Akira Inaba

Singer known mostly for his ballad and kayokyoku work. Originally from Akita Prefecture (at the northern tip of Honshu Island), Japan; born 18 March 1954. Mr. Inaba worked as a miner out of secondary school, until in November 1975 he made his musical debut by entering the 10th Yamaha Popular Song Contest, where he won the prize for Best Song with his original composition 「わかって下さい」 (Wakatte Kudasai).