Saburo Kitajima

Biography

Saburō Kitajima, born October 4, 1936, is a Japanese enka singer, lyricist, actor, and composer known for his distinctive voice and songs that celebrate Japan's working class and rural laborers. He made his debut in 1962 with the single "Bungacha-Bushi" and has since released numerous iconic tracks like "Namida Bune," "Kyōdai Jingi," and "Kita no Ryōba." A frequent performer on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, Kitajima retired from the show in 2013 after a record-breaking 50 appearances.