Ritsuko Okazaki

was a Japanese singer-songwriter born on Hashima Island, Nagasaki Prefecture. She first made her professional debut with the single, Kanashii Jiyū / Koi ga, Kiete Yuku. She is also known as the Shelby Flint of Japan.

Biography Early life

Okazaki was born in Hashima Island, Nagasaki Prefecture on December 29, 1959. She was born left-handed. During her childhood, she was forced by her mother to use her right hand. However, after hearing that it was bad to force her to use her right hand, her mother quickly advised her to use her natural hand. During her school days, she spent time in the bakery where she worked part-time, and practiced with her band, Eleanor. She was then in charge of the chorus and piano.

Career Okazaki made her debut as a singer-songwriter in 1993. During the nineties, she continued singing and also wrote songs for various voice actors. As she became more involved with anime she composed songs for Wedding Peach, Fruits Basket, Princess Tutu, Symphonic Rain, and Love Hina. She formed the duo Melocure in 2002 with singer-songwriter Megumi Hinata.

In the following two years, the duo released several singles and an album, Melodic Hard Cure. Okazaki also produced songs during these years for artists such as Megumi Hayashibara, Mayumi Iizuka, and Yui Horie. According to her fans, the lyrics of Okazaki's songs are characterized by poetic imagery, depth of emotion, gentle optimism and simplicity.

Death She was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2003 but still continued with her work. During this time there was little information released about her. The news was revealed to the public in the liner notes of the CD soundtrack re-release of the visual novel Symphonic Rain, which was released a year after her death.

On May 5, 2004, Okazaki died suddenly at the age of 44 from septic shock as a result of sepsis. She was unable to speak any last words, and left her work unfinished.

Discography

Singles Title Release date Notes March 3, 1993 February 23, 1994 September 15, 1994 April 25, 1996 August 25, 1996 "A Happy Life" sung by Megumi Hayashibara as the opening theme for Gakuen Utopia Manabi Straight!. October 25, 1997 December 8, 1999 Japanese cover of "L'aquoiboniste" by Jane Birkin July 25, 2001 The opening and ending themes for Natsuki Takaya's anime adaptation, Fruits Basket. Morning GraceOctober 23, 2002 The opening and ending themes for Princess Tutu. November 2012 Opening song for anime Suki-tte Ii na yo.

Albums Title Release date Notes Sincerely yours March 24, 1993 Joyful Calendar March 23, 1994 A Happy Life May 25, 1996 Ritzberry Fields August 21, 1997 Rain or Shine October 25, 1997 November 6, 1998 Love Hina Okazaki Collection December 15, 2001 Love Hina Self Cover Album December 16, 2001 Life is lovely. February 5, 2003 Sister Princess RePure Twelve Angels 12 Characters Ending Songs February 5, 2003 For Ritz December 29, 2004 Contains Okazaki's cover of the songs from Symphonic Rain. Love & Life: private works 1999–2001 May 5, 2005 Includes songs from 3 promotional CDs previously exclusive for her fan club members.

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