Saishō Holds "Monzen-Nakachō Koi Zakura" Release Commemorative Great Yokogawa Cruise Event

Today, March 29th (Sunday), enka singer Saishō (23) held a cherry blossom viewing cruise event on the Great Yokogawa River in Monzen-Nakachō to commemorate the release of her new song "Monzen-Nakachō Koi Zakura".

Saishō, a disciple of Takashi Hosokawa, debuted on June 26, 2019, at the young age of 16. Now in her seventh year since debut and at 23 years old, she is actively involved in projects such as "Enka 7th Generation" and "Hosokawa Ichimon".

Her eighth single, "Monzen-Nakachō Koi Zakura," was released on January 7th (Wednesday). This song marks the first collaboration with composer Akira Shimon and lyricist Yuyu Yugi. It is a love song that reflects Saishō's life at 23 years old. Set in the atmospheric Fukagawa and Monzen-Nakachō area, rich with Edo charm, the song expresses longing for the cherry trees she once viewed with her lover as the seasons change from spring to summer and autumn, conveyed through a gentle melody.

In January, she performed the new song for the press in the "Tatsumi Shindō" bar district of Monzen-Nakachō, and has since been actively engaged in activities rooted in Monzen-Nakachō, the song's setting, including street performances. Just last week, she also performed at an event on the approach to Tomioka Hachimangū Shrine.

On this day, Saishō boarded a boat with about 30 fans on the Great Yokogawa River in Monzen-Nakachō, a famous cherry blossom spot, for a cruise. Before setting sail, Saishō spoke to reporters, saying, "This new song is a love song that reflects my own life, so today I hope everyone can listen to it while enjoying the cherry blossoms." Regarding her activities in Monzen-Nakachō, she expressed her joy: "I've had opportunities like shamisen street performances and stages on the approach to Tomioka Hachimangū Shrine, and the warm reception and words of encouragement, 'We'll support you,' have made me very happy."

After setting sail, she enjoyed the cherry blossoms with her fans on her first-ever cherry blossom viewing cruise. "This is my first time having such an opportunity, and it feels very precious to be able to share this with my fans, so I'm very happy," she said, while fans also took photos of Saishō and the cherry blossoms.

As the boat passed under the magnificent full bloom cherry trees arching over the river, Saishō stood up and sang her new song "Monzen-Nakachō Koi Zakura" with the cherry blossoms as her backdrop. Delivering her song to those watching from the riverbanks, she commented on this unique situation, "It's wonderful to be able to sing for so many people."

Following the performance, a relaxed free talk session allowed Saishō to enjoy conversations with her fans during the cruise. After the event concluded, Saishō shared her thoughts: "With everyone's strong support for 'Monzen-Nakachō Koi Zakura,' I want to work even harder with my three skills: shakuhachi, shamisen, and singing."

She is scheduled to make a second appearance at an event on the approach to Tomioka Hachimangū Shrine on April 4th (Saturday).