JapanForum.com - Mika Nakashima

Anyone takes her...ill personally asassinate u :) Comprende?
Industry Name: Mika Nakashima.
Birth Name: Nakashima Mika.
Date of Birth: February 19, 1983.
Place of Birth: Kagoshima Prefecture.
Height: 160cm or 5 ft. 3 in.
Weight: 40kg or 88 pounds.
Favourite Artist: Dreams Come True.
Favourite Flower: Pond Lily.
Favourite Cartoon Character: Doraemon.
When one refers to the term "J-Pop", one may conjure an image of adorable, cheerful girls with equally cute voices. While the stereotype may not be completely realistic, it does have its reasoning and influences - especially in Japan's pop music industry. However, not all artists in the field come close to the stereotype. Every once in a while, rare and exceptional people do make contact with the industry, and in their wake, leave their mark.
While the question of whether Mika Nakashima can be classified as "an exceptional figure" is still of one's opinion, it is undoubted that the chances of her as an ordinary musician while holding her own fame is unlikely. To possess certain vocals, style, and tastes is a necessity to stand out in a crowd - especially in the tough and populous arena of J-Pop. However, with gorgeous ballads and catchy, upbeat pieces of jazz, rock, and funk, Mika meets the musical criteria, and not barely either. She is indeed a musician to be reckoned with, and even those who feel they've heard what pop has to offer may be surprised at the talent of one particular girl who's unlike any other.
Sony Music Online Japan calls Mika Nakashima the "Cinderella girl of the new era" - with appropriate reason.
Ever since she was a child, Mika Nakashima dreamed of becoming a singer, and by the time she reached high school, decided that music was her life's path. Though not necessarily by popular requestion, Mika placed education second to her goals and decided not to attend high school, but instead, pursued a musical career.
It was a risky shot, but the first demo-tape Mika sent to a record company was one that won her a starting position. At first, she auditioned in acting as the heroine of the Fuji TV station fall 2001 drama "KIZUDARAKE NO LOVE SONG (Scarred Love Song)". While this wasn't quite the musical career hoped for, the character position would lead to more. Chosen out of 3,000 girl to play the part, not only did she score a televised debut, but was also picked to perform the theme song for the drama. "STARS", her single debut with Song Music Associated Records and theme song for "Scarred Love Song" sold 60,000 copies - not an amount to be looked down upon for a first-timer.
Mika Nakashima then went on to release "CRESCENT MOON", her second single with a groovy 80's flavor. Though a limited product of 100,000 copies, it sold out the first day. Recieving excellent feedback was her third single in 2002, "ONE SURVIVE", as well as her first video "FILM LOTUS". She released her fourth single, "HELPLESS RAIN" in May and her fifth single, "WILL" in August, both totally a sale of over 200,000 copies and the Top Ten Hits.
In August 2002, her first album "TRUE" was released, and scored #1 on the Oricon Charcts. In three weeks, the copies sold exceeded one million. As a commemoration of her one year anniversary since her debut, Mika released a Premium EP "Resistance", her mini-album which hit the charcts as #1 for two weeks in a rock. Later, on December 18, her documentary video, "KISEKI the document of a star" was released, totally two films for Mika.
Mika continues this day with hit singles such as "Yuki no Hana" and albums such as "LOVE" and "Music". Now a rising star in the Japanese musical field, it becomes clear that the childhood dream and risks taken have paid off. Mika Nakashima is now one of Sony Music Associated Record's top selling artists, and is expected to reveal more of her talent in the years to come.