Masao Sen (千昌夫, Sen Masao, born 8 April 1947) is a Japanese Enka singer and businessman, of Iwate Prefecture, known for the song 'Kitaguni no Haru' ('North Country Spring').[1][2] He is affiliated with the talent agency NoReason Inc.

Masao Sen
千昌夫
Born(1947-04-08)8 April 1947
OriginRikuzentakata, Iwate, Iwate Prefecture, Japan
GenresEnka
OccupationSinger
Years active1965-

Career

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In 1977, he released his greatest hit, Kitaguni no haru [ja] ('North Country Spring'). It won the "Long Seller Award" at the 21st Japan Record Awards, sold 3 million copies, and was covered by notable artists such as Aki Yashiro, Teresa Teng, and Misora Hibari.[1]

Personal life

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Masao is the second son in a rural agricultural household and deliberately stressed his poor country origins as part of his image.[3]

He reportedly had a taste for blondes, and in 1972 married American jazz singer Joan Shepard [ja].[3]

During the Bubble era, he became extremely wealthy, owning a Rolls-Royce and living in a luxurious, 13-room home.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b "千昌夫の教訓". Retrieved 2020-05-04.
  2. ^ Sen Masao - Kitagunino Haru 千昌夫 - 北国の春 (Video file). 1 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2020 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ a b c "MASAO SEN: BIG IN JAPAN". Retrieved 2020-05-04.
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