Akeboshi

Akeboshi, whose real name is Yoshio Akeboshi, is a singer/songwriter from Yokohama. He learned to play the piano when he was three years old and later learned how to play the guitar as well. Having studied in Liverpool, many of his songs are sung in English.

His music is mostly a mix between pop and folk, but Akeboshi isn't afraid to experiment with his music. You can also find some Celtic, electro or rock influences in his music. At lives, Akeboshi takes care of the singing and plays keyboard, having support and guest musicians take up the other instruments.

Akeboshi started to write his own songs in 1999 and released his first mini-album, Stoned Town, in 2002. The song Wind was used as an ending theme to the anime series "Naruto" and the album sold out quickly. Almost a year after the release of his first mini-album he released another, White Reply. It sold out quickly and the next month it was re-released.

After two years, during which he released another mini-album, Faerie Punks, his first self-titled album was released in 2005. It mostly contained re-recordings of songs that were previously released on the mini-albums. Some parts were rearranged, others were left out and new parts were added.

Later that year he released his first single and followed with another mini-album, Yellow Moon. The title song of which was also used as an ending theme to the anime series "Naruto".

In 2007, he released a couple more albums and after the release of his latest mini-album Colorful Drops, he announced a second full-length album: Meet Along the Way. It was released in two different versions at the end of 2007 and was well received.

For 2008, it was announced that Akeboshi has plans to provide the themesong for the movie "Gururi no koto" and another album has been announced for June.

Considering Akeboshi musical talent and known popularity from several of his songs being used for television shows and movies, he is definitely worth keeping an eye out for.