Bin Uehara


Bin Uehara was a Japanese music singer and soldier. He was known for using naniwa-bushi's kobushi vocalism in Japanese popular music. He was killed in action during the eastern New Guinea campaign during the Pacific War.

Life

Uehara was born as Rikiji Matsumoto in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from Senshu University, and made his professional debut with the song "Tsukimi Odori" under the Japanese division of Polydor Records in 1936. His famous songs included the 1937 song "Ruten". His vocal style, called kobushi, became popular as the more emphatic form among modern enka singers.
Uehara became a soldier in 1943, went to New Guinea, and was killed in battle on July 29, 1944.

Legacy

In 1976, a monument honoring him was established in his home city of Ōdate.

Discography

  • Tsumagoi dōchū : 1937
  • Ruten : 1937
  • Ryūsa no mamori : 1937
  • Shanghai dayori : 1938
  • Iroha jingi : 1938
  • Nankin dayori : 1938
  • Hokuman dayori : 1938
  • Butaichō to heitai : 1938 with Taro Shoji
  • Ore wa funanori : 1939
  • Otoko funanori : 1939
  • Butsuin dayori : 1941