Saki Kubota

Sayuri Kume (Japanese: 久米小百合 (Kume Sayuri)),^[2][3] also known as Saki Kubota (Japanese: 久保田早紀 (Kubota Saki)), is a Japanese singer-songwriter^[4][5][6] whose song Ihojin (1979) (Japanese: 異邦人)^[7] sold more than 1.4 million copies^[8] and reached number 1 in the Japanese singles chart.^[9][10] The song was used in the "Silk Road" television commercial for Sanyo.^[11][12][13]

Her album Yumegatari (Japanese: 夢がたり) stayed at number 1 in the Oricon chart for seven consecutive weeks from 31 December 1979 to 11 February 1980.^[14] Her album Tenkai (Japanese: 天界) reached number 11 in the Japanese chart in 1980.^[15] Her album Saudade (Japanese: サウダーデ) reached number 54 in the Japanese chart.^[16] Her album Yoruno Sokowa Yawarakana Maboroshi (1984) has been described as her greatest masterpiece.^[17]

Her single Nijūgoji (1980) (Japanese: 25時) reached number 19 in the Japanese chart.^[18] Her single Kugatsu No Iro (Japanese: 九月の色) (1980) reached number 51 in the Japanese chart. Her single Orange Airmail Special (Japanese: オレンジ・エアメール・スペシャル) (1981) reached number 62 in the Japanese chart.^[19][20]

She appeared on The Best Ten,^[21] Yoru no Hit Studio,^[22] and Music Fair.^[23][24]

She sang songs in the new music genre (Japanese: ニューミュージック, nyū myūjikku).^[25] She has been described as the standard bearer of that genre.^[26]

She was awarded the female newcomer award (Japanese: 女性新人賞) at the 13th Japan record sales awards (Japanese: 日本レコードセールス大賞) in 1980.^[27]

In January 2020, a box set was released under the title Saki Kubota Premium to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her debut in 1979.^[2]