Bin Uehara

Bin Uehara (上原 敏) was a Japanese popular music (ryūkōka) singer and soldier. He was known for using naniwa-bushi's kobushi vocalism in Japanese popular music. He was killed in action during the eastern New Guinea campaign during the Pacific War.

Life
Uehara was born as Rikiji Matsumoto in Ōdate, Akita Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from Senshu University, and made his professional debut with the song "Tsukimi Odori" (月見踊り) under the Japanese division of Polydor Records in 1936. His famous songs included the 1937 song "Ruten" (流転). His vocal style, called kobushi, became popular as the more emphatic form among modern enka singers.

Uehara became a soldier in 1943, went to New Guinea, and was killed in battle on July 29, 1944.

Legacy
In 1976, a monument honoring him was established in his home city of Ōdate.

Discography

 * Tsumagoi Dōchū (妻恋道中) : 1937
 * Ruten (流転) : 1937
 * Shanghai Dayori (上海だより) : 1938
 * Iroha Jingi (いろは仁義) : 1938
 * Nankin Dayori (南京だより) : 1938
 * Hokuman Dayori (北満だより) : 1938
 * Butaichō to Heitai (部隊長と兵隊) : 1938 with Taro Shoji
 * Ore wa Funanori (俺は船乗り) : 1939
 * Otoko Funanori (男船乗り) : 1939
 * Butsuin Dayori (佛印だより) : 1941