Generasia would not be possible without tokyograph and all the wonderful people who've contributed over the past 15 years. Thank you!

Difference between revisions of "CHARA"

m (moved Chara to CHARA)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
'''CHARA''' is a Japanese pop musician and actress, most recognised by her oddly toned voice. She has been cited as the influence for many other artists, such as [[Shiina Ringo]] and [[Bonnie Pink]]. She is most famous for singing the theme song to the movie [[index.php?title=Swallowtail&action=edit|Swallowtail]], called [[Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~]] (where she also played a starring role), which reached #1 on Oricon charts. She is also famous for her songs [[Yasashii Kimochi]] ([[index.php?title=Shiseido&action=edit|Shiseido]] [[index.php?title=Tisera J&action=edit|Tisera J]] CM song) and her duet with [[YUKI]] of [[JUDY AND MARY]], [[Ai no Hi 3tsu Orange]]. Common themes in her lyrics include motherhood, innocence, love, beauty, and cheerfulness.
+
[[File:CHARA - Honey Promo.jpg|320px|thumb|CHARA promoting [[Honey (CHARA)|honey]] (2008)]]
 +
'''CHARA''' is a [[J-Pop|Japanese pop]] musician and actress, most recognised by her oddly toned voice. She has been cited as the influence for many other artists, such as [[Shiina Ringo]] and [[BONNIE PINK]]. She is most famous for singing the theme song to the movie [[Swallowtail]], called [[Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~]] (where she also played a starring role), which reached #1 on Oricon charts. She is also famous for her songs [[Yasashii Kimochi]] ([[Shiseido]] [[Tisera J]] CM song) and her duet with [[YUKI]] of [[JUDY AND MARY]], [[Ai no Hi 3tsu Orange]]. Common themes in her lyrics include motherhood, innocence, love, beauty, and cheerfulness.
  
−
===From Wiki.theppn===
+
==Profile==
−
 
+
* '''Name:''' CHARA (ちゃら)
−
<div id="contentSub"></div><div id="jump-to-nav">Jump to: [[wiki/#column-one|navigation]], [[wiki/#searchInput|search]]</div><div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 302px">[[Image:chara1.jpg|[[Image:300px-chara1.jpg|300px|Chara promoting Something Blue (2005)]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:chara1.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>Chara promoting [[Something Blue]] (2005)</div></div></div>
 
−
 
 
−
==<span class="mw-headline"> Profile </span>==
 
−
 
 
−
* '''Name:''' Chara (ちゃら)
 
 
* '''Real name:''' Satou Miwa (佐藤美和) (maiden name: Watabiki Miwa (綿引美和))
 
* '''Real name:''' Satou Miwa (佐藤美和) (maiden name: Watabiki Miwa (綿引美和))
 
* '''Birthdate:''' 1968.01.13
 
* '''Birthdate:''' 1968.01.13
 
* '''Birthplace:''' Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
 
* '''Birthplace:''' Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
−
* '''[[Blood Type]]<nowiki>:</nowiki>''' AB
+
* '''[[Blood Type]]:''' AB
  
−
==<span class="mw-headline">Information</span>==
+
==Information==
 +
<div align="justify">
 +
===Pre-Debut - Debut===
 +
Born Watabiki Miwa, young CHARA earned her nickname in her third year at primary school from her teacher (''charachara'' means "scatterbrained") and has been called such ever since. She has always been musically involved; CHARA began composing music in her early years of elementary school (her first song was one called "Sayonara" (サヨナラ; ''Goodbye'') which she composed at the age of six) and played keyboard in a band from her second year of high school. By the time she was 20, CHARA had begun singing in clubs like the [[Shibuya Club Quattro]]. In 1990 she was signed to [[Sony Music Entertainment]], releasing her debut single, [[Heaven (CHARA)|Heaven]], the following year. The single was quickly followed by her debut album [[Sweet (CHARA album)|Sweet]], which reached the low position of #61 on Oricon.
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Pre-Debut - Debut</span>===
+
CHARA became the centre of attention in the 1990s as a fashion icon, appearing on the covers of magazines such as [[Anan]] and [[Olive (magazine)|Olive]]. She was even the first woman ever to be on the cover of [[Rock On Japan]], a magazine previously oriented for male rock. Furthermore, CHARA's sophomore album would fare much better. [[Soul Kiss|SOUL KISS]], despite its singles not selling very much, reached a considerable improvement of #14. It would later win the [[Japanese Grand Prix]] award for the best new rock artist. In October 1992 CHARA would become a radio personality at [[FM Yokohama]]; with the show "Yokohama Chara Machi 8-5-7" (横浜チャラ町8-4-7). In 1993 CHARA would release her first single to chart on Oricon charts, as [[Mujintou ni Watashi wo Motte Itte...]] would be used as the [[Shiseido]] [[PJ Lapis]] CM song (it would reach #66 on the charts). Her popularity would continue to rise and levelled off at around 1993, with her third and fourth albums, [[Violet Blue]] and [[Happy Toy]], reaching an increasingly high #4. In 1994 CHARA would star in her first movie, the [[Iwai Shunji]] directed film [[PiCNiC]] where she played the mental patient Coco. She would go on to marry her co-star [[Asano Tadanobu]] (who played fellow mental patient Tsumuji) in 1995. Currently, the pair have two children, a daughter Sumire (born 1995) and later a son Himi (born 1999).
  
−
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 232px">[[Image:Chara I'm in Love promo pic.jpg|[[Image:230px-Chara_I'm_in_Love_promo_pic.jpg|230px|CHARA on the back cover of Koi wo Shita (1993)]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:Chara I'm in Love promo pic.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>CHARA on the back cover of [[Koi wo Shita]] (1993)</div></div></div><div align="justify">
+
===Swallowtail to Fame===
 +
CHARA would star in a second movie, [[index.php?title=Swallowtail&action=edit|Swallowtail]], in 1996 as the prostitute Glico. Filming would start in February 1996, and later in May CHARA would move to New York to record for the upcoming image album for the movie. After the fim's 1996.09.14 release it would become a hit (it was the most popular movie of 1996), and would win CHARA the Japanese Academy Award for Best Actress. The theme song [[Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~]], which was released under the name "YEN TOWN BAND" (a musical unit associated with the plot of the film) was propelled to the #1 position after the movie's release (it had already been on the market for two months). The accompanying image album for the film, [[Montage]], saw similar success; debuting at #1 in its first week. The ablum was produced by mogul music producer [[Kobayashi Takeshi]] (who further provided the music for the movie [[Lily Chou-Chou no Subete]]).
  
−
Born Watabiki Miwa, young CHARA earned her nickname in her third year at primary school from her teacher (''charachara'' means "scatterbrained") and has been called such ever since. She has always been musically involved; CHARA began composing music in her early years of elementary school (her first song was one called "Sayonara" (サヨナラ; ''Goodbye'') which she composed at the age of six) and played keyboard in a band from her second year of high school. By the time she was 20, CHARA had begun singing in clubs like the [[index.php?title=Shibuya Club Quattro&action=edit|Shibuya Club Quattro]]. In 1990 she was signed to [[Sony]], releasing her debut single, [[Heaven (Chara)|Heaven]], the following year. The single was quickly followed by her debut album [[Sweet (Chara album)|Sweet]], which reached the low position of #61 on Oricon.
+
This newly found mega-stardom would also rub off onto CHARA's subsequent releases. Her next single, [[Yasashii Kimochi]], was a hit after being used in the [[Shiseido]] [[Tisera J]] commercials; reaching #7 on Oricon. [[Junior Sweet]], her next album, proved to be an amazingly successful release - not only gaining #1 on Oricon but selling over 1,000,000 copies.
  
−
CHARA became the centre of attention in the 1990s as a fashion icon, appearing on the covers of magazines such as [[index.php?title=Anan&action=edit|Anan]] and [[index.php?title=Olive&action=edit|Olive]]. She was even the first woman ever to be on the cover of [[index.php?title=Rock On Japan&action=edit|Rock On Japan]], a magazine previously oriented for male rock. Furthermore, CHARA's sophomore album would fare much better. [[Soul Kiss|SOUL KISS]], despite its singles not selling very much, reached a considerable improvement of #14. It would later win the Japanese [[index.php?title=Grand Prix&action=edit|Grand Prix]] award for the best new rock artist. In October 1992 CHARA would become a radio personality at [[index.php?title=FM Yokohama&action=edit|FM Yokohama]]<nowiki>; with the show "Yokohama Chara Machi 8-5-7" (横浜チャラ町8-4-7). In 1993 CHARA would release her first single to chart on Oricon charts, as </nowiki>[[Mujintou ni Watashi wo Motte Itte...]] would be used as the [[index.php?title=Shiseido&action=edit|Shiseido]] [[index.php?title=PJ Lapis&action=edit|PJ Lapis]] CM song (it would reach #66 on the charts). Her popularity would continue to rise and levelled off at around 1993, with her third and fourth albums, [[Violet Blue]] and [[Happy Toy]], reaching an increasingly high #4. In 1994 CHARA would star in her first movie, the [[index.php?title=Iwai Shunji&action=edit|Iwai Shunji]] directed film [[index.php?title=PiCNiC&action=edit|PiCNiC]] where she played the mental patient Coco. She would go on to marry her co-star [[Asano Tadanobu]] (who played fellow mental patient Tsumuji) in 1995. Currently, the pair have two children, a daughter Sumire (born 1995) and later a son Himi (born 1999).
+
===Continued Career - End of Sony===
 +
CHARA's next few singles would not fare as well as Junior Sweet did. [[Milk (CHARA)|Milk]] would barely break the top 50 and [[Duca|DUCA]] the top 25. However, her third single since Junior Sweet, [[Hikari to Watashi]], would break the top 20 as it was used as the Warner-Lambert [[CALORIO]] commercial song. This single would fuel the sales for CHARA's 7th album [[Strange Fruits]], reaching #3 on Oricon. A further hit for CHARA would prove to be [[Ai no Hi 3tsu Orange]], a duet between [[YUKI]] of [[JUDY AND MARY]] fame. After several more top 20 hits and a best collection, CHARA would collaborate with [[Wikipedia:James Iha|James Iha]], guitarist of [[[Wikipedia:The Smashing Pumpkins|The Smashing Pumpkins]] on two tracks; the title tracks for the singles [[Skirt]] and [[Boku ni Utsushite]]. This would follow with her 8th studio album [[Madrigal]].
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Swallowtail to Fame</span>===
+
Soon after Madrigal's release, a band that was conceived by CHARA in 1998, [[Mean Machine]], released their debut album [[Cream|CREAM]]. The band was fronted by actress [[Ito Ayumi]] (who co-starred in [[Swallowtail]] with CHARA and currently is known for voicing [[Wikipedia:Tifa Lockhart|Tifa Lockhart]] in the movie [[Wikipedia:Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children|Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children]]). CHARA, alongside [[YUKI]] was one of the two drummers of the band (as well as this pair being the principle songwriters). Despite being formed so many years before, the band progressed slowly due to the many schedule conflicts between the famous members of the band. The album reached #7 on [[Oricon]] charts.
−
 
 
−
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 232px">[[Image:Chara Glic.jpg|[[Image:230px-Chara_Glic.jpg|230px|CHARA as Glico in Swallowtail (1996)]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:Chara Glic.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>CHARA as Glico in [[index.php?title=Swallowtail&action=edit|Swallowtail]] (1996)</div></div></div>
 
−
 
 
−
CHARA would star in a second movie, [[index.php?title=Swallowtail&action=edit|Swallowtail]], in 1996 as the prostitute Glico. Filming would start in February 1996, and later in May CHARA would move to New York to record for the upcoming image album for the movie. After the fim's 1996.09.14 release it would become a hit (it was the most popular movie of 1996), and would win CHARA the Japanese Academy Award for Best Actress. The theme song [[Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~]], which was released under the name "YEN TOWN BAND" (a musical unit associated with the plot of the film) was propelled to the #1 position after the movie's release (it had already been on the market for two months). The accompanying image album for the film, [[Montage]], saw similar success; debuting at #1 in its first week. The ablum was produced by mogul music producer [[index.php?title=Kobayashi Takeshi&action=edit|Kobayashi Takeshi]] (who further provided the music for the movie [[index.php?title=Lily Chou-Chou no Subete&action=edit|Lily Chou-Chou no Subete]]).
 
−
 
 
−
This newly found mega-stardom would also rub off onto CHARA's subsequent releases. Her next single, [[Yasashii Kimochi]], was a hit after being used in the [[index.php?title=Shiseido&action=edit|Shiseido]] [[index.php?title=Tisera J&action=edit|Tisera J]] commercials; reaching #7 on Oricon. [[Junior Sweet]], her next album, proved to be an amazingly successful release - not only gaining #1 on Oricon but selling over 1,000,000 copies.
 
−
 
 
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Continued Career - End of Sony</span>===
 
−
 
 
−
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 232px">[[Image:Chara Cutie.jpg|[[Image:230px-Chara_Cutie.jpg|230px|CHARA portrayed in Cutie magazine (1999)]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:Chara Cutie.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>CHARA portrayed in [[index.php?title=Cutie&action=edit|Cutie]] magazine (1999)</div></div></div>
 
−
 
 
−
CHARA's next few singles would not fare as well as Junior Sweet did. [[Milk]] would barely break the top 50 and [[Duca|DUCA]] the top 25. However, her third single since Junior Sweet, [[Hikari to Watashi]], would break the top 20 as it was used as the Warner-Lambert [[index.php?title=Calorio&action=edit|CALORIO]] commercial song. This single would fuel the sales for CHARA's 7th album [[Strange Fruits]], reaching #3 on Oricon. A further hit for CHARA would prove to be [[Ai no Hi 3tsu Orange]], a duet between [[YUKI]] of [[JUDY AND MARY]] fame. After several more top 20 hits and a best collection, CHARA would collaborate with [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Iha James Iha], guitarist of [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Smashing_Pumpkins The Smashing Pumpkins] on two tracks; the title tracks for the singles [[Skirt]] and [[Boku ni Utsushite]]. This would follow with her 8th studio album [[Madrigal]].
 
−
 
 
−
<div class="thumb tleft"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 202px">[[Image:Chara3.jpg|[[Image:200px-Chara3.jpg|200px|CHARA promoting Madrigal (2001)]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:Chara3.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>CHARA promoting [[Madrigal]] (2001)</div></div></div>
 
−
 
 
−
Soon after Madrigal's release, a band that was conceived by CHARA in 1998, [[Mean Machine]], released their debut album [[Cream|CREAM]]. The band was fronted by actress [[Ito Ayumi]] (who co-starred in [[index.php?title=Swallowtail&action=edit|Swallowtail]] with CHARA and currently is known for voicing [[index.php?title=Tifa Lockhart&action=edit|Tifa Lockhart]] in the movie [[index.php?title=Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children&action=edit|Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children]]). CHARA, alongside [[YUKI]] was one of the two drummers of the band (as well as this pair being the principle songwriters). Despite being formed so many years before, the band progressed slowly due to the many schedule conflicts between the famous members of the band. The album reached #7 on Oricon charts.
 
  
 
After several sporadic released in 2003 and 2003, CHARA would come back for an album called [[Yoake Mae]], which was not as successful as her previous efforts.
 
After several sporadic released in 2003 and 2003, CHARA would come back for an album called [[Yoake Mae]], which was not as successful as her previous efforts.
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Indies - Universal</span>===
+
===Indies - Universal===
−
 
+
After releasing a special self-cover project album [[A Scenery Like Me]] in 2004 (in which she covered many of her old tracks that were popular at the time and added new vocals/arrangements to them) and collaborating in December of the same year with [[MISIA]] for the song [[Mama Says]], CHARA would split with her longtime record company Sony. The split happened in 2005, and following this CHARA would continue on as an indies artist. She produced [[Something Blue|something blue]] in 2005, a fanclub only release that was completely self-produced. CHARA would also release a digital single in this period called [[Hikari no Niwa]] (光の庭) that was used as the image song for the movie [[Koutei Penguin]]. Furthermore, CHARA would even collaborate with [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]] in this time, being the vocalist for them on their single [[Sapphire no Hoshi]] (サファイアの星) in February 2006.
−
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 232px">[[Image:Chara sekaiprom.jpg|[[Image:230px-Chara_sekaiprom.jpg|230px|CHARA promoting Sekai (2006)]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:Chara sekaiprom.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>CHARA promoting [[Sekai]] (2006)</div></div></div>
 
−
 
 
−
After releasing a special self-cover project album [[A Scenery Like Me]] in 2004 (in which she covered many of her old tracks that were popular at the time and added new vocals/arrangements to them) and collaborating in December of the same year with [[MISIA]] for the song [[index.php?title=Mama Says&action=edit|Mama Says]], CHARA would split with her longtime record company Sony. The split happened in 2005, and following this CHARA would continue on as an indies artist. She produced [[Something Blue|something blue]] in 2005, a fanclub only release that was completely self-produced. CHARA would also release a digital single in this period called [[index.php?title=Hikari no Niwa&action=edit|Hikari no Niwa]] (光の庭) that was used as the image song for the movie [[index.php?title=Koutei Penguin&action=edit|Koutei Penguin]]. Furthermore, CHARA would even collaborate with [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]] in this time, being the vocalist for them on their single [[index.php?title=Sapphire no Hoshi&action=edit|Sapphire no Hoshi]] (サファイアの星) in February 2006.
 
−
 
 
−
In mid 2006 CHARA would once again make a comeback to the major label music scene; signing with [[index.php?title=Universal Records&action=edit|Universal Records]]. Her re-debut single [[Sekai]] was used as the [[index.php?title=Docomo&action=edit|Docomo]] [[index.php?title=FOMA N702IS&action=edit|FOMA N702IS]] CM song, and reached #24 on Oricon charts. This single was followed up by the [[Fantastic Plastic Machine]]-produced dance track [[Crazy for You|Crazy for you]].
 
−
 
 
−
The beging of the new year proved to be very successfully for Chara. She released the [[Fantasy (Chara)|FANTASY]] single, which reached #13 on the [[Oricon]]<nowiki>; selling 13,000 copies. The single was a great success for Chara being her best ranking single since 2000's </nowiki>[[Tsuki to Amai Namida]]. In February of 2007, Chara released her first album under [[index.php?title=Unverisal&action=edit|Unverisal]], and her first studio album in two years. The album peaked at #4 on the [[Oricon]]<nowiki>; selling over 50,000 copies. </nowiki>
 
−
 
 
−
Chara then went on tour to promote the album. During this time she was also a featured on the hip-pop [[m-flo]]'s final [[m-flo loves...|loves]] album, [[Cosmicolor|COSMICOLOR]]. She was featured on the jazz/hip-hop fusion track titled, [[index.php?title=Love to Live By&action=edit|Love to Live By]]. Before the album's release there was an animated [[PV|music video]] for the song released.
 
  
−
Chara re-appeared in in late August. On August 29th she released two things: [[Live Life ~Chara's Union Live House Tour 2007~|LIVE LIFE ~Chara's UNION Live House Tour 2007~]] a DVD with footage from her recent tour and her 33rd single [[Cherry Cherry]], which was inspirered by 1960's pop songs and the 1973 film [http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Graffiti American Graffiti].
+
In mid 2006 CHARA would once again make a comeback to the major label music scene; signing with [[Universal Music Japan|Universal Records]]. Her re-debut single [[Sekai]] was used as the [[Docomo]] [[FOMA N702IS]] CM song, and reached #24 on Oricon charts. This single was followed up by the [[Fantastic Plastic Machine]]-produced dance track [[Crazy for You|Crazy for you]].
  
−
</div>
+
The beging of the new year proved to be very successfully for Chara. She released the [[Fantasy (Chara)|FANTASY]] single, which reached #13 on the [[Oricon]]; selling 13,000 copies. The single was a great success for Chara being her best ranking single since 2000's [[Tsuki to Amai Namida]]. In February of 2007, Chara released her first album under [[Universal Music Japan|Unverisal]], and her first studio album in two years. The album peaked at #4 on the [[Oricon]]; selling over 50,000 copies.
  
−
==<span class="mw-headline">Discography</span>==
+
CHARA then went on tour to promote the album. During this time she was also a featured on the hip-pop [[m-flo]]'s final ''m-flo loves...'' album, [[Cosmicolor|COSMICOLOR]]. She was featured on the jazz/hip-hop fusion track titled, [[Love to Live By]]. Before the album's release there was an animated [[PV|music video]] for the song released.
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Albums</span>===
+
CHARA re-appeared in in late August. On August 29th she released two things: [[Live Life ~Chara's Union Live House Tour 2007~|LIVE LIFE ~Chara's UNION Live House Tour 2007~]] a DVD with footage from her recent tour and her 33rd single [[Cherry Cherry]], which was inspirered by 1960's pop songs and the 1973 film [[Wikipedia:American Graffiti|American Graffiti]].
  
−
* [1991.11.01] [[Sweet (Chara album)|Sweet]]
+
==Discography==
 +
===Albums===
 +
* [1991.11.01] [[Sweet (CHARA album)|Sweet]]
 
* [1992.09.01] [[Soul Kiss|SOUL KISS]]
 
* [1992.09.01] [[Soul Kiss|SOUL KISS]]
 
* [1993.09.09] [[Violet Blue]]
 
* [1993.09.09] [[Violet Blue]]
−
 
−
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 232px">[[Image:Chara Unioprom.jpg|[[Image:230px-Chara_Unioprom.jpg|230px|CHARA promoting her comeback album UNION (2007)]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:Chara Unioprom.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>CHARA promoting her comeback album [[Union|UNION]] (2007)</div></div></div>
 
−
 
 
* [1994.10.10] [[Happy Toy]]
 
* [1994.10.10] [[Happy Toy]]
 
* [1996.09.16] [[Montage]] ('''YEN TOWN BAND''')
 
* [1996.09.16] [[Montage]] ('''YEN TOWN BAND''')
Line 77: Line 52:
 
* [2005.08.31] [[Something Blue|something blue]]
 
* [2005.08.31] [[Something Blue|something blue]]
 
* [2007.02.28] [[Union|UNION]]
 
* [2007.02.28] [[Union|UNION]]
 +
* [2008.06.25] [[Honey (CHARA)|honey]]
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Other Albums</span>===
+
===Other Albums===
−
 
 
 
* [1995.10.10] [[Chara The Best Baby Baby Baby XXX|CHARA THE BEST BABY BABY BABY XXX]] (Best Album)
 
* [1995.10.10] [[Chara The Best Baby Baby Baby XXX|CHARA THE BEST BABY BABY BABY XXX]] (Best Album)
 
* [2000.03.08] [[Live 97-99 Mood]] (Live Album)
 
* [2000.03.08] [[Live 97-99 Mood]] (Live Album)
Line 85: Line 60:
 
* [2004.02.18] [[A Scenery Like Me]] (Self-Cover Album)
 
* [2004.02.18] [[A Scenery Like Me]] (Self-Cover Album)
 
* [2007.09.05] [[Sugar Hunter ~The Best Love Song of Chara~|Sugar Hunter ~THE BEST LOVE SONG OF CHARA~]]
 
* [2007.09.05] [[Sugar Hunter ~The Best Love Song of Chara~|Sugar Hunter ~THE BEST LOVE SONG OF CHARA~]]
 +
* [2008.09.24] [[Kiss (CHARA)|Kiss]] (Mini-album)
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Singles</span>===
+
===Singles===
−
 
+
* [1991.09.21] [[Heaven (CHARA)|Heaven]]
−
* [1991.09.21] [[Heaven (Chara)|Heaven]]
+
* [1992.01.22] [[Sweet (CHARA single)|Sweet]]
−
* [1992.01.22] [[Sweet (Chara single)|Sweet]]
 
 
* [1992.04.22] [[No Toy (Re-mix)]]
 
* [1992.04.22] [[No Toy (Re-mix)]]
 
* [1992.07.01] [[Ooki na Jishin ga Kitatte]] (大きな地震がきたって; ''Even If a Big Earthquake Comes'')
 
* [1992.07.01] [[Ooki na Jishin ga Kitatte]] (大きな地震がきたって; ''Even If a Big Earthquake Comes'')
 
* [1992.11.01] [[Ai no Jibaku Souchi]] (愛の自爆装置; ''Equipment for a Love Suicide Bombing'')
 
* [1992.11.01] [[Ai no Jibaku Souchi]] (愛の自爆装置; ''Equipment for a Love Suicide Bombing'')
−
* [1993.03.21] [[Mujintou ni Watashi wo Motte Itte...]] (無人島に私をもっていって...; ''Carry Me Away to a Deserted Island'')
+
* [1993.03.21] [[Mujintou ni Watashi wo Motte Itte...]] (無人島に私をもっていって...; ''Carry Me Away to a Deserted Island...'')
 
* [1993.05.21] [[Charlotte no Okurimono / Private Beach|Charlotte no Okurimono / PRIVATE BEACH]] (シャーロットの贈り物; ''Charlotte's Web'')
 
* [1993.05.21] [[Charlotte no Okurimono / Private Beach|Charlotte no Okurimono / PRIVATE BEACH]] (シャーロットの贈り物; ''Charlotte's Web'')
 
* [1993.09.09] [[Koi wo Shita]] (恋をした; ''I'm in Love'')
 
* [1993.09.09] [[Koi wo Shita]] (恋をした; ''I'm in Love'')
Line 102: Line 77:
 
* [1995.09.21] [[The Singles Re-Mixed]]
 
* [1995.09.21] [[The Singles Re-Mixed]]
 
* [1996.07.22] [[Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~]] (あいのうた; ''Love Song'') ('''YEN TOWN BAND''')
 
* [1996.07.22] [[Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~]] (あいのうた; ''Love Song'') ('''YEN TOWN BAND''')
−
* [1996.11.21] [[Chara no Boogie Shoes]] (チャラのブギーシューズ; ''Chara's Boogie Shoes'') ('''Chara with''' [[index.php?title=THE 99 1/2&action=edit|THE 99 1/2]])
+
* [1996.11.21] [[Chara no Boogie Shoes]] (チャラのブギーシューズ; ''Chara's Boogie Shoes'') ('''CHARA with''' [[THE 99 1/2]])
 
* [1997.04.23] [[Yasashii Kimochi]] (やさしい気持ち; ''Good Feelings'')
 
* [1997.04.23] [[Yasashii Kimochi]] (やさしい気持ち; ''Good Feelings'')
 
* [1997.07.21] [[Time Machine]] (タイムマシーン)
 
* [1997.07.21] [[Time Machine]] (タイムマシーン)
−
* [1997.11.06] [[Milk]] (ミルク)
+
* [1997.11.06] [[Milk (CHARA)|Milk]] (ミルク)
 
* [1998.07.18] [[Duca|DUCA]]
 
* [1998.07.18] [[Duca|DUCA]]
 
* [1998.10.21] [[Hikari to Watashi]] (光と私; ''The Light and Me'')
 
* [1998.10.21] [[Hikari to Watashi]] (光と私; ''The Light and Me'')
Line 112: Line 87:
 
* [2000.08.23] [[Tsuki to Amai Namida]] (月と甘い涙; ''The Moon and Sweet Tears'')
 
* [2000.08.23] [[Tsuki to Amai Namida]] (月と甘い涙; ''The Moon and Sweet Tears'')
 
* [2000.10.12] [[Taisetsu wo Kizukumono]] (大切をきずくもの; ''Something That Makes You Mean More to Me'')
 
* [2000.10.12] [[Taisetsu wo Kizukumono]] (大切をきずくもの; ''Something That Makes You Mean More to Me'')
−
 
−
<div class="thumb tright"><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 232px">[[Image:Chara Bokunopromo.jpg|[[Image:230px-Chara_Bokunopromo.jpg|230px|CHARA promoting Boku no Koto wo Shitte (2007)]]]]<div class="thumbcaption"><div class="magnify" style="float: right">[[Image:Chara Bokunopromo.jpg|[[Image:magnify-clip.png]]]]</div>CHARA promoting [[Boku no Koto wo Shitte]] (2007)</div></div></div>
 
−
 
 
* [2001.04.25] [[Lemon Candy]] (レモンキャンディ)
 
* [2001.04.25] [[Lemon Candy]] (レモンキャンディ)
 
* [2001.07.04] [[Skirt]] (スカート)
 
* [2001.07.04] [[Skirt]] (スカート)
 
* [2001.10.11] [[Boku ni Utsushite]] (ボクにうつして; ''Reflected in Me'')
 
* [2001.10.11] [[Boku ni Utsushite]] (ボクにうつして; ''Reflected in Me'')
−
* [2002.10.09] [[Hatsukoi (Chara)|Hatsukoi]] (初恋; ''First Love'')
+
* [2002.10.09] [[Hatsukoi (CHARA)|Hatsukoi]] (初恋; ''First Love'')
 
* [2003.03.05] [[Mieru wa]] (みえるわ; ''I Can See It'')
 
* [2003.03.05] [[Mieru wa]] (みえるわ; ''I Can See It'')
 
* [2006.09.13] [[Sekai]] (世界; ''World'')
 
* [2006.09.13] [[Sekai]] (世界; ''World'')
Line 127: Line 99:
 
* [2008.01.16] [[Trophy|TROPHY]]
 
* [2008.01.16] [[Trophy|TROPHY]]
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">DVD / VHS</span>===
+
===DVD / VHS===
−
 
 
 
* [1993.07.21] [[Kiss (VHS)|KiSS]]
 
* [1993.07.21] [[Kiss (VHS)|KiSS]]
 
* [1997.09.21] [[Chara's Clip 1991-1997|CHARA'S CLIPS 1991~1997]]
 
* [1997.09.21] [[Chara's Clip 1991-1997|CHARA'S CLIPS 1991~1997]]
Line 136: Line 107:
 
* [2007.08.29] [[Live Life ~Chara's Union Live House Tour 2007~|LIVE LIFE ~Chara's UNION Live House Tour 2007~]]
 
* [2007.08.29] [[Live Life ~Chara's Union Live House Tour 2007~|LIVE LIFE ~Chara's UNION Live House Tour 2007~]]
  
−
===<span class="mw-headline">Compilation / Other</span>===
+
===Compilation / Other===
−
 
+
* [1992.10.21] [[Okamura Yasuyuki]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[Parachute Girl|Parachute★Girl]]"
−
* [1992.10.21] [[index.php?title=Okamura Yasuyuki&action=edit|Okamura Yasuyuki]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[index.php?title=Parachute Girl&action=edit|Parachute★Girl]]"
+
* [1993.11.01] [[Matsumura TITI]] - "[[Funa no You na Onna]] (ふなのような女)" (#2 ''Sekaiichi Youki na Otoko to Sekaiichi Youki na Onna feat. '''CHARA''''' (世界一陽気な男と世界一陰気な女), #4 ''Everytime We Say Good-bye feat. '''CHARA''''')
−
* [1993.11.01] [[index.php?title=Matsumura TITI&action=edit|Matsumura TITI]] - "[[index.php?title=Funa no You na Onna&action=edit|Funa no You na Onna]] (ふなのような女)" (#2 ''Sekaiichi Youki na Otoko to Sekaiichi Youki na Onna feat. '''CHARA''''' (世界一陽気な男と世界一陰気な女), #4 ''Everytime We Say Good-bye feat. '''CHARA''''')
+
* [1994.06.08] [[Nakayama Miho]] - "[[Pure White]]" (#8 ''Itazura ni Maneshitari...'' (いたずらにまねしたり...) (Lyrics&Comp=CHARA)
−
* [1994.06.08] [[index.php?title=Nakayama Miho&action=edit|Nakayama Miho]] - "[[index.php?title=Pure White&action=edit|Pure White]]" (#8 ''Itazura ni Maneshitari...'' (いたずらにまねしたり...) (Lyrics&Comp=CHARA)
+
* [1995.12.13] [[iOkamura Yasuyuki]] - "[[Kinjirareta Ikigai]]" (#6 ''Parachute★Girl feat. '''CHARA''''')
−
* [1995.12.13] [[index.php?title=Okamura Yasuyuki&action=edit|Okamura Yasuyuki]] - "[[index.php?title=Kinjirareta Ikigai&action=edit|Kinjirareta Ikigai]]" (#6 ''Parachute★Girl feat. '''CHARA''''')
+
* [1997.02.10] [[THE 99 1/2]] - "[[More (Than 100)|MORE (THAN 100)]]" (#5 ''Chara no Boogie Shoes'', #9 ''EYELINE'')
−
* [1997.02.10] [[index.php?title=THE 99 1/2&action=edit|THE 99 1/2]] - "[[index.php?title=More (Than 100)&action=edit|MORE (THAN 100)]]" (#5 ''Chara no Boogie Shoes'', #9 ''EYELINE'')
+
* [1998.04.29] [[GREAT3]] - "[[Caligula|CALiGULA]]" (#1 ''CALiGULA'') (Lyrics=CHARA)
−
* [1998.04.29] [[index.php?title=GREAT3&action=edit|GREAT3]] - "[[index.php?title=Caligula&action=edit|CALiGULA]]" (#1 ''CALiGULA'') (Lyrics=CHARA)
+
* [1998.05.20] [[Sandaime Uotake Hamada Shigeo]] - "[[Uta Sandaime Uotake Hamada Shigeo]]" (#3 ''Aozora'' (あおぞら; ''Blue Sky''))
−
* [1998.05.20] [[index.php?title=Sandaime Uotake Hamada Shigeo&action=edit|Sandaime Uotake Hamada Shigeo]] - "[[index.php?title=Uta Sandaime Uotake Hamada Shigeo&action=edit|Uta Sandaime Uotake Hamada Shigeo]]" (#3 ''Aozora'' (あおぞら; ''Blue Sky''))
+
* [1998.07.25] [[Ryo (artist)Ryo]] - "[[Kiete yo]]" (キエテヨ) (#1 ''Kiete yo'' (キエテヨ), #2 ''Anata. Watashi.''(あなた。私。)(Lyrics&Comp=CHARA)
−
* [1998.07.25] [[index.php?title=Ryo (artist)&action=edit|Ryo]] - "[[index.php?title=Kiete yo&action=edit|Kiete yo]]" (キエテヨ) (#1 ''Kiete yo'' (キエテヨ), #2 ''Anata. Watashi.''(あなた。私。)(Lyrics&Comp=CHARA)
+
* [1998.10.25] [[Ryo (artist)|Ryo]] - "[[Indigo Blue]]" (#1 ''Kiete yo'' (キエテヨ))(Lyrics&Comp=CHARA)
−
* [1998.10.25] [[index.php?title=Ryo (artist)&action=edit|Ryo]] - "[[index.php?title=Indigo Blue&action=edit|Indigo Blue]]" (#1 ''Kiete yo'' (キエテヨ))(Lyrics&Comp=CHARA)
+
* [1999.06.18] [[We Love Butchers]] (#1 ''12-getsu'' (１２月))
−
* [1999.06.18] [[index.php?title=We Love Butchers&action=edit|We Love Butchers]] (#1 ''12-getsu'' (１２月))
+
* [1999.06.23] [[Tei Towa]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[Let Me Know]]"
−
* [1999.06.23] [[index.php?title=Tei Towa&action=edit|Tei Towa]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[index.php?title=Let Me Know&action=edit|Let Me Know]]"
+
* [1999.07.28] [[iTei Towa]] - "[[Last Century Modern]]" (#10 ''Let Me Know feat. '''CHARA''''')
−
* [1999.07.28] [[index.php?title=Tei Towa&action=edit|Tei Towa]] - "[[index.php?title=Last Century Modern&action=edit|Last Century Modern]]" (#10 ''Let Me Know feat. '''CHARA''''')
+
* [1999.11.25] [[Tei Towa]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[Lost Control Mix]]" (7 ''Let Me Know (Mighty Bop Mix)'')
−
* [1999.11.25] [[index.php?title=Tei Towa&action=edit|Tei Towa]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[index.php?title=Lost Control Mix&action=edit|Lost Control Mix]]" (7 ''Let Me Know (Mighty Bop Mix)'')
+
* [2000.11.29] [[Satoshii Tomiie]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[Atari (Satoshii Tomiie)|ATARI]] (''Hit'')"
−
* [2000.11.29] [[index.php?title=Satoshii Tomiie&action=edit|Satoshii Tomiie]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[index.php?title=Atari (Satoshii Tomiie)&action=edit|ATARI]] (''Hit'')"
+
* [2001.01.31] [[atami]] - "[[Mica|MICA]]" (Lyrics=CHARA)
−
* [2001.01.31] [[index.php?title=atami&action=edit|atami]] - "[[index.php?title=Mica&action=edit|MICA]]" (Lyrics=CHARA)
 
 
* [2002.03.18] [[Japan For Sale Volume 2]] (#8 ''Skirt'')
 
* [2002.03.18] [[Japan For Sale Volume 2]] (#8 ''Skirt'')
−
* [2003.06.25] [[index.php?title=Relaxin' with Japanese Lovers Rock Collections&action=edit|Relaxin' with Japanese Lovers Rock Collections]] (#3 ''Junior Sweet (Sakuragarian Dub Mix)'')
+
* [2003.06.25] [[Relaxin' with Japanese Lovers Rock Collections]] (#3 ''Junior Sweet (Sakuragarian Dub Mix)'')
−
* [2003.12.17] [[index.php?title=THE 99 1/2&action=edit|THE 99 1/2]] - "[[index.php?title='One Night Special' Live Party!&action=edit|'one night special' LIVE PARTY!]] (#6 ''Atashi Nande Dakishimetai n' Darou?'', ''<nowiki>#7 </nowiki>''EYELINE'', #8 ''Chara no Boogie Shoes'', #12 ''STIR IT UP'')''
+
* [2003.12.17] [[THE 99 1/2]] - "[['One Night Special' Live Party!|'one night special' LIVE PARTY!]] (#6 ''Atashi Nande Dakishimetai n' Darou?'', ''<nowiki>#7 </nowiki>''EYELINE'', #8 ''Chara no Boogie Shoes'', #12 ''STIR IT UP'')''
 
* [2004.12.08] [[MISIA]] - "[[Singer for Singer|SINGER FOR SINGER]]" (#4 ''Mama Says feat. '''CHARA''''')
 
* [2004.12.08] [[MISIA]] - "[[Singer for Singer|SINGER FOR SINGER]]" (#4 ''Mama Says feat. '''CHARA''''')
−
* [2005.12.21] [[index.php?title=Yamashita Kumiko&action=edit|Yamashita Kumiko]] - "[[index.php?title=Duets&action=edit|Duets]]" (#3 ''Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara feat.'' '''Chara''' & [[Chiwaki Mayumi]] & [[YOU]] (やさしさに包まれたなら))
+
* [2005.12.21] [[Yamashita Kumiko]] - "[[Duets]]" (#3 ''Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara feat.'' '''Chara''' & [[Chiwaki Mayumi]] & [[YOU]] (やさしさに包まれたなら))
 
* [2006.02.15] [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[index.php?title=Sapphire no Hoshi&action=edit|Sapphire no Hoshi]] (サファイアの星)"
 
* [2006.02.15] [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]] feat. '''CHARA''' - "[[index.php?title=Sapphire no Hoshi&action=edit|Sapphire no Hoshi]] (サファイアの星)"
 
* [2006.12.13] [[Jewel Songs ~Seiko Matsuda Tribute & Covers~]] (#10 ''Hitomi wa Diamond'') (瞳はダイアモンド)
 
* [2006.12.13] [[Jewel Songs ~Seiko Matsuda Tribute & Covers~]] (#10 ''Hitomi wa Diamond'') (瞳はダイアモンド)
 
* [2007.03.21] [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]] - "[[index.php?title=Best of Tokyo Ska 1998-2007&action=edit|BEST OF TOKYO SKA 1998-2007]]" (#2-3 ''Sapphire no Hoshi'' (サファイアの星))
 
* [2007.03.21] [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]] - "[[index.php?title=Best of Tokyo Ska 1998-2007&action=edit|BEST OF TOKYO SKA 1998-2007]]" (#2-3 ''Sapphire no Hoshi'' (サファイアの星))
 
* [2007.03.28] [[m-flo]] - "[[Cosmicolor|COSMICOLOR]]" (#17 ''Love to Live By'') ([[m-flo]] '''loves Chara''')
 
* [2007.03.28] [[m-flo]] - "[[Cosmicolor|COSMICOLOR]]" (#17 ''Love to Live By'') ([[m-flo]] '''loves Chara''')
−
* [2007.05.30] [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]] - "[[index.php?title=Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Tour "Wild Peace" Final at Saitama Super Arena 2007.1.14&action=edit|TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA TOUR "Wild Peace" FINAL at Saitama Super Arena 2007.1.14]]" (#15 ''Junior Sweet'', #16 ''Sapphire no Hoshi'' (サファイアの星))
+
* [2007.05.30] [[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra]] - "[[Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Tour "Wild Peace" Final at Saitama Super Arena 2007.1.14|TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA TOUR "Wild Peace" FINAL at Saitama Super Arena 2007.1.14]]" (#15 ''Junior Sweet'', #16 ''Sapphire no Hoshi'' (サファイアの星))
−
* [2007.09.26] [[index.php?title=Kanno Yoko&action=edit|Kanno Yoko]] - "[[index.php?title=CM Yoko&action=edit|CM Yoko]]" (#13 ''MAGICSWEETS'', #22 ''MAGICSWEETS -Masao Nisugi Remix- feat. '''CHARA''')''
+
* [2007.09.26] [[Kanno Yoko]] - "[[CM Yoko|CM Yoko]]" (#13 ''MAGICSWEETS'', #22 ''MAGICSWEETS -Masao Nisugi Remix- feat. '''CHARA''')''
−
 
 
−
==<span class="mw-headline">Filmography</span>==
 
−
 
 
−
* [1994] [[index.php?title=PiCNiC&action=edit|PiCNiC]] (''Coco'')
 
−
* [1996] [[index.php?title=Swallowtail&action=edit|Swallowtail]] (''Glico'')
 
  
−
==<span class="mw-headline">External Links</span>==
+
==Filmography==
 +
* [1994] [[PiCNiC]] (''Coco'')
 +
* [1996] [[Swallowtail]] (''Glico'')
  
 +
==External Links==
 
* [http://www.charaweb.net Official Website]
 
* [http://www.charaweb.net Official Website]
 
* [http://www.universal-music.co.jp/chara/ Universal Records Artist Website]
 
* [http://www.universal-music.co.jp/chara/ Universal Records Artist Website]
Line 179: Line 147:
  
 
[[Category:Artists]]
 
[[Category:Artists]]
 +
[[Category:J-Pop]]
 +
[[Category:1968 Births]]
 +
[[Category:Saitama Artists]]
 +
[[Category:Blood Type AB]]

Revision as of 13:13, 1 May 2009

CHARA promoting honey (2008)

CHARA is a Japanese pop musician and actress, most recognised by her oddly toned voice. She has been cited as the influence for many other artists, such as Shiina Ringo and BONNIE PINK. She is most famous for singing the theme song to the movie Swallowtail, called Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~ (where she also played a starring role), which reached #1 on Oricon charts. She is also famous for her songs Yasashii Kimochi (Shiseido Tisera J CM song) and her duet with YUKI of JUDY AND MARY, Ai no Hi 3tsu Orange. Common themes in her lyrics include motherhood, innocence, love, beauty, and cheerfulness.

Profile

  • Name: CHARA (ちゃら)
  • Real name: Satou Miwa (佐藤美和) (maiden name: Watabiki Miwa (綿引美和))
  • Birthdate: 1968.01.13
  • Birthplace: Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
  • Blood Type: AB

Information

Pre-Debut - Debut

Born Watabiki Miwa, young CHARA earned her nickname in her third year at primary school from her teacher (charachara means "scatterbrained") and has been called such ever since. She has always been musically involved; CHARA began composing music in her early years of elementary school (her first song was one called "Sayonara" (サヨナラ; Goodbye) which she composed at the age of six) and played keyboard in a band from her second year of high school. By the time she was 20, CHARA had begun singing in clubs like the Shibuya Club Quattro. In 1990 she was signed to Sony Music Entertainment, releasing her debut single, Heaven, the following year. The single was quickly followed by her debut album Sweet, which reached the low position of #61 on Oricon.

CHARA became the centre of attention in the 1990s as a fashion icon, appearing on the covers of magazines such as Anan and Olive. She was even the first woman ever to be on the cover of Rock On Japan, a magazine previously oriented for male rock. Furthermore, CHARA's sophomore album would fare much better. SOUL KISS, despite its singles not selling very much, reached a considerable improvement of #14. It would later win the Japanese Grand Prix award for the best new rock artist. In October 1992 CHARA would become a radio personality at FM Yokohama; with the show "Yokohama Chara Machi 8-5-7" (横浜チャラ町8-4-7). In 1993 CHARA would release her first single to chart on Oricon charts, as Mujintou ni Watashi wo Motte Itte... would be used as the Shiseido PJ Lapis CM song (it would reach #66 on the charts). Her popularity would continue to rise and levelled off at around 1993, with her third and fourth albums, Violet Blue and Happy Toy, reaching an increasingly high #4. In 1994 CHARA would star in her first movie, the Iwai Shunji directed film PiCNiC where she played the mental patient Coco. She would go on to marry her co-star Asano Tadanobu (who played fellow mental patient Tsumuji) in 1995. Currently, the pair have two children, a daughter Sumire (born 1995) and later a son Himi (born 1999).

Swallowtail to Fame

CHARA would star in a second movie, Swallowtail, in 1996 as the prostitute Glico. Filming would start in February 1996, and later in May CHARA would move to New York to record for the upcoming image album for the movie. After the fim's 1996.09.14 release it would become a hit (it was the most popular movie of 1996), and would win CHARA the Japanese Academy Award for Best Actress. The theme song Swallowtail Butterfly ~Ai no Uta~, which was released under the name "YEN TOWN BAND" (a musical unit associated with the plot of the film) was propelled to the #1 position after the movie's release (it had already been on the market for two months). The accompanying image album for the film, Montage, saw similar success; debuting at #1 in its first week. The ablum was produced by mogul music producer Kobayashi Takeshi (who further provided the music for the movie Lily Chou-Chou no Subete).

This newly found mega-stardom would also rub off onto CHARA's subsequent releases. Her next single, Yasashii Kimochi, was a hit after being used in the Shiseido Tisera J commercials; reaching #7 on Oricon. Junior Sweet, her next album, proved to be an amazingly successful release - not only gaining #1 on Oricon but selling over 1,000,000 copies.

Continued Career - End of Sony

CHARA's next few singles would not fare as well as Junior Sweet did. Milk would barely break the top 50 and DUCA the top 25. However, her third single since Junior Sweet, Hikari to Watashi, would break the top 20 as it was used as the Warner-Lambert CALORIO commercial song. This single would fuel the sales for CHARA's 7th album Strange Fruits, reaching #3 on Oricon. A further hit for CHARA would prove to be Ai no Hi 3tsu Orange, a duet between YUKI of JUDY AND MARY fame. After several more top 20 hits and a best collection, CHARA would collaborate with James Iha, guitarist of [[[Wikipedia:The Smashing Pumpkins|The Smashing Pumpkins]] on two tracks; the title tracks for the singles Skirt and Boku ni Utsushite. This would follow with her 8th studio album Madrigal.

Soon after Madrigal's release, a band that was conceived by CHARA in 1998, Mean Machine, released their debut album CREAM. The band was fronted by actress Ito Ayumi (who co-starred in Swallowtail with CHARA and currently is known for voicing Tifa Lockhart in the movie Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children). CHARA, alongside YUKI was one of the two drummers of the band (as well as this pair being the principle songwriters). Despite being formed so many years before, the band progressed slowly due to the many schedule conflicts between the famous members of the band. The album reached #7 on Oricon charts.

After several sporadic released in 2003 and 2003, CHARA would come back for an album called Yoake Mae, which was not as successful as her previous efforts.

Indies - Universal

After releasing a special self-cover project album A Scenery Like Me in 2004 (in which she covered many of her old tracks that were popular at the time and added new vocals/arrangements to them) and collaborating in December of the same year with MISIA for the song Mama Says, CHARA would split with her longtime record company Sony. The split happened in 2005, and following this CHARA would continue on as an indies artist. She produced something blue in 2005, a fanclub only release that was completely self-produced. CHARA would also release a digital single in this period called Hikari no Niwa (光の庭) that was used as the image song for the movie Koutei Penguin. Furthermore, CHARA would even collaborate with Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra in this time, being the vocalist for them on their single Sapphire no Hoshi (サファイアの星) in February 2006.

In mid 2006 CHARA would once again make a comeback to the major label music scene; signing with Universal Records. Her re-debut single Sekai was used as the Docomo FOMA N702IS CM song, and reached #24 on Oricon charts. This single was followed up by the Fantastic Plastic Machine-produced dance track Crazy for you.

The beging of the new year proved to be very successfully for Chara. She released the FANTASY single, which reached #13 on the Oricon; selling 13,000 copies. The single was a great success for Chara being her best ranking single since 2000's Tsuki to Amai Namida. In February of 2007, Chara released her first album under Unverisal, and her first studio album in two years. The album peaked at #4 on the Oricon; selling over 50,000 copies.

CHARA then went on tour to promote the album. During this time she was also a featured on the hip-pop m-flo's final m-flo loves... album, COSMICOLOR. She was featured on the jazz/hip-hop fusion track titled, Love to Live By. Before the album's release there was an animated music video for the song released.

CHARA re-appeared in in late August. On August 29th she released two things: LIVE LIFE ~Chara's UNION Live House Tour 2007~ a DVD with footage from her recent tour and her 33rd single Cherry Cherry, which was inspirered by 1960's pop songs and the 1973 film American Graffiti.

Discography

Albums

Other Albums

Singles

DVD / VHS

Compilation / Other

Filmography

External Links

Retrieved from "http://www.generasia.com/w/index.php?title=CHARA&oldid=6425"