Natsuko Godai's Birthday Live Held at a Live House for the First Time

• Natsuko Godai celebrated her 62nd birthday with a special live performance at a Tokyo live house.
• The event marked her first show at a live house in her 41-year career.
• Natsuko expressed her gratitude and determination for her future singing career.

Last year, Natsuko Godai celebrated her 40th anniversary in the entertainment industry, and her single 'Toki no Kawa' released in May this year continues to be a long-lasting hit. It is a rare enka (traditional Japanese ballad) song with a unique music video that has received a great response not only in Japan but also overseas, accumulating about 800,000 views on YouTube. On December 18th, Natsuko Godai celebrated her 62nd birthday and held a birthday live at JZ Brat Sound of Tokyo in Tokyo.

It was her long-awaited dream to sing at a live house, and this event marked her first show at a live house in her 41-year career. Natsuko appeared on stage playing the shamisen (a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument) and walked around the venue, surprising the audience with her stylish red striped kimono. After singing three songs accompanied by a live band with the shamisen, she changed into a black long dress and performed Keiko Matsuzaka's hit song 'Ai no Minakamihana' with a lot of atmosphere.

The quick change from traditional Japanese attire to Western attire took only a few seconds. This surprise performance is something that Natsuko pays particular attention to in her shows. During the show, video messages of surprise congratulations from many fellow singers such as Masao Sen, Eiko Segawa, Fuyumi Sakamoto, and Ayako Fuji, as well as her close friend Reiko Takashima, were displayed on the screen.

A birthday cake was brought out, and she received flower bouquets from junior singers such as Junko Ishihara. Natsuko expressed her gratitude and emotions, saying, 'This is the first time I've had such a happy birthday,' as she was surrounded by applause and a warm atmosphere. As the show reached its climax, Natsuko appeared again in a glamorous traditional Japanese outfit and performed her hit songs 'Koi Zange,' 'Hijikawa Arashi,' her 40th anniversary song 'Jinsei ni Arigato,' and her latest song 'Toki no Kawa,' one after another, raising the excitement in the venue to its peak.

Natsuko stated, 'I want to always remember the five letters of 'arigato' (thank you) and continue to sing with gratitude' as she expressed her determination for her future singing career. The birthday live came to a close amidst a big round of applause and a warm atmosphere. Natsuko Godai commented, 'I have often spent my birthdays at home, so it was my first time spending it with fans at a live.

It was a very happy time. I received many congratulations and it became a memorable day. I am truly filled with gratitude.

I will continue to sing, step by step, without forgetting my gratitude.'