Mayumi Kojima -- Tango（タンゴ）

Wikimedia Commons

If I were to ever take up social dancing, I would probably start with the waltz. I mean, the steps seem easy enough but it's the improvisation that scares me. 

But for some strange reason, the next dance that I would tackle is the tango. That seems like a huge jump from the waltz but I guess maybe it's because of the class and grace involved. I don't particularly possess either in any great degree but perhaps I can gain some.

Now, before I end up going into some ambling rambling, let's take you to singer-songwriter Mayumi Kojima（小島麻由美）. I hadn't written about her for a few years and she has always struck me as one of the more eclectic Japanese pop singers. She's been described on Wikipedia as a Shibuya-kei singer but aside from my first article on her, I haven't really seen her do a lot of that genre. In fact, I've treated her as a chanteuse in the jazzier areas of town. 

In September 2026, she released her latest single "Tango" and yep, she's given her own fun and sultry take on Latin jazz, presumably in tribute to the titular dance. I love those familiar illustrations of herself along with her simian buddy on the cover. It makes me wonder whether there is a music video for "Tango". Alas, I have yet to find one. Anyways, I also have to give some belated congratulations to her for celebrating her 30th anniversary in the music business last year.