Yui Asaka (浅香 唯, Asaka Yui, born December 4, 1969)[1] is a J-Pop singer, idol and actresses who came to fame in the 1980s.[2] Asaka made major debut with single Natsu Shojo in 1985 under Warner Music Japan and in 1987 acting debut with main role in the third series of Sukeban Deka.[3]

Yui Asaka
浅香 唯
Also known asYui
Born (1969-12-04) December 4, 1969 (age 54)
Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
GenresIdol pop, Pop-rock, Kayōkyoku,
Occupation(s)Singer, idol, actresses
Years active1984-
LabelsWarner Music Japan (1985–1993, 2020-)
Merdack (1997-1998)
Websitehttp://www.yui-asaka.com/index2.html

Biography

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Yui was born in Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan, and later attended Nakano High School. In 1984, she was the Grand Prix Winner for a Young Girls Comics Magazine. Yui was featured as the main character of the comic "Shooting Star". A year later, she debuted as a singer with the single Natsu Shoujo.[3] Up until the end of 1986, Asaka enjoyed a moderately successful career as a singer and an idol.

Her fame grew when she starred in the third series of cult TV Show Sukeban Deka in 1987.[3] In 1989, she starred as the heroine of popular manga Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl in its 1989 live movie adaptation. Capitalising on this exposure, Asaka started to write her own songs, starting with the single "Self Control".

In 1993, problems arose when her management began limiting her rights concerning her stage name (Yui Asaka).[4] Asaka decided to temporarily withdraw from the limelight and took a break from show business.[3] Her former label Hummingbird was acquired by Warner Music Japan the following year. She returned to the music scene in 1997 as Yui (not to be confused with another Japanese singer called Yui). Soon after, Asaka reconciled with her agency and was allowed to perform under the name "Yui Asaka" once more. Asaka decided to focus on her acting career, frequently appearing in Japanese TV dramas and variety shows (see full discography below).

In 2020, she released her first digital single Light a Shine. Coinciding with its release, it would be the first time in fifteen years that she released new music.[5][6] In 2022, music from her idol years has been added to the music streaming services.[7][8]

Discography

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As of 2023, Asaka released 14 original albums, 5 compilation albums, 25 physical singles, 1 digital single and 6 home-video releases.[9]

Studio albums

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List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak positions
JPN
Oricon

[10]
Crystal Eyes
  • Released: February 21, 1986
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, LP, Cassette tape, digital download, streaming
-
Star Lights
  • Released: February 28, 1987
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, LP, cassette, digital download, streaming
8
Candid Girl
  • Released: June 1, 1988
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, LP, cassette, digital download, streaming
3
Herstory
  • Released: December 1, 1988
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, LP, cassette, digital download, streaming
3
Melody Fair
  • Released: March 1, 1989
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, LP, cassette, digital download
2
Pride
  • Released: November 11, 1989
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download, streaming
7
Nude Songs
  • Released: February 28, 1990
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download, streaming
4
Open Your Eyes: Nude Songs Vol.2
  • Released: July 4, 1990
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download, streaming
10
No Lookin' Back
  • Released: December 5, 1990
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download, streaming
10
Glass no Miyako
  • Released: August 21, 1991
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download
23
Stay
  • Released: February 26, 1992
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download, streaming
28
Joker
  • Released: August 21, 1992
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, cassette, digital download, streaming
47
Contrast
  • Released: February 24, 1993
  • Label:
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
63
"—" denotes items which did not chart.

Compilation albums

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List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak positions
JPN
Oricon

[10]
Present 4
Thanks a lot 18
Single Collection 69
Asaka Yui Daizenshou -
Crystals: 25th Anniversary Best 236
"—" denotes items which did not chart.

Live albums

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List of albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak positions
JPN
Oricon

[10]
Anniversary 2824 -
1989.8.23 Yui Asaka Special Live in Osaka -
"—" denotes items which did not chart.

Singles

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List of singles, with selected chart positions
Year Single Peak chart positions Formats
JPN
Physical

[10]
1985 "Natsu Shoujo"
(夏少女)
120 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Futari no Moon River"
(ふたりのMoon River)
105 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
1986 "Yappashi...H!"
(ヤッパシ…H!)
111 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Complex Banzai!!"
(コンプレックスBanzai!!)
121 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"10gatsu no Christmas"
(10月のクリスマス)
88 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
1987 "Star"
9 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Hitomi ni Storm"
(瞳にStorm)
4 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Niji no Dreamer"
(虹のDreamer)
1 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Remember"
(with Onishi Yuka and Nakamura Yuma)
1 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
1988 "Believe Again"
2 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"C-Girl"
1 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Cecile"
(セシル)
1 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Melody"
2 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
1989 "True Love"
1 CD, LP, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Neverland ~ Yawara! Main Theme"
(Neverland~Yawara!メインテーマ~)
2 CD, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Koi no Rock n' Roll Circus"
(恋のロックンロール・サーカス)
4 CD, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Dream Power"
3 CD, Cassette, digital download, streaming
1990 "Chance!"
7 CD, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Boyfriend wo Tsukurou"
(ボーイフレンドをつくろう)
10 CD, Cassette, digital download, streaming
"Self Control"
13 CD, Cassette, digital download, streaming
1991 "Koi no Upside-Dow"
(恋のUpside-Down)
32 CD, Cassette, digital download, streaming
1992 "Itoshii Hito to Nemuritai"
(愛しい人と眠りたい)
42 CD, digital download, streaming
1993 "Hitori"
(ひとり)
- CD, digital download, streaming
1997 "Ring Ring Ring"
129 CD
1998 "Bukiyou na Tenshi"
(器用な天使)
- CD
2005 "Egao no Watashi"
(笑顔の私)
196 CD
"—" denotes items which did not chart

Digital single

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Year Single Reference
2021 "Light a Shine: Tsuki Wa Zutto Miteiru"
[11]

Home video

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List of home-video releases, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak positions
JPN
Oricon

[10]
Only Yui
  • Released: July 3, 1987
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
-
Candid Girl
  • Released: July 1, 1988
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
-
Fun!Fan!Fun! Yui Graffiti
  • Released: January 1, 1989
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: VHS, LD
-
Rock n' Roll Circus'89 Asaka Yui Sparkling Live
  • Released: December 16, 1989
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: VHS, LD, DVD
-
Self Control
  • Released: November 18, 1990
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: VHS, LD
-
Yui Asaka Live 2020: Happy Birthday 35th Anniversary
  • Released: November 18, 1990
  • Label: Warner
  • Formats: Blu-ray
-
"—" denotes items which did not chart

Filmography

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Dramas

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  • 1985 : Ikkyuusan
  • 1987 : Sukeban Deka III: Shoujo Ninpou Chou Denki
  • 1988 : Kanou Juuban Shoubu!
  • 1990 : AD Boogie
  • 1991 : Yo ni mo Kimyou na Monogatari
  • 1992 : Saimon Selection
  • 1992 : Nani mo Ienakute
  • 1999 : Yo ni mo Kimyou na Monogatari '99 Aki no Tokubetsuhen "Wafuku no Shoujo"
  • 2000 : Tadaima Manshitsu
  • 2000 : Quiz
  • 2000 : Kyoto Gion Irimuko Keijijikenbo 6
  • 2001 : Handoc!!!
  • 2002 : Kamaitachi no Yoru
  • 2003 : Satsujin Roke
  • 2004 : Rikon Yoteibi
  • 2005 : Mama! I Love You
  • 2006 : Virus Panic 2006 Natsu -Machi wa Kansenshita-
  • 2011 : Taira no Kiyomori

Films

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References

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  1. ^ "浅香唯". April 26, 2023.
  2. ^ Galbraith, Stuart (May 2008). The Toho Studios story: a history and complete filmography. Scarecrow Press. p. 364. ISBN 978-0-8108-6004-9. Retrieved July 15, 2011.
  3. ^ a b c d "浅香唯独白 芸能活動の休止理由…心身ボロボロだった窮地を救った母親のひと言". encount.press. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  4. ^ "「芸名を使えない」前事務所とトラブルの浅香唯が本名で出した写真集/壮絶「芸能スキャンダル会見」秘史". asagei.com. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  5. ^ "浅香唯、35周年記念の新曲「LIGHT A SHINE~月はずっと見ている」MVショートver.公開". barks. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  6. ^ "浅香唯、35周年記念の新曲「LIGHT A SHINE~月はずっと見ている」が、本日 9月9日(水) より先行配信!". barks. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  7. ^ "浅香唯の全楽曲をサブスク解禁". natalie music. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  8. ^ "浅香唯、全157曲サブスク解禁「80年代を知らない世代の方々にも聞いてもらえたら」". billboard Japan music. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  9. ^ "Warner Music Japan 浅香唯Discography". UMJ. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  10. ^ a b c d e "浅香唯のCD・DVDリリース一覧". Oricon. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  11. ^ "浅香唯 の作品" (in Japanese). Mora. Retrieved 6 December 2023.
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