Who is Chitose Hajime?
Q: Who is Chitose Hajime?
A: Chitose Hajime is a singer from Japan. She is from Amami Ōshima and sings in a style particular to that region, with distinctive falsetto effects.
Q: What was her early career like?
A: Chitose Hajime was recognized as a gifted folk singer at a young age. She won many folk song competitions, released two traditional folk albums on an indie label, and was approached by many record labels. She decided to study to become a beautician instead of pursuing music.
Q: What happened when she studied to become a beautician?
A: When studying to become a beautician, Hajime had severe allergic reactions to many of the chemicals used by beauticians. She withdrew from school, and seriously considered a music career.
Q: What did she release in 2001?
A: In 2001, she released a self-titled mini-album on the indie label Office Augusta which featured covers of older songs. This album was so well received that Hajime was pushed to release another mini-album entitled Kotonoha ( コトノハ, Kotonoha). This release featured 5 original tracks.
Q: What single did she release in 2002?
A: In 2002 she released her first major label single on Epic Records - "Wadatsumi no Ki" ( ワダツミの木, "Wadatsumi no Ki"). It was the third highest selling single of the year behind only Hikaru Utada 's " traveling ", and Ayumi Hamasaki 's " H ". Three months later, she released a brand new single, "Kimi wo Omō" ( 君ヲ想フ,"Kimi wo Omō") . While also very popular, it was not nearly the success that her first single was, although it did help to cement her as a permanent artist.
Q: How successful were her albums?
A: Her first major album Hainumikaze ( ハイヌミカゼ ,Hainumikaze) sold 800 000 copies , charted for 57 weeks ,and was the 16th highest selling album of the year . Her second major album Nomad Soul ( ノマド・ソウル , nomado souru ) followed shortly after . Her third original major album Hanadairo ( ハナダイロ , Hanadairo)was available in both regular edition and limited edition . The limited edition featured extra track “Shinda Onna no Ko”( 死んだ女の子 , “Shinda Onna no Ko” ) with Ryuichi Sakamoto as well as DVD containing music videos for “Kataritsugu Koto” and “Haru no Katami” .
Q:What did Chitose do after 2004 ?
A:After releasing live album and DVD in 2004 ,Chitose announced taking time away from music scene due getting married and having child .She successfully gave birth to girl on January 20 2005 before returning back into industry with single “Kataritsugu Koto”( 語り継ぐこと , “Kataritsugu Koto” )in November 2005 which reached #12 on Oricon charts .
