"Chiyoko Shimakura: Heart Exhibition" 3,000 people pay tribute to Chiyoko-san

Japan Columbia held the "Chiyoko Shimakura: Heart Exhibition" at JP Tower in Marunouchi, Tokyo, from November 7th to 9th, including her anniversary of death on November 8th, to mark the first anniversary of enka singer Chiyoko Shimakura's passing (Sponsors: Daiichi Kosho LIVE DAM, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, Keikyu Shinbaba Shopping Street Promotion Association).

The memorial altar set up at the venue

An opening ceremony was held at the venue on the 7th, prior to the official opening. Participants included freelance announcer Kazuo Tokumitsu, journalist Yasuhiro Tase, and singer-songwriter Kousetsu Minami, all of whom had close ties to the late artist.

At the outset, Yasuharu Hara, President and COO of Nippon Columbia, addressed the gathering: "Ms. Shimakura's gentle smile, warm personality, and numerous works are etched in our hearts. It even feels as if she is still watching over us from nearby. We hope this exhibition allows as many people as possible to connect with Ms. Shimakura's spirit."


Mr. Hara	Mr. Minami	Mr. Tase	Tokumitsu

Mr. Minami recalled his first encounter with Ms. Shimakura as "a pure, bell-like voice, like the sound of bells ringing on the radio during my elementary school days." He reflected on "Karatchi no Kobiki," a song he composed upon request for her 60th anniversary as a singer: "I never dreamed it would be her final recording. I learned she had liver cancer from the newspaper the day after she passed away. She was a strong woman." Mr. Tase, author of The Life of Shimakura Chiyoko, and Mr. Tokumitsu, who had been close friends with the late singer, also shared their memories.
Following this, the "Chiyoko Shimakura: Heart Exhibition" opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the four individuals.

Scene of the ribbon-cutting

The exhibition hall displayed stage costumes that adorned the singing career of "O-Chiyo-san," who lived solely for song, along with her autographed microphone, sheet music (Photo ①), including the letter she wrote when deciding to decline an appearance on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, items related to her interactions with her idol Misora Hibari (②③), and a newly discovered duet recording with her real sister, Toshiko (④). Approximately 250 items, some on public display for the first time, were exhibited.