Rimi Natsukawa (夏川 りみ Natsukawa Rimi, born 9 October 1973) is a Japanese singer. She is best known for her 2001 single "Nada Sou Sou".

 

 

“Nada Sou Sou” in particular, charted for an overwhelming 6 years, selling close to a million copies. It is also ranked TOP 10 in Japan’s DAM Karaoke chart for songs released between 1994 to 2018. A testimony of its evergreen appeal across generations, and even languages! Korea’s Popular Girl Group Mamamoo leader Solar had also covered “Nada Sou Sou” in Korean and officially released it as a single, which was highly praised by fans. American band Against The Current had also done a rendition of “Nada Sou Sou” in English.

 

Ever the perfectionist, Rimi Natsukawa often practises local languages in different countries, surprising audience with non-Japanese language performances. Her exquisite interpretations of classics such as 邓丽君Teresa Teng’s Japanese Chart-Topping hits “Toki No Nagare Ni Mi O Makase”, and Kiroro’s “Nagai Aida” have all won high praises and accolades from critics and musicians alike.

 

 

Natsukawa was born in Ishigaki, the largest city in the Yaeyama Islands chain. From a young age she enjoyed singing, and wanted to be a singer after hearing her father sing Yaeyama folk songs.

 

Natsukawa, by chance, was scouted shortly after winning the competition at 13 years old. She moved to Tokyo, and started preparing for her debut. She debuted later in 1989 as an enka singer with the name "Misato Hoshi," under Pony Canyon. She released three singles in three years, and did not find much success.

 

Natsukawa felt defeated after this, and after living for four years in Tokyo, she moved back to Okinawa. She lived with her older sister in Naha, and helped out in her restaurant, singing for patrons daily. As patrons would travel quite a distance to hear her sing, she gradually regained her desire to be a singer.