JapaneseSinger-songwriterActorThe Spiders

Hiroshi Kamayatsu

Hiroshi "Monsieur" Kamayatsu was a pioneering Japanese singer, guitarist, and actor, founding member of The Spiders, influential across five decades of diverse music.

1. Early Life and Background

Hiroshi Kamayatsu's early life was deeply influenced by his family's musical background and exposure to American culture, which shaped his unique artistic path.

1.1. Birth and Family Background

Hiroshi Kamayatsu was born on January 12, 1939, in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. His blood type was B. He hailed from a distinguished musical family. His father was Tive Kamayatsu, a Japanese American jazz musician and singer. His son, TARO Kamayatsu (also known as Kamayatsu Taro), is an artist who began his major music career in 2005 with `Kaze no Wadachi` while working at Fuji Television, and pursued music more seriously after retiring in 2011. His maternal aunt, Yoko Asada, was a jazz singer, and her husband, Hisashi Moriyama, was a jazz trumpeter, making him Kamayatsu's uncle by marriage. The family's musical lineage further extended to his cousin, folk singer Ryoko Moriyama, her daughter (his cousin's daughter), former singer Nahoko Moriyama, and her son (his cousin's son), singer-songwriter Naotaro Moriyama.

1.2. Childhood and Education

Kamayatsu grew up in Yoyogi-Uehara, Tokyo. From a young age, he was immersed in American music, English language, and fashion, largely due to his father's influence. Notably, his father, Tive Kamayatsu, spoke very little Japanese. Hiroshi attended Aoyama Gakuin schools, graduating from Aoyama Gakuin Junior High. During his time at Aoyama Gakuin Senior High, he made his debut as a country & western singer. He later graduated from Aoyama Gakuin Senior High but dropped out of Aoyama Gakuin University.

1.3. Early Influences and Debut

His father, Tive Kamayatsu, was a significant early influence on his musical journey. Kamayatsu's initial steps into the music industry were as a country & western singer. He became a member of early groups such as Wagon Master, Thunderbirds, and Cannonball. Through these groups, he performed at the prestigious Nichigeki Western Carnival, a major event in the Japanese music scene at the time. He also recorded numerous songs with Teichiku Records during this period.

2. Career

Hiroshi Kamayatsu's career was marked by continuous innovation and adaptability, spanning various musical genres and media.

2.1. Debut and Early Activities

In his early career, Kamayatsu actively engaged with the nascent rock and roll and kayōkyoku genres, collaborating with artists like Mickey Curtis. His performances at the Nichigeki Western Carnival as part of groups like Wagon Master, Thunderbirds, and Cannonball established his presence in the music industry. He recorded extensively with Teichiku Records.

Kamayatsu was also a prominent member of the "Roppongi Yaju Kai" (Roppongi Wild Beast Group), a social circle centered around Yasuo Tanabe. This group, which at its peak comprised around 30 members, included notable figures such as Toru Minegishi, Akira Nakao, Reiko Ohara, Tomoko Ogawa, Jun Inoue, and Yukio Fukuzawa. Despite its name, the "Wild Beast Group" was not unruly; it largely consisted of children from affluent families. Kamayatsu's activities extended to acting, including an appearance in the 1959 Toho film `Ori no Naka no Yarōtachi`, where he was credited as Hiroshi Kamayatsu and played the role of Ro-kō. His frequent visits to entertainment districts and interactions at film studios like Toho and Nikkatsu during his rockabilly singing and acting days allowed him to meet many stars who would leave their mark on the era. Music critic Yusaku Matsumura notably positioned Kamayatsu as Japan's first rock musician, recognizing his pioneering role in the development of Japanese rock music.

2.2. The Spiders

Kamayatsu joined The Spiders first as a guest vocalist and then became an official member, serving as a vocalist and rhythm guitarist. He was a central figure in the group, composing many of their representative hit songs, including "Ano Toki Kimi wa Wakakatta", "Itsumademo Dokomademo", "Ban-Ban-Ban", "No-No Boy", "Furi-Furi", and "Nantoka Nantoka". The band's final single, "Electric Obaachan," released in September 1970, was also composed by Kamayatsu.

Hiroshi Kamayatsu (top left) with The Spiders in 1966
Hiroshi Kamayatsu (top left) with The Spiders in 1966


Throughout his career, Kamayatsu was famously known for his tardiness. This was evident even during the photo shoot for The Spiders' debut single "Furi-Furi," where he arrived late and consequently does not appear on the jacket cover. Masaaki Sakai recounted an anecdote where he called Kamayatsu's apartment due to his lateness, and the person who answered claimed Kamayatsu had already left, only for Sakai to realize later that it was Kamayatsu himself on the phone. Beyond his personal quirks, Kamayatsu was a key creative force within The Spiders, acting as the group's musical idea man, contributing to memorable stage dances and costume concepts. He was also a prominent fashion leader, having close friendships with top racers of the time, such as Yukio Fukuzawa and Sokichi Shikiba. Fukuzawa, who was also a planning manager at the menswear manufacturer Edwards, provided costumes for the band, further cementing Kamayatsu's influence on fashion.

2.3. Solo Career and Musical Evolution

After The Spiders disbanded, Kamayatsu embarked on a prolific solo career, demonstrating remarkable musical versatility and an eagerness to experiment with different genres.

2.3.1. Early Solo Work and Experiments

On February 25, 1970, Kamayatsu released his first full-fledged solo album, `Monsieur / Kamayatsu Hiroshi no Sekai`. This album was groundbreaking for its time, featuring "one-person multi-tracking," a recording technique that was globally rare at the time. Kamayatsu himself claimed to be the second artist in the world to utilize this method, after Keith Jarrett and before Paul McCartney. The album was also musically experimental, fusing various genres. In contrast, his solo single "Dounika Naru Sa," released in April 1970, was a self-cover of a song he had originally written for the duo album `Sally & Shiro` by The Tigers members Shuzo Kishibe (later known as Ittoku Kishibe) and Shiro Kishibe. This single reflected a return to his country music roots.

2.3.2. Major Hit Songs and Collaborations

Inspired by the folk music boom of the early 1970s, Kamayatsu approached leading Japanese folk singer Takuro Yoshida, with whom he developed a close relationship. He performed Yoshida's compositions "Cynthia" and "Waga Yoki Tomo yo". "Waga Yoki Tomo yo" became a massive hit, selling over 900,000 copies and becoming one of his signature songs. Kamayatsu had also hoped to participate in the establishment of For Life Records in 1975, but was unable to due to contractual issues. He made guest appearances with Vodka Collins and released "Gauloise o Sutta Koto ga Aru Kai" as the B-side to "Waga Yoki Tomo yo." This song later gained significant re-evaluation in the 1990s. Kamayatsu was also a regular at the Italian restaurant "Chianti," alongside friends like Allan Merrill (lead singer of Vodka Collins), Hiroshi Oguchi (drummer for The Tempters), and lyricist Kazumi Yasui. Another well-known song is "Yatsura no Ashioto no Ballad," which served as the ending theme for the anime series `Hajime Ningen Gyatoruzu`. Although the original singer was Hajime Chino (a pseudonym for Yoshiro Wakochin), Kamayatsu also released his own self-cover version, and the song was later covered by Suga Shikao in 2004.

2.3.3. Musical Styles and Genres

Feeling uncomfortable with the superficiality of being merely a "hit singer," Kamayatsu shifted his focus to live performances from the late 1970s onwards, pursuing his music at his own pace. He released several albums that keenly responded to contemporary music trends, exploring genres such as fusion, city pop, and new wave, showcasing his remarkable adaptability. From the 1980s, he actively fostered collaborations with younger musicians, deepening his artistic exchanges. Reflecting on this period, Kamayatsu stated that from around 1975, he felt out of touch with the pop scene and was searching for his direction, noting, "It took me 10 years to be able to release records again." In 1978, Kamayatsu's mother passed away from pancreatic cancer.

2.3.4. Later Solo Projects and Reevaluation

Kamayatsu also ventured into acting, appearing in television dramas such as `Jikan Desu yo` and films like `Sengoku Jieitai`. In February 1977, he hosted `Hello Young` on Asahi Broadcasting, where he discovered the band Lazy and encouraged their debut, also providing them with songs. However, he later expressed regret over Lazy's debut as an idol group, as their original inclination was towards hard rock, a direction forced by their management.

The early 1990s saw a resurgence of interest in Kamayatsu's work with the rise of the acid jazz movement, leading to a re-evaluation of his song "Gauloise o Sutta Koto ga Aru Kai." In 1994, he recorded the album `Gauloise` in London, featuring prominent musicians like The Brand New Heavies, James Taylor, and D.C. Lee. This album was released through Trattoria Records, a label founded by Keigo Oyamada, and helped him gain a new generation of listeners. Following this, he collaborated on albums and concerts with artists such as Cornelius (Keigo Oyamada's project) and Kahimi Karie. In 2002, he released the album `Waga Na wa Monsieur`, produced by Konishi Yasuharu. The album garnered comments from notable figures including Yumi Matsutoya, Keigo Oyamada, and Mickey Curtis, and featured a well-received collaborative track with Masaaki Sakai.

2.4. Other Band Activities

Beyond his solo work and The Spiders, Kamayatsu was involved in several other significant band projects. In 1986, he formed "One Night Stand Brothers" with some of Japan's leading studio musicians, including Tsuyoshi Kon on guitar, Kenji Takamizu on bass, Eiji Shimamura on drums, and Yoshiki Kojima on keyboards, with Kamayatsu himself on vocals and guitar. He also participated in the reunion activities of Vodka Collins, alongside Allan Merrill (known for writing "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" for Joan Jett & The Blackhearts), Hiroshi Oguchi (former drummer for The Tempters), and Masayoshi Kabe.

In 1999, he formed "Sans Filtre" with Masaaki Sakai and Takayuki Inoue, releasing the single "Yei Yei." From around 2006, he made guest appearances with The Blues Power, and in 2009, he participated in `Rockin' with Monsieur` by Blues the Butcher (the successor band to The Blues Power, featuring Hotoke Nagai, Takashi Numazawa, Taku Nakajo, and KOTEZ), covering blues and British beat songs. On October 3, 2012, he collaborated with The Bohemians to release the mini-album `THE SPIDER BEAT` under the name "THE BOHEMIANS avec Monsieur Kamayatsu," featuring covers of The Spiders' classic songs. From 2013 onwards, he was also active as part of the unit "LIFE IS GROOVE" with KenKen and Ryunosuke Yamagishi.

2.5. Late Career and Public Activities

In his later years, Kamayatsu remained active in the public eye. He served as the main MC for BS Asahi's `SHAKE THE MUSIC` and appeared in numerous music programs and commercials. His music also found its way into popular culture, with "Ban-Ban-Ban" being used as a cheering song for Tokyo Yakult Swallows outfielder Nori Aoki (until 2006), and his composition "I'm A Hokkaido Man (Oh~i, Hokkaido)" (originally sung by Michiya Mihashi) becoming a traditional song played by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters cheering squad when the team scores.

Kamayatsu emphasized the importance of connecting with younger generations, stating, "I'm finished if I can't talk to your (younger) generation." He actively collaborated with and was deeply respected by many contemporary musicians, including Yumi Matsutoya, Ginji Ito, THE ALFEE, Char, Konishi Yasuharu, Keigo Oyamada, Kahimi Karie, and Keiichi Sokabe. On February 18, 2009, he released the anniversary album `1939~MONSIEUR`, which featured collaborations with a wide array of guest musicians, including Jun Inoue, Miki Imai, Natsu Kai, Masaaki Sakai, THE ALFEE, TARO Kamayatsu, Tortoise Matsumoto, Motohiro Hata, Yo Hitoto, Tomoyasu Hotei, Micro, Naotaro Moriyama, and Ryoko Moriyama.

On September 6, 2016, his agency announced that he had liver cancer and would be absent from upcoming events scheduled for September 6 and 10. After being discharged from the hospital in October, he recuperated at his cousin Ryoko Moriyama's home while continuing outpatient treatment. On December 8, 2016, he attended Masaaki Sakai's 70th birthday live concert. Although he initially watched from the back of the audience, he was called onto the stage by Sakai and performed "Summer Girl" with him. This marked his first public appearance since his cancer announcement and ultimately became his last public musical performance.

3. Musical Contributions and Discography

Hiroshi Kamayatsu's extensive discography reflects his versatility and enduring impact on Japanese music.

3.1. Singles

Kamayatsu's single releases span distinct periods of his career, showcasing his evolution as an artist.

  • Teichiku Era / Kamayatsu Hiroshi Name
    • "Koroshiya no Theme" c/w "Minagoroshi no Uta" (Teichiku NS-207, February 1960) - Chorus: Honey Nights
    • "Oh Carol" / "Koi no Katamichi Kippu" (Teichiku NS-210, March 1960) - Chorus: Crystal Sisters
    • "Kanashii Indian" / "Kanashiki 16 Sai" (Teichiku NS-235, May 1960) - Back: The Thunderbirds
    • "Color ni Kuchibeni" / "Asahi no Yō ni Sawayaka ni" (Teichiku NS-265, July 1960) - Back: The Thunderbirds
    • "Tsukikage no Napoli" / "Teenage Boogie" (Teichiku NS-302, September 1960) - Back: Teichiku Ensemble
    • "Akahana no Tonakai" / "Santa Claus ga Yattekuru" (Teichiku NS-317, October 1960) - Back: Teichiku Ensemble
    • "Kekkon Shite Cho" / "Koroshitai Hodo Suki Nanda" (Teichiku NS-331, December 1960) - Back: Teichiku Ensemble
    • "Harukanaru Alamo" / "Koi no Kisha Poppo" (Teichiku NS-335, January 1961) - Back: Teichiku Ensemble
    • "Dekoboko Blues" / "Kongaragacchatta" (Teichiku NS-351, February 1961) - Back: Teichiku Ensemble
    • "Kieyuku Indian" / "Oh Oh Rosie" (Teichiku NS-354, February 1961) - Back: Wagon Ace
    • "G.I. Blues" / "Wood Ill Heart" (Teichiku NS-358, February 1961) - Back: Wagon West
    • "Choi Choi Bushi" / "Yuwaku Shite Mina" (Teichiku NS-359, February 1961) - Back: Kaoru Akimoto and Six Nights
    • "Seishun Totsugeki Icchūtai" / "Yosahoi Kazoeuta" (Teichiku NS-382, April 1961) - Back: Teichiku Ensemble
    • "Mahjong Hisshōhō" / "Shimizukō no Santarō" (Teichiku NS-428, July 1961) - Back: Teichiku Ensemble
    • "Burabura Tengoku" / "Zundoko Jinsei" (Teichiku NS-435, July 1961) - Back: Charlie Wakino and Gay Pops
    • "Donata de Gozansu" / "Edokko Fūraibō" (Teichiku NS-457, September 1961)
    • "Uramachi Jōtōhei" / "Fire Kakonde" (Teichiku NS-468, October 1961)
    • "Yaji-san Kita-san" (duet with Yoichi Natsu) (Teichiku SN-4, October 1961)
    • "Nageki no Blues" / "Kaeri Fune" (Teichiku NS-481, November 1961)
  • Post-Spiders Solo Era (Singles)
    • "Dounika Naru Sa" / "Tsumetai Heya no Blues" (Philips, FS-1121, April 5, 1970) - Reached Oricon 50th position.
    • "Kiraku na Mono Sa" / "Dassō Ressha" (Philips, FS-1198, May 1971)
    • "Yotsuba no Clover" / "Kissaten de Kiita Kaiwa" (Philips, FS-1226, November 25, 1971) - A-side chorus by Garo.
    • "Nonbiri Ikusa" / "Brain Food Mama (Atama no Taisō)" (Vertigo, FX-6, June 1972) - B-side with English lyrics.
    • "Seishun Banka" / "Osanaki Mono no Te o Hiite" (Vertigo, FX-9, November 1972)
    • "Jinsei wa Tabi da yo" / "Midaretara" (June 1973)
    • "Chikagoro no Neko" / "Midaretara" (Vertigo, FX-15, October 21, 1973)
    • "Cynthia" / "Tappi Zaki" (CBS Sony, SOLB-156OD, July 1974) - Credited as Yoshidatakuro & Hiroshi Kamayatsu.
    • "Waga Yoki Tomo yo" / "Gauloise o Sutta Koto ga Aru Kai" (EXPRESS, ETP-20098, February 5, 1975) - Reached Oricon 1st position.
    • "Umi no Uta" (Okinawa Ocean Expo Sumitomo Pavilion Image Song)
    • "Mizunashi Gawa" / "Oyaji yo" (EXPRESS, ETP-20194, November 5, 1975) - Reached Oricon 37th position.
    • "Kiteki Issei Yūhi ga Shizumu" / "Sannin Gumi" (EXPRESS, ETP-20257, May 5, 1976)
    • "Satin Dress no Seventeen" / "Summer Love Again" (TRIO, 3B-116, June 25, 1977)
    • "Tsuzuke Seishun Tachi yo" / "Ari no Daitōryō" (TRIO, 3C-102, October 21, 1977) - Theme song for the early period of the TV anime `Manga Ijin Monogatari` (TBS).
    • "My Old Gibson" / "12-ji no Sanka" (Trio Records, 3B-130, May 1978)
    • "Seishun Donzumari" / "Ano Toki Kimi wa Wakakatta (LIVE)" (Trio Records, SB-144, October 1978)
    • "Toki o Yobitomete" (June 1, 1980) - Credited as Ryoko Moriyama & Hiroshi Kamayatsu.
    • "Tabi no Uta" / "Mata Au Hi Made" (Toshiba EMI, ETP-17118, February 1981)
    • "Ano Toki Kimi wa Wakakatta" / "No-No Boy" (Toshiba EMI, ETP-17255, November 1981)
    • "Nantoka Socrates" / "Monaural Graffiti" (Toshiba EMI, ETP-17407, September 1982) - Theme song for the TV drama `Aiko 16-sai` (TBS).
    • "Erimaki Tokage no Shinjitsu" / "Erimaki to Kage" (Warner Pioneer, L-1677, June 1984)
    • "Gauloise o Sutta Koto ga Aru Kai" / "Waga Yoki Tomo yo" (May 10, 1985)
    • "One Night Stand Brothers" / "Kekkan BOY × Kekkan GIRL" (Polydor, 7DX1463, September 5, 1986)
    • "No-No Boy" / "No-No Boy (Reprise version)" (For Life, SAM-95, June 21, 1988)
    • "Kiss no Heta na Otoko" / "Bitter For My Taste" (For Life, September 21, 1989)
    • "Suteki na Bokura" / "BLUE de Dekita Bokutachi no Rakuen" (For Life, FLDF-09129, December 21, 1990)
    • "Ame no Komichi de Koi o Shite" / "K no Shūmatsu" (For Life, FLDF-09140, May 21, 1991)
    • "Yatsura no Ashioto no Ballad" / "ALLORA..." (For Life, FLDF-1527, September 2, 1994)
    • "No-No Boy" / "Hinoe Uma no Onna" (Tri-M, MECI-11001, September 21, 2000) - Credited as Mark Cass with Hiroshi Kamayatsu.

3.2. Albums

Kamayatsu's albums showcase his diverse musical projects and collaborations.

  • Kamayatsu Hiroshi Name
    • `Kamayatsu Hiroshi no Ore no Uta o Kiite Kure` (Teichiku NL-1131, 1960)
  • Post-Spiders Solo Era (Albums)
    • `Monsieur / Kamayatsu Hiroshi no Sekai` (Teichiku, February 25, 1970)
    • `Dounika Naru Sa Album No.2` (PHILIPS, FX-8014, May 1971)
    • `Father & Mad Son` (1971) - Collaboration with Tive Kamayatsu.
    • `Kamada Shichiten` (VERTIGO, FX-8611, 1973)
    • `Ah, Waga Yoki Tomo yo` (Toshiba EMI・Express, ETP-72033, April 1975)
    • `Monsieur First Live` (TRIO, 1978)
    • `WALK AGAIN` (TRIO, 3B-1012, June 1978)
    • `Studio Monsieur` (TRIO, 3B-1024, September 1978)
    • `Pineapple no Kanata e` (TRIO, 3B-1027, 1979)
    • `ONE NIGHT STAND BROTHERS` (What's Up? Group, 1986; CD 2003) - Credited as Monsieur Kamayatsu ONE NIGHT STAND BROTHERS.
    • `THE SPIDERS COVER'S` (For Life, 1989)
    • `In and Out` (For Life, 1990)
    • `Fragrance` (For Life, 1991)
    • `pittoresque` (For Life, 1991)
    • `Gauloise` (Trattoria, 1994)
    • `Waga Na wa Monsieur` (*********(readymade) records,tokyo, 2002)
    • `Classics` (BMG, 2002)
    • `1939~MONSIEUR` (avex io, 2009)
    • `The Spiders Covers` (2010)
    • `THE SPIDER BEAT` (2012) - Credited as THE BOHEMIANS avec Monsieur Kamayatsu, covering Spiders songs with THE BOHEMIANS.
    • `Kaminari Mon Project` (2016) - Credited as Kaminari Mon Project, re-recording an unreleased album from around 1986 with Hidenori Inoue; his posthumous work.

3.3. Songwriting and Music Provision

Kamayatsu was a prolific songwriter and provided music for a wide range of artists across various genres.

  • The Beavers: "Kimi Naki Sekai" (as Goki Gen, 1967), "Why Baby Why" (as Goki Gen, composed, 1967)
  • Ryoko Moriyama: "No ni Saku Hana" (composed, 1968)
  • The Tempters: "Kaeranakatta Kane" (composed, 1969), "Shizuka na Arashi" (composed, 1969)
  • Soul Agents: "Kinō no Yō ni" (composed, October 1969)
  • Hidekazu Nagai: "Osekkai na Ame" (1969)
  • The Tigers: "Dassō Ressha" (composed, 1970), "Hito wa..." (composed, 1970)
  • Sally & Shiro (Shuzo Kishibe & Shiro Kishibe): "Dounika Naru Sa" (composed, 1970)
  • Akiko Wada: "Heart Break Doll" (composed, 1970)
  • Mari Tachikawa: "Danke Schön Wunderbar" (composed, 1970)
  • Allan Merrill: "Namida" (composed, 1970), "Taiyō to Ame" (composed, 1970)
  • Kazumi Yasui: "Pour Quoi" (composed, 1970)
  • Rock Pilot: "Yuri ni Natta Shōnen" (composed, 1971), "Tsuki Ryokō" (composed, 1971)
  • Cannonball: "Jigoku e no Passport" (composed, 1971)
  • Garo: "Yotsuba no Clover" (1972)
  • Kimiko Kasai: "Bed no Fune de Ai no Umi e" (composed, 1972), "George no Blues" (composed, 1972), "Tojikomete" (composed, 1972), "Kawaki" (composed, 1972), "You Talk Too Much" (composed, 1972, co-composed with Kimiko Kasai)
  • Hideki Saijo: "Kimi ga Iru Kagiri" (composed, 1973, on album `Exciting Hideki - Chigireta Ai / Jōnetsu no Arashi`)
  • Akira Nishikino (now Akira Nishikino): "Pipo Pipo Ryokō" (composed, 1973, theme song for TV drama `Hashire! K-100` (TBS))
  • DO.T.DOLL: "Namida no Season" (composed, 1974)
  • Maria Anzai: "Koi no Bakudan" (composed, 1974), "End Mark" (composed, 1974)
  • Midori Kinochi: "Mada Tesaguri Shiteiru Tenshi" (composed, 1978)
  • Lazy: "Hello Los Angeles" (composed, 1978)
  • Kenji Sawada: "Gozen 3-ji no Elevator" (composed, 1980, on album `G.S.I LOVE YOU`), "CAFÉ Bianca" (composed, 1980, on album `G.S.I LOVE YOU`), "Omoide no Annie Laurie" (composed, 1981, on album `S/T/R/I/P/P/E/R`), "everyday joe" (composed, 2000, on album `Kitarubeki Suteki`)
  • C-C-B: "Gold Coast no Christmas" (composed, 1983, on album `Mild Weekend`), "Soshite 9-gatsu" (composed, 1984, on album `Boy's Life`)
  • Michiya Mihashi: "I'm A Hokkaido Man" (composed, 1984, Oh~i Hokkaido campaign theme song)
  • Kazumi Kawai: "Hoshi no Uta o Kikinagara" (composed, 1984)
  • Risa Tachibana: "Otona wa Wakatte Kurenai" (composed, 1987), "Shunkan" (composed, 1987), "Hōkago Date" (composed, 1987)
  • TUBE: "Sail Away Forever" (lyrics, 1988, on album `Beach Time`)
  • Masahiko Kondo: "Ho Ho Ho..." (composed, 1990)
  • Miki Imai: "Tea for two" (composed, 1991)
  • Michiyo Nakajima: "Koi no Uta" (composed, 1991), "Ame no Dōbutsuen" (composed, 1992)
  • Seiji Katayama: "BLUE DIAMOND" (composed, 1993)
  • Yohito Teraoka: "SMILE A GO GO!" (lyrics, 1995, on album `GOLDEN CIRCLE`)

3.4. Animation and Media Music

Kamayatsu contributed significantly to the soundtracks of various media, including anime, films, and commercials.

  • OVA `Download: Namu Amida Butsu wa Ai no Uta` (1992): Composed in-play music and insert songs "OUT OF BORDER", "WEATHER REPORT BLUES", and "DETHMAIL BLUES".
  • "RTB": Ending theme for the OVA `Sentō Yōsei Yukikaze`.
  • "Samishii Samishii" (2001): Image song for No-Face (Kaonashi) included on the `Spirited Away` image album.
  • "The IJIN-DEN Tensai no Hōsoku" (composed, 2003): Opening theme for the anime `Mōsō Kagaku Series Wanderba Style`.
  • Commercials (CMs)
    • Lion Vitalis "Midaretara" (1972)
    • Coca-Cola Japan "Uruoi no Sekai - Tomodachi Hen" (1974)
    • Ajinomoto General Foods Maxwell "Hello Mr. Sunshine (Tanya Tucker)" (1976) - Provided under the name "Mick Stewart."
    • Myojo Foods "Charumera Corn" (1978)
    • Aprica "Concor Mini" (1980)
    • NTT "Let's Call Obaachan" (1986) - A parody of his Spiders-era song "Electric Obaachan," sung by Kamayatsu himself.
    • Suntory Wine "Reserve" (1987)
    • Takara Holdings Jun Shochu "Legend" (1994)
    • Sony Computer Entertainment PlayStation (1997)
    • Iwate Prefecture Horse Racing Association "1999 Keiba no Joe" (1999)
    • Coca-Cola Japan "Minute Maid" (2001)
    • Toyota "Probox", "Succeed" (2002)
    • Sapporo Beer Yebisu Beer (2003)
    • Meiji Dairies "VAAM WALKER" (2005)
    • KDDI au Junior Keitai (2006)
    • Suntory Foods Flavon Tea (2007)
    • Suntory Foods BOSS (2009)
    • Dainippon Jochugiku KINCHO "Gokiburi ga Inakunaru Spray" (2010)
    • Suntory (April 2011) - Appeared in a corporate image commercial for Tohoku earthquake recovery, singing "Ue o Muite Arukō" and "Miagete Goran Yoru no Hoshi o" in a relay style with 71 other performers from the Suntory Group.
    • AC Japan "Sasaeattara, Hito ni Naru." (2011)
    • Ezaki Glico "Minna ni Egao o Todoketai. Fuyu Hen" (2012)

4. Film and Broadcast Appearances

In addition to his musical career, Hiroshi Kamayatsu was a notable presence in film, television, and radio.

4.1. Film Appearances

Kamayatsu's acting career included roles in various feature films.

  • `Ori no Naka no Yarōtachi` (1959, Toho) - Role: Ro-kō. Credited as Hiroshi Kamayatsu.
  • `Ore no Kokyō wa Ōseibu` (1960, Nikkatsu) - Featured insert song "Kekkon Shite Cho."
  • `Daishinrin ni Mukatte Tatsu` (1961, Nikkatsu) - Role: Ribo. Featured insert song "Kaeri Fune."
  • `Arigataya Bushi Ah Arigataya Arigataya` (1961, Nikkatsu) - Role: Ume.
  • `Tokyo Kishitai` (1961, Nikkatsu) - Role: Hirai. Featured theme song "Tokyo Kishitai" and insert songs "Yuwaku Shite Mina," "Choi Choi Bushi."
  • `Gakuen Hiroba` (1963, Nikkatsu) - Role: Kamada.
  • `Hatoba no Tobakushi` (1963, Nikkatsu) - Role: Ota. Featured insert song "Annie Laurie."
  • `Nakamatachi` (1964, Nikkatsu).
  • `The Spiders Go-Go Mukōmizu Sakusen` (1967, Nikkatsu).
  • `The Spiders Daishingeki` (1968, Nikkatsu) - Also served as music director.
  • `The Spiders Daisōdō` (1968, Nikkatsu) - Also served as music director.
  • `The Spiders Bali-tō Chindōchū` (1968, Nikkatsu).
  • `Nagisa no Shiroi Ie` (1978, Shochiku) - Role: Ken. Also served as music director.
  • `Sengoku Jieitai` (1979, Kadokawa Haruki Office) - Role: Private Second Class Shigechiki Nemoto.
  • `Godzilla` (1984, Toho) - Role: Shinkansen passenger (appeared in the costume of Kamada-sensei from `Beat Takeshi no Gakumon no Susume`).
  • `Boku to, Bokura no Natsu` (1990, Toei Classic Film) - Role: TV man.
  • `THE DETECTIVE IS BORN Daikanyama Monogatari "Tantei Tanjō"` (1998) - Role: Mr.
  • `Kemono Gare, Orera no Saru to` (2000, Nikkatsu).
  • `Ghost Shout` (2004, Tokyo Theatres) - Role: Haunted house owner.
  • `The Yakiniku Movie Purukogi` (2007, Phantom Film) - Role: Purukogi restaurant customer.

4.2. TV Drama Appearances

Kamayatsu made numerous appearances in television dramas throughout his career.

  • `Jikan Desu yo` series (1971-1990, TBS) - Role: Kamada.
  • `Aiko 16-sai` (1982, TBS) - Role: Cameraman Kawauchi. The drama's theme song was "Nantoka Socrates."
  • `Sayonara Sankaku` (1983, CX) - Role: Mr. Igarashi.
  • `Beat Takeshi no Gakumon no Susume` (1984, TBS) - Role: Mr. Kamada.
  • `Kindaichi Shōnen no Jikenbo` (2001, NTV) - Role: Shimon Madarame.
  • `Xmas Nante Daikirai` (2004, NTV) - Role: Hiroshi Okura.
  • `Muri na Renai` (2008, KTV) - Role: Ken-chan.
  • `Girls Talk ~Jūnin no Sisters~` (2012-2013, EX) - Role: Kami-yatsu Hiroshi (also provided narration).
  • `Snack Kissa Eden` (2012-2013, CX) - Role: Kamada (appeared in the same Kamada costume from the `Jikan Desu yo` series).

4.3. Other Media Appearances

Kamayatsu's presence extended beyond film and TV dramas to various other media platforms, including radio and concerts.

  • Radio Programs
    • `Dontokoi! Denriku Daishingeki` (TBS Radio)
    • `Jeans Music` (TBS Radio)
    • `Young Town Tokyo Onnanoko Dake de Man'in Onrei` (TBS Radio, 1976)
    • `Monsieur Kamayatsu Seishun Kōsaten` (TBS Radio)
    • `Mitsubishi Driving Jockey` (TBS Radio)
    • `SUPER ARTIST TRIBUTE` (TBS Radio)
    • `Hello Party` (Bunka Hoso)
    • `Kamayatsu Hiroshi no Pops New Hit` (Nippon Hoso)
    • `Fresh Sound Daishingeki Sadamasashi no Masashing World` (Nippon Hoso)
    • `Kamayatsu Hiroshi no New Music Best Ten` (Nippon Hoso)
    • `The Great 30 Years of Hits` (Radio Nippon)
    • `Dr. Monsieur no Fushigikan`
    • `LEGENDS Monsieur Kamayatsu Keep On Running` (JFNC, 2007 - March 2017), a monthly broadcast. In the final period of the program, Kamayatsu could not appear due to his illness, and his assistant, Yuki Shiina, hosted alone. The final episode aired after his death.
  • Concerts
    • `Dream Power John Lennon Super Live` (2001)
    • `Yoshida Takuro & Kaguyahime Concert in Tsumagoi 2006` (2006)
    • `Daisen Music Resort in Hana Kairō` (2007)
    • `ap bank fes '10` (2010)
  • Other
    • Benesse Corporation
    • Appeared as a bus driver in the music video for Southern All Stars' "Taiyō wa Tsumi na Yatsu" (1996).
    • Served as a judge for the "Kachinuki Folk Song Contest" within Fuji TV's variety show `Paradise GoGo!!`. He highly praised the musicality of amateur band Magokoro Brothers, which led to their major debut.

5. Personal Life and Anecdotes

Hiroshi Kamayatsu's personal life was rich with close relationships, unique hobbies, and memorable stories that offered glimpses into his character.

5.1. Family and Relationships

Kamayatsu maintained close family ties. Tragically, his wife passed away in February 2017, just a few days before his own death. He was reportedly unaware of her passing until his own final moments, as he was in a state of confused consciousness during his wife's funeral. A private funeral service was held for Kamayatsu at Shoei Church in Setagaya Ward, as he was a Christian. His family grave, which was previously located in Kodaira Cemetery, was relocated to Kenshoji Temple in Motoazabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo, in April 2018. This move was made public by his son, TARO, and was intended to fulfill Kamayatsu's wish to be in a place where people gather, near Azabu-Juban.

5.2. Hobbies and Interests

Kamayatsu was a well-known car enthusiast. Over the years, he owned numerous luxury and foreign cars, including an MG TF, a GMC Typhoon, a Mini Countryman (which was later inherited by his cousin Ryoko Moriyama and nephew Naotaro Moriyama), a Ferrari 280, a Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, and an Abarth 595 Tributo Ferrari. He even briefly owned a Mini that had belonged to Twiggy, but he quickly sold it due to persistent mechanical troubles.

5.3. Key Anecdotes

Kamayatsu was known for several distinctive habits and memorable experiences. His favorite cigarettes were Gauloises (Caporal), which even inspired his song "Gauloise o Sutta Koto ga Aru Kai." His distinctive "woodpecker hair" was a style he adopted, inspired by Rod Stewart's hairstyle. In his later years, an Agnès b. knit hat became his personal trademark, as he was frequently seen wearing one.

During The Beatles' concert in Japan, The Spiders were offered the opportunity to be the opening act. However, Kamayatsu recounted that he and several other members declined the offer, choosing instead to watch the concert from the audience, as being the opening act would have prevented them from seeing the main performance. He considered it a strategically good public relations opportunity but prioritized the experience of witnessing the concert.

Kamayatsu shared a deep and long-standing friendship with Allan Merrill, dating back to the late 1960s. Their bond remained strong, with Kamayatsu participating in Merrill's live performances in Japan as recently as 2015. A casual joint session at Merrill's New York City home in 2007 also highlighted their enduring musical connection.

He served as a judge for the "Kachinuki Folk Song Contest" on Fuji TV's `Paradise GoGo!!`, where he highly praised the musicality of the amateur band Magokoro Brothers, a commendation that ultimately led to their major debut. Takuro Yoshida famously commented on the TV show `LOVE LOVE Ai Shiteru` that Kamayatsu played "strange chords" on "Waga Yoki Tomo yo." Kamayatsu often used tension chords or chords derived from his personal playing habits rather than strictly adhering to standard chord charts, explaining that he prioritized the "chord feel" of the sound.

Kamayatsu had a close friendship with racing driver Yukio Fukuzawa, who died in an accident in 1969. In his memory, Kamayatsu composed and sang the song "So Long Sachio." He was also present at the Nikkatsu studio on February 14, 1961, when actor Keiichiro Akagi died in a go-kart accident. Kamayatsu wrote in his book that he might have been the next person to ride that very go-kart. In 2013, he initiated a project to release a CD for Japanese country singer Miya Ishida, featuring Tanya Tucker's "Hello Mr. Sunshine" (1976), a song he had composed under the pseudonym Mick Stewart 37 years prior. On TBS's `Hanamaru Market` in 2009, he recommended ZAZEN BOYS as a band he admired, stating, "They have sound souls that attract me."

6. Death

Hiroshi Kamayatsu died on March 1, 2017, at 6:05 PM, at a hospital in Tokyo, at the age of 78. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer. He had publicly announced that he was battling liver cancer in September 2016. Tragically, his wife had passed away in February 2017, just days before him. It was reported that Kamayatsu remained unaware of his wife's death until his own passing, as he was in a state of confused consciousness during the time of her funeral. A private funeral service, in accordance with his Christian faith, was held at Shoei Church in Setagaya Ward. His family grave was later relocated to Kenshoji Temple in Motoazabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo, in April 2018, fulfilling his wish to be interred in a place where people gather.

7. Legacy and Influence

Hiroshi Kamayatsu left an indelible mark on Japanese music and culture, recognized for his pioneering spirit, musical innovation, and enduring influence. He is often regarded as Japan's first rock musician, having laid foundational groundwork for the genre. His career demonstrated remarkable versatility, as he seamlessly transitioned and innovated across diverse musical styles, from his early country and rockabilly roots to his later explorations of folk, fusion, city pop, and new wave. This adaptability allowed him to remain relevant and influential across generations.

Kamayatsu's commitment to engaging with younger artists and his openness to contemporary sounds ensured his continuous impact. He was deeply respected by many prominent musicians who followed him, including Yumi Matsutoya, Ginji Ito, THE ALFEE, Char, Konishi Yasuharu, Keigo Oyamada, Kahimi Karie, and Keiichi Sokabe. His work, such as "Gauloise o Sutta Koto ga Aru Kai," found new audiences and appreciation years after its initial release, underscoring his timeless artistic significance. Beyond music, his role as a fashion leader and media personality further cemented his status as a multifaceted cultural icon in Japan.