September 29, 2017

An honor award is likely to be bestowed on Okinawan pop singer Namie Amuro by her home prefecture, Gov Takeshi Onaga said Friday, following her surprise announcement earlier this month that she will quit show business next year.

“We are very proud of her brilliant performances across the country and overseas, and intend to show our respect,” Onaga said at a prefectural assembly meeting. “I believe citizens in Okinawa will fully understand the bestowal.”

The 40-year-old pop diva said on her website on Sept. 20 that she will retire from the stage in September next year. The announcement came just days after she performed concerts in Okinawa marking the 25th anniversary of her music career.

Her performances as both a singer and dancer captivated fans in Japan and elsewhere in Asia and she eventually emerged as one of the country’s major stars, churning out a string of hits including “Chase the Chance,” “Body Feels Exit,” “Sweet 19 Blues,” and “Can You Celebrate?”.

Clad in a miniskirt, thick-soled boots and brown dyed hair, Amuro also became a fashion icon, creating a phenomenon known as “Amuraa” in the 1990s, with many young girls and women copying her fashion, hairstyle and makeup.

Her popularity also paved the way for other artists from Okinawa, including all-girl pop group Speed.

Amuro sang “Never End” at a welcome reception for leaders of the Group of Eight nations at their summit in Okinawa in 2000.