Chanson Singer Kumiko Releases New Album and Performs Commemorative Live in Shinjuku
On May 27, Kumiko released her new album 'Chansontic Songs Vol. 2' and held a commemorative performance at the historic Shinjuku venue 'Champagne.' The event included the announcement of new music videos and an upcoming autumn concert tour.
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- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 05:00
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On May 27, singer Kumiko released her latest chanson album, 'Chansontic Songs Vol. 2 – Weaving Eras, Singing Stories,' marking a new milestone in her career. To celebrate the launch, she performed a live set at 'Champagne,' a venerable chanson club in Shinjuku founded by the late Michiichi Yatabe, who penned the Japanese lyrics for the classic song 'Saikai.'
The new album emphasizes storytelling, drawing inspiration from the legendary chanteuse Yukari Kaneko. It features a diverse range of tracks, from 'Ai no Ballad' (the theme of the film 'The Inugami Family') to folk and popular songs, all reimagined through a chanson lens. Renowned producer Rieko Zanma, who played a key role in the chanson movement and discovered Yukari Kaneko, attended the event as a special guest.
During the performance, Kumiko delivered renditions of 'Saikai' and 'Ai no Ballad.' Zanma joined Kumiko on stage for a talk session, expressing her long-held wish to hear Kumiko cover 'Saikai.' Other highlights included a dramatic interpretation of Miyuki Nakajima's 'Toki wa Nagarete,' the peace-themed 'Imjin River,' and Akihiro Miwa's 'Yoitomake no Uta.' The finale featured 'Hymne à l'amour.'
Simultaneous with the album release, music videos for 'Saikai' and 'Ai no Ballad' were premiered on Kumiko's official YouTube channel. The singer also announced her autumn tour, culminating in a special performance at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall on October 30, which will feature a strings section and guest performers Baby Boo.
[Music Videos]
'Saikai': https://youtu.be/BD5wbFgvkLI
'Ai no Ballad': https://youtu.be/VtQzy8JJWsU
[Release Information]
Released May 27
'Chansontic Songs Vol. 2 – Weaving Eras, Singing Stories'
COCP-42696 / ¥3,500 (tax incl.)
1. Ai no Ballad
2. Pierrot no Shinju
3. Toki wa Nagarete
4. Imjin River
5. Saikai
6. Ai no Tsuioku
7. Yurei
8. Hymne à l'amour (2024 Rec)
9. Woman ~W no Higeki yori~ (2025 Rec)
10. Yoitomake no Uta (2023 Rec)
[Concert Information]
Sept 5: Sendai
Oct 1: Nagoya
Oct 8: Sapporo
Oct 10: Kobe
Oct 30: Tokyo Opera City (Guest: Baby Boo)
The new album emphasizes storytelling, drawing inspiration from the legendary chanteuse Yukari Kaneko. It features a diverse range of tracks, from 'Ai no Ballad' (the theme of the film 'The Inugami Family') to folk and popular songs, all reimagined through a chanson lens. Renowned producer Rieko Zanma, who played a key role in the chanson movement and discovered Yukari Kaneko, attended the event as a special guest.
During the performance, Kumiko delivered renditions of 'Saikai' and 'Ai no Ballad.' Zanma joined Kumiko on stage for a talk session, expressing her long-held wish to hear Kumiko cover 'Saikai.' Other highlights included a dramatic interpretation of Miyuki Nakajima's 'Toki wa Nagarete,' the peace-themed 'Imjin River,' and Akihiro Miwa's 'Yoitomake no Uta.' The finale featured 'Hymne à l'amour.'
Simultaneous with the album release, music videos for 'Saikai' and 'Ai no Ballad' were premiered on Kumiko's official YouTube channel. The singer also announced her autumn tour, culminating in a special performance at Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall on October 30, which will feature a strings section and guest performers Baby Boo.
[Music Videos]
'Saikai': https://youtu.be/BD5wbFgvkLI
'Ai no Ballad': https://youtu.be/VtQzy8JJWsU
[Release Information]
Released May 27
'Chansontic Songs Vol. 2 – Weaving Eras, Singing Stories'
COCP-42696 / ¥3,500 (tax incl.)
1. Ai no Ballad
2. Pierrot no Shinju
3. Toki wa Nagarete
4. Imjin River
5. Saikai
6. Ai no Tsuioku
7. Yurei
8. Hymne à l'amour (2024 Rec)
9. Woman ~W no Higeki yori~ (2025 Rec)
10. Yoitomake no Uta (2023 Rec)
[Concert Information]
Sept 5: Sendai
Oct 1: Nagoya
Oct 8: Sapporo
Oct 10: Kobe
Oct 30: Tokyo Opera City (Guest: Baby Boo)
FAQ
What is the primary theme of the new album?
The album focuses on narrative storytelling through chanson, paying homage to legendary performers while covering various musical genres.
Who was the special guest at the Shinjuku live event?
Rieko Zanma, the veteran producer who discovered legendary singer Yukari Kaneko, attended the event.