BIG IN JAPAN
Hideki Saijo
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Courtesy of Wowow |
In Japan' music galaxy
there are stars Fumiya Fuji and Glay and there are legends like Misora Hibari and
Kayama Yuzo. And then there are legends in the making like Hideki Saijo, who is considered
to be one of the greatest pop singers ever in Japan.
While Saijo has seen his share of career ups and downs since debuting at 17, now in his
45th year he's definitely back on top. With the release last April of his 81st(!) single,
"Love Torture," an album of remixes Bailamos 2000, and a jam-packed
schedule of concerts, dinner shows, live events, a regular TV music program, and
commercials, Saijo is back to the intense pace he maintained in the early days of his
career.
Born Kimoto Tatsuo April 13, 1945 in Hiroshima City, Saijo's passion for music was
apparent from the time he took up the drums in elementary school. In fifth grade, he
formed an amateur jazz band with his elder brother, and by the time he was in high school
they were playing small venues around Hiroshima. Performing at one such gig, Saijo was
spotted by a talent scout. Against his parents' wishes and without their blessings, he
left for Tokyo in pursuit of his dreams of becoming a singer and musician. From his
arrival in the big city, Saijo maintained a rigorous schedule of singing, acting and
dancing lessons. The discipline and dedication he developed formed the foundation of his
relentless work ethic.
Saijo debuted in March 25, 1972 with "Ai Suru Kisetsu." Although the song was an
instant hit, he didn't break into the Top Ten until "Jyonetsu no Arashi," almost
one year and 5 singles later. His next single "Chigereta Ai," brought both
financial and critical acclaim, and earned him the first of many Nihon Record Taisho
awards. His long hair in the style of David Cassidy, and natural good looks were a deadly
combination and it wasn't long before the film and TV offers began to roll in. Over the
course of his prolific career, Saijo has appeared in six feature films, four plays, seven
musicals, and an astounding 23 TV dramas, including three different seasons of the classic
TV drama "Terauchi Kantaro."
As far back as 1975, Hideki found he needed further challenges and made his first Budokan
recital, a concert he held annually for ten years. In a similar vein, he took up scuba
diving and now holds a PADI Advanced Open Water License - when not working he's usually
found in tropical waters somewhere. As an avid golfer, he's also seen regularly on the
celebrity circuit, and relaxes on the links. But his main passion, and his life's work,
remains his music - he has even given his name and teaching time to a performing arts
school in China.
Yet for all the million-sellers, hit TV dramas, sold-out concerts and financial success
that comes with it, nothing comes close to the pivotal role he has played in the AIDS
awareness and education movement - he was the first major Japanese star to put his
influence and connections to work against AIDS in Japan. Thanks to his lead, many other
major stars came on board for the annual STOP AIDS concert and fundraiser. Acting as both
producer and performer, Saijo draws the crowds and the names; Dionne Warwick has even
flown in from the US for the event.
While Saijo's not shy - he recently stripped for a weekly magazine - for the most part he
keeps his private life just that - private. And while fans clamor for any hint that this
confirmed bachelor is showing signs of weakening, there's been little gossip since Aug
'99, when rumors were circulating that Kano Mika was introduced to Hideki on a golf course
through mutual acquaintances and had the man on his knees and begging within minutes. And
if this former Miss Japan, with her famed 100cm bust, can't shake his resolve, who can?
Alex Jordan
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