Yoko Yamaguchi
Yoko Yamaguchi (山口 洋子, Yamaguchi Yōko, May 10, 1937 – September 6, 2014) was a Japanese lyricist and novelist. In 1985, Yamaguchi won the Naoki Prize for her novels, Enka no Mushi ("Japanese Ballad Lover") and Robai ("Old Japanese Plum").[1]
Yamaguchi was a native of Nagoya.[1] She began her career by opening an upscale bar in the Ginza district of Tokyo.[1] Yamaguchi wrote song lyrics during the slow times while managing her bar, leading to a series of successful songs during the 1970s.[1] In 1971, Yamaguchi's song "Yokohama Tasogare" ("Yokohama Twilight Time"), performed by Hiroshi Itsuki, became a major hit within the enka genre.[1] Yamaguchi penned another hit with "Brandy Glass," performed by actor and singer, Yujiro Ishihara.[1] She began writing novels during the 1980s.[1]
Yamaguchi died from respiratory failure on September 6, 2014, at the age of 77.[1]
References
- "Lyricist and literary award winner Yoko Yamaguchi dies at 77". Japan Times. 2014-09-16. Retrieved 2014-09-20.