Keiko Masuda of Pink Lady Spotted at Shin-Osaka Station Exuding Happy Atmosphere and Star Aura
In the evening of mid-August, a woman in a straw hat and jeans walking inside Shin-Osaka Station is Keiko Masuda (67), known as Kei from Pink Lady.
Pink Lady” shines brilliantly in the history of Showa-era music
Pink Lady, a duo consisting of Keiko Masuda and Mitsuyo Nemoto (66), known as Mie (currently Miu Mie), debuted in August 1976 with ‘Pepper Keibu.’ The song became a hit, selling 600,000 copies (according to Oricon), and earned them the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards that year.
“Their flashy outfits with plenty of exposure and the unique choreography with wide-legged dancing caused a sensation, sparking a ‘Pink Lady’ craze across Japan. Their subsequent songs ‘S.O.S’ and ‘Carmen ’77’ also topped the Oricon charts. ‘Nagisa no Sindbad’ became their first million-seller. Beyond just dancing, their high-pitched voice of Mie and the low-pitched voice of Kei, along with their chorus and expressive abilities, earned them high praise not just as idols but as artists,” said a music magazine editor.
Although Pink Lady left an impact that changed the music history of the Showa era, their active period lasted only 4 years and 7 months. They disbanded in March 1981, and Kei debuted as a solo artist under the name Keiko Masuda in November of the same year with the single ‘Suzume.’ The single sold 400,000 copies (according to Oricon).
“With a slow-tempo ballad that showcased her low-pitched voice, she completely reinvented the image of Pink Lady. In 1988, she studied chanson in Paris. The following year, she made her French debut with the album ‘SIMPLES CONFIDENCES,’ which featured 10 tracks composed entirely of French and English songs,” said the aforementioned editor.
Since then, Pink Lady has reunited for limited periods several times, performing their classic style and choreography with perfect execution on music programs.
“She has continued classical ballet for over 30 years to maintain her health and build stamina, and she started Pilates about 10 years ago. She also consistently performs stretching exercises every day. Like Miu Mie, her thorough approach to self-management as a professional artist has garnered significant praise from those in the music industry,” said the aforementioned editor.
Overflowing Star Aura
Returning to the beginning of the story, on this day, Masuda had traveled from Tokyo with staff, pulling a large trunk case for a solo live performance scheduled for the following day in Osaka. The Shin-Osaka Station was crowded with travelers returning home for the Obon holiday. Despite the hustle and bustle, Masuda seemed relieved to have safely met up with the staff holding the ‘Billboard Live Osaka’ board, and she maintained a cheerful smile throughout, showing no signs of fatigue.
Her youthful appearance prompted some people who noticed her to exclaim, “Kei-chan looks so young!” Masuda had previously shared her thoughts on how she sees herself now at over 60 in an interview with Asahi Shimbun Digital (published August 31, 2022).
“Even when I was young, I was striving hard and it was beautiful and wonderful, and I lived through that era. But now, over 60, I want to cherish the atmosphere and happy aura I exude.
If there is a sense of desperation or a lack of inner calm, I think it can make one appear expressionless and intimidating. Instead, I hope to age as gracefully as possible. It would be wonderful if I could live in a way that gives a bit of hope to those slightly younger than me, showing that growing older is something beautiful.”
On this day, Masuda’s demeanor overflowed with that ‘happy atmosphere.’ We certainly hope to continue seeing the energetic Pink Lady in the future.
