The Kumi Miyasato（宮里久美）file on KKP isn't too large. In fact, this article will just be her third but it's the first non-anime-related song that I'll be writing about today when compared to "Lonely Sunset"（ロンリー・サンセット）which was associated with the "Megazone 23" franchise in the 1980s.
"Summer Lovers" is the first track on Miyasato's 3rd album "Unfinished" from July 1987. It begins life rather smoky and enigmatically before the singer's just-as-smoky vocals fill the space and time. Then the chorus rises into this late 1980s City Pop with those certain synthesizers which continue into the bridge along with a bluesy guitar. It all rather describes a smoldering romance in the big city. Etsuko Kisugi（来生えつこ）took care of the lyrics while Ken Sato（佐藤健）was the composer.
For those who may not have heard of Kumi Miyasato here is a concise overview of what is commonly believed about 宮里久美 (Kumi Miyasato). Because her mainstream visibility was relatively modest compared to bigger-name idols of the 1980s, the information tends to be scattered and comes mainly from collectors, music enthusiasts, or fans who specialize in that era.
ReplyDelete1. Basic Profile and Background
* Active Period Most Japanese sites place her active period squarely in the mid-to-late 1980s. She debuted during a time when many young female singers were launching idol or “light pop” careers, so she tends to be grouped as part of the broader 80s idol/J-pop movement.
* Style and Image Sites often describe her music as pop-oriented with an “idol-like” sweetness—sometimes leaning toward the soft, melodic style popular in mid-80s Japan. You’ll see mentions of her voice being “airy” or “clean,” attributes often associated with 80s “idol” vocals.
* Anime Tie-ins (Rumored or Confirmed) Japanese fan sites sporadically mention that some of her songs may have been featured in anime or other media tie-ins, but confirmable details are limited. Occasionally, collectors post about her involvement in theme or insert songs, though it does not appear she ever had a truly “famous” anime theme on the same level as bigger idols.
2. Discography & Releases
* Singles and Albums
* Japanese auction and resale sites (e.g., Yahoo!オークション) sometimes list a handful of 7-inch singles or 12-inch LPs by 宮里久美.
* A few fan-curated music databases detail release dates in the mid-80s, though official documentation can be harder to locate.
* Some bloggers mention that the total count of her “official” releases (albums + singles) is relatively small—a handful of singles and one or two albums—compared to more prolific idols of the era.
* Compilation Appearances
* Music collectors report that her songs occasionally appear on 80s J-pop compilation CDs or vinyl reissues focused on lesser-known idol tracks.
* These compilations are often limited edition or niche releases catering to fans of 80s pop nostalgia.
3. Fan Community & Online Mentions
* Nostalgia Blogs and Idol Archives
* She tends to pop up in Japanese nostalgia blogs that spotlight “hidden gems” of the Showa-era idol scene. Posts usually highlight her sweet vocals and note that she did not achieve the same breakout success as top-tier idols (e.g., 松田聖子 or 中森明菜).
* Some fans express a sense of “cult following,” noting that she’s beloved among collectors of rare idol records.
* Auction and Collector Discussions
* Detailed tracklists and commentary often come from sellers or collectors trading her vinyl records, who share images of cover art, lyric sheets, and liner notes.
* These listings sometimes mention promotional events or small-scale TV appearances, but specifics can vary widely, and it’s not always easy to confirm beyond personal anecdotes.
4. Current Visibility and Availability
* Out of Print Material
* Many Japanese sites note that her original LPs and singles have been long out of print, and secondhand copies can be somewhat pricey if they’re in good condition.
* Occasionally, you might see a remastered track surface on a specialty reissue label’s compilation, but full official re-releases of her entire discography seem rare.
* Online Streaming or Digital
* Most fans mention difficulty finding her catalog on mainstream streaming platforms; availability can fluctuate, and some tracks might only be found on collectors’ YouTube channels or private uploads.
5. Possible Confusions and Name Variations
* Romanization
* Because “宮里” can be romanized in multiple ways (Miyazato, Miyasato, etc.), there is occasional confusion or mix-up with other singers named “Kumi Miyasato” (including those who contributed to certain anime soundtracks).
* Japanese sites sometimes clarify kanji to confirm which 宮里久美 they’re referencing, especially when referencing old 80s idols.
OK, Showa Man! You gotta tell me...how do you come up with your information so quickly and neatly?!
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