Taeko Onuki – A Key Figure of Japanese City Pop

Taeko Onuki (大貫妙子) is one of the most influential artists in Japanese pop music, best known for shaping the sound of City Pop from the 1970s onward. Her refined songwriting, soft vocals, and elegant arrangements have made her work timeless and widely rediscovered by international audiences.

sugar babe tatsuro yamashita — Sugar Babe

She first gained recognition as a founding member of Sugar Babe, alongside Tatsuro Yamashita. After the group disbanded, Taeko Onuki launched a solo career that would define her legacy.

Sugar babe songs — Sugar Babe – “Songs” (1975)

Essential Albums and Musical Evolution

Her debut solo album, “Grey Skies” (1976), introduced a subtle blend of pop, folk, and jazz influences. This was followed by “Sunshower” (1977), now considered a City Pop masterpiece, featuring sophisticated grooves and tropical jazz textures that remain highly influential.

Taeko onuki grey skies — Grey Skies (1976)

Taeko onuki sunshower — Sunshower (1977)

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, albums such as “Mignonne” (1978), “Romantique” (1980), and “Aventurine” (1981) showcased her ability to balance catchy melodies with polished, atmospheric production. Her collaborations with leading Japanese musicians and arrangers helped define the smooth, urban sound of the era.

1emhjl21 jk1a o l2559 prep.pdf — Mignonne (1978)

Taeko onuki romantique — Romantique (1980)

In later years, Taeko Onuki explored more minimalist and acoustic styles, as heard in albums like “Copine” (1985) and “Shooting Star in the Blue Sky” (1993), proving her versatility and artistic depth.

Taeko Onuki Nowadays – Live in 2025–2026

Even after five decades as a defining voice of City Pop, Taeko Onuki remains very active on stage. In November 2025, she marked her 50th anniversary with a special live celebration titled “Celebrating 50 Years” at Hitomi Memorial Hall in Tokyo, where she performed classics and deeper cuts alongside guest artists and longtime band members. This event reflects both her rich legacy and ongoing connection with fans old and new.

Taeko onuki

Looking ahead, Taeko is set to make a major milestone in her live career by performing her first overseas concert on February 7, 2026 at The Wiltern in Los Angeles — a historic venue known for hosting legendary international artists. This City Pop Waves: Taeko Onuki Live in L.A. show not only expands her global reach, it celebrates the enduring influence of her music far beyond Japan.

Whether you’re in Japan or abroad, these shows are a rare chance to experience one of Japanese pop’s most elegant songwriters live — offering performances that tie her classic albums to the present moment with warmth, intimacy, and timeless style.