Early Beginnings and Musical Influences
Nana Kitade was born on May 2, 1987 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. She grew up listening to a diverse range of music genres, including pop, rock, and classical music. Her father was a guitarist and her mother was a singer, which greatly influenced her interest in pursuing a career in music.
At the age of 12, Kitade learned to play the acoustic guitar and started writing her own songs. She was also greatly inspired by the rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel, which motivated her to start a rock band of her own. Kitade became a fan of punk rock after listening to Green Day and The Offspring, which further impacted her style of music.
Kitade has cited several other musical influences that have shaped her sound, including Nirvana, Marilyn Manson, and Slipknot. She has also been inspired by female musicians such as Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morissette.
- Kitade's musical journey started at a young age and has been shaped by a wide range of influences.
- Her parents' background in music played a significant role in igniting her passion for songwriting and performing.
- Kitade's interest in rock music was influenced by various bands, including L'Arc-en-Ciel, Green Day, and The Offspring.
- She has also been inspired by female musicians such as Avril Lavigne and Alanis Morissette.
- Kitade's eclectic range of musical influences has resulted in her unique sound and style.
Debut and Success in Japan
After winning a national talent search competition in 2002, Nana Kitade made her debut in the Japanese music industry with the single "Kesenai Tsumi" in 2005. The song was the opening theme for the popular anime "Fullmetal Alchemist" and became an instant hit, reaching #6 on the Oricon charts.
Following her debut, Kitade released several singles and her first album, "18-eighteen," which achieved huge success, selling over 150,000 copies within its first month. Her unique style, which blended J-rock, visual kei, and pop, quickly gained her a devoted fan base and widespread recognition.
In addition to her music career, Kitade also began modeling for fashion magazines and made appearances on variety shows, further enhancing her popularity. Her music was also featured in various anime series, such as "D.Gray-man" and "Jigoku Shoujo."
International Recognition and Collaborations
Nana Kitade's unique style and talent have gained her international recognition, leading to collaborations with well-known artists from around the world.
In 2006, Kitade collaborated with French composer and musician Olivier Dahan, creating the song "KISS OR KISS" for the soundtrack of the French film "La Vie en Rose."
In 2010, Kitade worked with American rock band Paramore, covering their hit song "Ignorance" in Japanese for their album "Brand New Eyes: Japanese Deluxe Edition."
Kitade's collaborations have not been limited to music. She has also worked with Japanese fashion brand Hysteric Glamour, designing a clothing line inspired by her personal style.
- Kitade's collaborations include:
- Olivier Dahan: "KISS OR KISS" for "La Vie en Rose" soundtrack
- Paramore: Japanese cover of "Ignorance" for "Brand New Eyes: Japanese Deluxe Edition"
- Hysteric Glamour: clothing line collaboration inspired by Kitade's personal style
These collaborations demonstrate Kitade's versatility and willingness to try new things, cementing her status as a true artist in Japan and abroad.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Nana Kitade is known not only for her musical talent but also for her philanthropic endeavors. She believes in the importance of giving back to society, and this is evident in her various charitable activities.
Outside of her music career, Kitade enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures. She has travelled to several countries for both leisure and work, and she claims that her travels have broadened her musical horizon.
Kitade is also an advocate for animal welfare, and she supports several organizations that work towards protecting and caring for animals. She often shares her love for animals on her social media platforms and encourages her fans to do the same.
In 2017, she participated in the charity event "Love Saves the Earth," where she performed a benefit concert to raise funds for the preservation of natural environments. She also auctioned off some of her personal items and donated the money to the same cause.
In 2020, Kitade donated a portion of the proceeds from her single "Tiny Dreamer" to the Japanese Red Cross Society for COVID-19 relief efforts. She hopes to continue using her music and platform to support causes close to her heart.
| Personal Life | Philanthropy |
| Enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures | Advocate for animal welfare |
| Supports several organizations that work towards protecting and caring for animals | |
| Participated in the charity event "Love Saves the Earth" to raise funds for the preservation of natural environments | |
| Donated a portion of the proceeds from her single "Tiny Dreamer" to the Japanese Red Cross Society for COVID-19 relief efforts |
Legacy and Future Plans
After more than a decade in the music industry, Nana Kitade has left a lasting impact on the Japanese music scene. Her unique style and blend of genres have inspired countless fans and aspiring musicians. She is often cited as an influence by younger artists, proving her staying power and legacy in the industry.
As for her future plans, Kitade shows no signs of slowing down. In recent years, she has continued to release new music, collaborate with other artists, and perform live shows. Her dedication to her craft and her fans has earned her a loyal following that eagerly awaits her every move.
Additionally, Kitade has ventured into other areas of entertainment, including acting and voice acting. She has appeared in several Japanese TV dramas and provided the voice for characters in anime series. This expansion into other mediums demonstrates her versatility and ambition.
It is clear that Nana Kitade's influence and impact will continue to be felt in the Japanese music industry for years to come. Fans can look forward to more music and performances from this talented artist, as well as the possibility of further explorations into other areas of entertainment.
FAQ
Who is Nana Kitade?
Nana Kitade is a Japanese singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the early 2000s with her catchy pop-rock music and style.
What kind of music does Nana Kitade make?
Nana Kitade's music is a mix of pop, rock, and sometimes even punk influences. Her songs are often upbeat and catchy, but can also be emotional and introspective.
What are some of Nana Kitade's most popular songs?
Some of Nana Kitade's most popular songs include "Kesenai Tsumi," "Kiss or Kiss," "Antoinette Blue," "18: Eighteen," and "Slave of Kiss."
What has Nana Kitade been up to recently?
Recently, Nana Kitade has been focusing more on her fashion career than her music. She has designed clothing and accessories and even started her own fashion line called "7% More Black."
What sets Nana Kitade apart from other Japanese singers?
Nana Kitade's unique style and sound set her apart from other Japanese singers of her time. She often incorporated elements of punk and gothic fashion into her look and her songs had a distinct rock edge to them. Additionally, she wrote many of her own songs, which is not common in the J-pop industry.
