anri apricot jam — *Apricot Jam* cover│© For Life Records

If Miki Matsubara is the queen of city pop, then Anri must be the lost princess, as she is by far one of the most iconic voices of the genre. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she has gifted us timeless city pop classics like I Can’t Stop the Loneliness, carving out a sound that influenced an entire genre, solidifying her place in the city pop hall of fame.

From Traditions to Entertainment

Anri grew up in a traditional Japanese family, where discipline was a central value. It didn’t take long before music became a channel for her to express herself, as she found solace in playing the piano while growing up. A natural attraction towards pop music introduced her to American names such as Olivia Newton-John, Joni Mitchell, Karen Carpenter, and more, who were a crucial influence in shaping Anri’s musical vision, which, as is the case for many of the city pop legends, find their origin in Western pop.

At the young age of 17, Anri made her debut in the music industry with the release of her first single, While Listening to Olivia, in 1978, written by Amii Ozaki. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, and Anri was quickly marked as a promising newcomer. That same year, her debut album Apricot Jam was released, laying the foundation for her journey to becoming a city pop icon.

The City Pop Era and Major Breakthroughs

City pop, with its breezy fusion of jazz, funk, and R&B, gained momentum in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The turning point in Anri’s fast-growing career came with the release of her third album, Heaven Beach (1982). This record included today’s city pop classics Last Summer Whisper and Fly By Day, which became the quintessential sound of city pop—effortless, melodic, and imbued with the essence of summer and urban sophistication.

However, it was her 1983 album, Timely!!, that cemented her status as a household name. Entirely produced and arranged by the celebrated Toshiki Kadomatsu, the album epitomized the sound of city pop and featured an array of hits that have become synonymous with the genre. Cat’s Eye, one of the album’s standout tracks, was used as the opening theme for the anime series of the same name, which was based on Tsukasa Hojo’s manga.

The song’s pulsating beat, catchy melody, and Anri’s sultry voice propelled it to the top of the Oricon charts, where it remained for five consecutive weeks. It became one of the first J-pop songs widely associated with an anime theme, setting the tone for future collaborations between pop artists and the anime industry.

Other iconic hits on Timely!! include Windy Summer, Stay By Me, and Anri’s all-time biggest hit I Can’t Stop the Loneliness, also known as Kanashimi ga Tomaranai. The album’s fusion of sophisticated songwriting, Kadomatsu’s signature rich arrangements, and Anri’s emotive vocal delivery introduced a new era of city pop.

International Collaborations and Expanding Horizons

Anri’s ambition led her beyond Japan’s borders, where she collaborated with an array of international names. In the 1980s, she worked with members of Toto—Jeff Porcaro, Steve Lukather, and David Paich—as well as Ray Parker Jr., known for his hit Ghostbusters. Her 1988 album Boogie Woogie Mainland showcased these international collaborations and a strong Earth, Wind & Fire influence, embodying a funkier, more dance-oriented direction. This album was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Oricon charts and selling over a million copies. Anri’s drive to incorporate these American elements allowed her to pioneer the introduction of Western funk and dance music into Japanese pop.

The 2000s saw Anri venturing into new musical territories. In 2002, she collaborated with jazz fusion guitarist Lee Ritenour to produce the album Smooth Jam – Quiet Storm, which blended city pop with contemporary jazz elements. The record featured contributions from an impressive lineup of Los Angeles-based session musicians, including bassist Jimmy Johnson, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, and percussionist Luis Conte. The album showcased Anri’s growing musical maturity through its polished production and sultry sound.

Key Songs and Influence on Japanese Culture

Beyond her commercial hits, Anri’s repertoire includes songs that have become part of the cultural fabric of Japan. Tracks such as Summer Candles and Dolphin Ring have become popular choices at Japanese weddings and celebrations. Her music’s popularity saw a resurgence in the 2010s, fueled by a renewed global interest in city pop and the rise of genres like vaporwave and future funk, which often sampled or paid homage to 1980s Japanese music.

Despite the ebb and flow of musical trends, Anri’s career has stood the test of time. With a discography that boasts over 40 albums and countless live performances, she remains a significant figure in Japanese music. In 1998, Anri performed Furusato, a traditional Japanese folk song, at the closing ceremony of the Nagano Winter Olympics.

Even into the 2020s, Anri continues to perform, warming our hearts with her timeless voice.