashima, Shizuoka, Japan
GenresFolk, blues, novelty, enka
Occupation(s)Singer, actress, YouTuber
InstrumentVocals
Years active1971–present
LabelsToho Records
Canyon Records
Pony Canyon
Gauss Entertainment
Unchanged Records
WebsiteOfficial
Naoko Ken
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2020 -
Subscribers228k[1]
Total views57,827,982 million times[1]
Last updated: January 15, 2024

Naoko Ken（研 ナオコ, Ken Naoko, born July 7, 1953）is a Japanese singer and actress. She is well known for her comedy roles featuring idiosyncratic looks, and a string of successful torch songs that gained popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Biography

[edit]

In 1971, Ken debuted as an enka-oriented singer with a single "Daitokai no Yasagure On'na". In 1975, after the release of several charted singles, she gained the first outstanding commercial success with a song "Guzu", which was written by Ryudo Uzaki and his wife Yoko Aki. "Abayo", a song written by Miyuki Nakajima became the most successful single for Ken, selling more than 600,000 copies. In 1976, the prize-winning song reached number-one spot on the Oricon, Japan's most eminent chart. In addition to the success as a musician, she also obtained popularity as a tarento in the mid 1970s, through her comical acts on multiple TV shows including Kakkurakin Daihousou!!.

After a temporary hiatus in 1977 owing to her arrest on suspicion of possession of marijuana,[2] she returned to the Japanese entertainment industry with the hit tune "Kamome wa Kamome". The melancholic ballad written by Nakajima became known as one of her signature songs, finally sold in excess of 300,000 units. In 1982, she gained huge commercial success as a singer again with a cover version of the Southern All Stars' song "Natsu wo Akiramete", winning several Japanese music prizes. The song is her last top-ten hit solo single so far.

Due to her songs’ popularity, Ken was selected for the annual Red and White Song festival every year from 1976 to 1986 except 1977, the year that she went hiatus due to her drug case, and made another return to the prestigious programme on 1993 for her 11th and last appearance so far.

Through her long-term career as a comedic TV personality, she has released several novelty singles with other performers such as Ken Shimura. The song "Natsuzakari Ho no Ji Gumi" recorded with an idol singer Toshihiko Tahara in 1985 is the last top-40 hit single for Ken on the Japanese record charts. To date, her last single was released in 1985.

Discography

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Chart positions Label
JP
[3]
1971 "Daitokai no Yasagure On'na (大都会のやさぐれ女)" / "Gomen Asobase (御免遊ばせ)" - Toho
1972 "Yane no Ue no Komoriuta (屋根の上の子守唄)" / "B to Iu Snack (Bというスナック)" -
"Futari de Miru Yume (二人で見る夢)" / "Chiisana Negai (小さな願い)" -
"Kyoto no On'na no Ko (京都の女の子)" / "Boy Friend (ボーイフレンド)" 52
"Kon'nichiwa Otoko no Ko (こんにちわ男の子)" / "Nani wo Shiyoukana (何をしようかな)" -
1973 "On'na Gokoro no Tango (女心のタンゴ)" /"Tsuki ga Noboreba (月がのぼれば)" 59
"Uwasa no Otoko (うわさの男)" / "Nageki no Blue Lady (嘆きのブルーレディ)" 60
1974 "Dai 3 no On'na (第三の女)" / "Uchi e Oide (家へおいで)" - Canyon
1975 "Guzu (愚図)" / "Sayonara wa Kirai na Kotoba (サヨナラは嫌いな言葉)" 9
1976 "Ichinensou (一年草)" / "Bashamichi (馬車道)" 28
"La La La" / "Ame ga Sora wo Suteru Hi wa (雨が空を捨てる日は)" 28
"Abayo (あばよ)" / "Tsuyogari wa Yose yo (強がりはよせよ)" 1
1977 "Kaze wo Kuratte (風をくらって)" / "Ijippari (意地っぱり)" 14
"Oh Kamisama (オゝ神様)" / "Blues" 43
"Furarete Yatusa (ふられてやるさ)" / "Yakou Ressha (夜行列車)" 35
1978 "Kamome wa Kamome (かもめはかもめ)" / "Furareta Kibun de (ふられた気分で)" 7
"Mado Glass (窓ガラス)" / "Sayonara wo Tsutaete (さよならを伝えて)" 8
"Minikui Ahiru no Ko (みにくいあひるの子, The Ugly Duckling)" /"Konuka Ame (こぬか雨)" 17
1979 "Kuchibeni wo Fukitore (口紅をふきとれ)" /"Ai no Kassai (愛の喝采)" 55
"Hi wa Nobori Hi wa Shizumi (陽は昇り 陽は沈み)" /"Goodbye" 33
"Ai wo Mou Ichido (愛をもう一度)" /"Natsukashii Asa (なつかしい朝)" -
"Hitoripocchi de Odorasete (ひとりぽっちで踊らせて)" /"Uminari (海鳴り)" 39
1980 "Kuchiguse (くちぐせ)" /"Irusu (居留守)" 31
"Suna no Fune (砂の舟)" /"Kuuchuu Buranko (空中ブランコ)" -
"Yumemakura (夢枕)" /"Bravo-Bravo" 91
1981 "Minaide (見ないで)" /"Mou... Mou... (もう...もう...)" -
"Wakare no Tasogare (別離の黄昏)" /"Shigurete (時雨れて)" -
"Bossa Nova (ボサノバ)" /"Shushifu (秋止符)" 69
1982 "Natsu wo Akiramete (夏をあきらめて)" /"Ima wa Blues (今はブルース)" 5
"Furareta Kibun (ふられた気分)" /"Omoide Gawa (おもいで河)" 53
1983 "Lonely Way" /"Koi no Senaka (恋の背中)" -
"Ai, Douja Koi, Douja (愛、どうじゃ。恋、どうじゃ。)" /"Lonely Star" 71
"Nakasete (泣かせて)" / "Tabidatsu Otoko (旅立つ男)" 41
1984 "Yoru ni Aozamete (夜に蒼ざめて)" / "Don't Cry My Heart" -
"Meigaza (名画座)" / "Tokyo Bijin (東京美人)" -
"Roppongi Rain (六本木レイン)" / "Give Me Blues" 78
1985 "Kishū (帰愁)" / "On'na Tomodachi (女友達)" -
1986 "Tokyo Mikaeri Bijin (Tokyo見返り美人)" / "Hoshiyoubi ni Aitaine (星曜日に会いたいね)" 73
1987 "Ame no Hi no Eigakan (雨の日の映画館)" / "Etranger" -
"Uramado Twilight (裏窓トワイライト)" / "Koyoi, Shibaura, Melancholy (今宵、芝浦、メランコリー)" -
1989 "Fuyu no Cattleya Kaigan (冬のカトレア海岸)" / "Gin no Hari (銀の針)" - Pony Canyon
1992 "Kanashii On'na (悲しい女)" / "Kirei ni Naritai (綺麗になりたい)" -
1993 "Maigo (迷子)" / "Off" -
"Mary Jane" / "Half Moon" -
1994 "Hanabi (花火)" / "Doukeshi (道化師)" -
1995 "Waltz (ワルツ)" / "Silk no Umi (SILKの海)" -
2019 "Watashi wa Naiteimasu (私は泣いています)" / "Ai (愛)" - Unchanged

Collaboration singles

[edit]
Year Single Chart positions Additional information Label
JP
[3]
1985 "Natsuzakari Ho no Ji Gumi (夏ざかりほの字組)" / "Vacance Game (バカンス・ゲーム)" (with Toshihiko Tahara) 5 Credit to "Toshi and Naoko" Canyon
1992 "Hanashi ga Chigaujanai (話が違うじゃない)" / "Kiyoku Tadashiku Utsukushiku (清く 正しく 美しく)" (with the Lilacs) 91 Credited to "Naoko and Lilacs" Pony Canyon
2001 "Ginza Atari de Gin! Gin! Gin! (銀座あたりで ギン!ギン!ギン!)" / "Love Tokyo Night" (with Ken Shimura) 41 Credited to "Ken♂♀Ken"
Produced by Tsunku
2004 "Koi Suredo Shanana (恋すれどシャナナ)" (with Toshihiko Tahara) 123 Gauss Entertainment

Albums

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon
[4]
On-na Gokoro (女ごころ)
  • Released: 1973
  • Label: Touhou
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Dai-San no On-na (第三の女)
  • Released: 1974
  • Label: Touhou
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Guzu (愚図)
  • Released: 1975
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Nakiwarai (泣き笑い)
  • Released: 1976
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Kamome no You ni (かもめのように)
  • Released: 1977
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Ken Naoko, Nakajima Miyuki wo Utau (研ナオコ、中島みゆきを歌う)
  • Released: 1978
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Naoko VS Aku Yu
  • Released: 1979
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Akireta Otoko Tachi (あきれた男たち)
  • Released: 1980
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Renairon (恋愛論)
  • Released: 1981
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Naoko Mistone
  • Released: 1983
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Standard ni Kanashikute (スタンダードに悲しくて)
  • Released: 1983
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Again
  • Released: 1984
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Meigaza (名画座)
  • Released: 1984
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Deep
  • Released: 1985
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Deep
  • Released: 1989
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: Cassette Tape, CD
 -
RE-Naoko: Kanashii Onna (悲しい女)
  • Released: 1992
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: Cassette Tape, CD
 -
Ago: Ano Koro he Love Letter (あの頃へラブレター)
  • Released: 1992
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
Long Live Live Yayoi (弥生)
  • Released: 2008
  • Label: unchanged[5]
  • Formats: CD
 -
Ichizu (一途)
  • Released: 2011
  • Label: unchanged
  • Formats: CD
 -
Ame Nochi Hare Tokidoki Namida (雨のち晴れ、ときどき涙)
  • Released: 2015
  • Label: King
  • Formats: CD
 -


Compilations

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon
[4]
Sono Michi Original 14 (その道・オリジナル14)
  • Released: 1975
  • Label: Touhou
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko (研ナオコ)
  • Released: 1976
  • Label: Pony
  • Formats: Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko Original Best Hit Kuroi Namida (研ナオコ オリジナル・ベスト・ヒット 黒いなみだ)
  • Released: 1977
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko Original Best Hit (研ナオコ オリジナル・ベスト・ヒット)
  • Released: 1977
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Aitsu no Inai Yoru Ken Naoko Original Best Collection (あいつのいない夜 研ナオコ ベスト・コレクション)
  • Released: 1980
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Meguriai (めぐりあい)
  • Released: 1982
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Best Selection
  • Released: 1984
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko The Special Series (研ナオコ THE SPECIAL SERIES)
  • Released: 1985
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko The Best (研ナオコ THE BEST)
  • Released: 1985
  • Label: Canyon
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Super Best
  • Released: 1986
  • Label: Pony
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Non Stop Ken Naoko (NON STOP 研ナオコ)
  • Released: 1986
  • Label: Pony
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko Best (研ナオコ ベスト)
  • Released: 1987
  • Label: Pony
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Naoko Sings Ballads
  • Released: 1987
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko Best Hits: Memories (研ナオコ BEST HITS〜Memories〜)
  • Released: 1988
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko Best Collection (研ナオコ ベストコレクション)
  • Released: 1990
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD, Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko Special Best (研ナオコ スペシャルベスト)
  • Released: 1992
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD, Cassette Tape
 -
Ken Naoko Best Collection: Hanabi (研ナオコ ベストコレクション -花火-)
  • Released: 1994
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
My Classics
  • Released: 1998
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
Anthology Ken Naoko Best (Anthology 研ナオコ BEST)
  • Released: 2003
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
Ken Naoko Meikyoku Zenshuu Singles Perfect Selection (研ナオコ 名曲全集 Singles Perfect Selection)
  • Released: 2004
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
LOVE LIFE LIVE Vol.1: 35th Anniversary
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: Unchanged
  • Formats: CD
 -
Best Collection 32 (ベスト・コレクション32)
  • Released: 2008
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
Single A-Side Complete (シングルA面コンプリート)
  • Released: 2013
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
Cover Sakuhin Collection (カバー作品コレクション)
  • Released: 2013
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
Single B-Side Complete (シングルB面コンプリート)
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
Nakajima Miyuki Sakuhin Complete (中島みゆき作品コンプリート)
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
Platinum Best Ken Naoko Single&Cover Collection (プラチナムベスト 研ナオコ シングル&カバーコレクション)
  • Released: 2015
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -
All Time Best (オールタイム・ベスト)
  • Released: 2023
  • Label: Pony Canyon
  • Formats: CD
 -

Box sets

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
JPN
Oricon
[4]
Ken Naoko: Miryoku no Subete (研ナオコ 〜魅力のすべて〜) -

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Director Notes Ref.
2024 Wash Norie Isogai Ikunosuke Okazaki Lead role [6]

Kōhaku Uta Gassen Appearances

[edit]
Year # Song No. VS Remarks
1976 (Showa 51)/27th 1 LA-LA-LA 9/24 Aoi Teruhiko
1978 (Showa 53)/29th 2 Kamome Wa Kamome (かもめはかもめ) 4/24 Goro Noguchi
1979 (Showa 54)/30th 3 Hitori Pocchide Odorasete (ひとりぽっちで踊らせて) 11/23 Takashi Hosokawa
1980 (Showa 55)/31st 4 Yumemakura (夢枕) 13/23 Yūzō Kayama
1981 (Showa 56)/32nd 5 Bosanoba (ボサノバ) 16/22 Ryuu Tetsuya
1982 (Showa 57)/33rd 6 Natsu Wo Akiramete (夏をあきらめて) 8/22 Sugawara Youichi
1983 (Showa 58)/34th 7 Nakasete (泣かせて) 18/21 Sugawara Youichi (2)& Shiruiya
1984 (Showa 59)/35th 8 Meigaza (名画座) 5/20 Yamamoto Jyouji
1985 (Showa 60)/36th 9 Kishuu (帰愁) 9/20 Haruo Minami
1986 (Showa 61)/37th 10 Tokyo Mikaeribijin (Tokyo見返り美人) 8/21 Shibugakitai
1993 (Heisei 5)/44th 11 Kamome Wa Kamome (2) 15/26 Kaientai Returned after 7 years

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "About 研ナオコ Naoko Ken". YouTube.
  2. ^ 芸能人裏情報: 芸能人の薬物逮捕一覧表 "(List of Japanese entertainers who was arrested for possession of illegal drugs)". Retrieved May 9, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  3. ^ a b "Naoko Ken Oricon Singles Hot 100". Archived from Yamachan Land (Japan's charts archives) – Albums Chart Daijiten – the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved March 19, 2008. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  4. ^ a b c "研ナオコの作品". Oricon (in Japanese). December 30, 2007. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  5. ^ Name of the recording label "Unchanged Records", please do not remove it!
  6. ^ "仕事で、介護で「体を洗う」ことになったソープ嬢を主人公に。風俗と介護を結びつけて考えた深い理由". Yahoo JAPAN NEWS. Yahoo Japan. December 25, 2022. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
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