Biographie
Momoe Yamaguchi was born on January 17, 1959, in Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Her mother named her Momoe, meaning "100 blessings," hoping she would lead a fortunate life. During the first four years of her life, she was raised by her grandparents, with whom she shares fond memories. In 1966, she, along with her mother and sister, moved to Yokosuka-shi, where she attended primary and secondary school.
In 1972, Momoe participated in a TV talent search program called "Star Tanjo." Although she finished as runner-up, 11 record companies expressed interest in signing her. She ultimately signed with Hori Production, a talent agency specializing in young singers and TV personalities. Momoe moved to Tokyo to take singing lessons and attend middle school.
Her recording debut came on April 14, 1973, with the song "Toshigoro," but her major breakthrough was her second single, "Aoi Kajitsu," composed by her teacher Shunichi Tokura with lyrics by Kazuya Senke. Throughout the 1970s, she became a nationally celebrated star.
In 1974, she met her future husband, Tomokazu Miura, a 22-year-old aspiring actor, during a commercial shoot. Her career flourished as she released hit singles and starred in the popular TV drama franchise known as the "Akai" series, named for the Japanese word "akai," meaning red, as every series title began with "Akai."
In 1979, Tomokazu Miura proposed to her in Hawaii. Momoe accepted and informed him that she planned to retire from show business after their marriage. In October 1980, she held her farewell concert at the Budokan arena. She married Tomokazu Miura at Reinan Church in Akasaka, Tokyo, on November 19, 1980.
Since then, Momoe has lived in Tokyo with her husband and their two sons. She retired from the entertainment industry in 1980 and has not appeared in any movies or TV dramas since.
