MAI YAMANE

Mai Yamane is a renowned Japanese singer and lyricist. She began her musical career in 1979 after winning the Yamaha Music Foundation's Cocky Pop. In 1980, Yamane released her first album, Tasogare (たそがれ), which became a defining work in the city pop genre. Her husky, soulful voice and sophisticated arrangements resonated with the urban Japanese youth of the 1980s.

In the 1990s, Yamane transitioned into anime music, collaborating with composer Yoko Kanno. Her most prominent work includes contributions to the acclaimed anime series Cowboy Bebop, where her vocals featured in tracks such as The Real Folk Blues, Blue, Don't Bother None or Gotta Knock a Little Harder.

Beyond Cowboy Bebop, Yamane's anime contributions include songs for Macross Plus (After, in the Dark), The Vision of Escaflowne (If You) and Darker than Black, among others.

Her 1980 hit Tasogare experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s, aligning with the global revival of city pop. Mai Yamane's versatile career bridges the gap between city pop's nostalgic allure and the dynamic world of anime music, leaving an indelible mark on both genres.