Kiyoshi Hikawa, the celebrated Enka singer, recently returned to the stage after 1 year and 8 months of hiatus, marking his much-anticipated comeback with the broadcast of the NHK Music Special featuring his latest concert performance. The show, aired on December 26, highlights the emotional rollercoaster Hikawa experienced during his break from music, punctuated by his reflections on the past and future of his career.
The hiatus was first announced by Hikawa back in January 2022. His last concert, which took place on December 14, 2022, at the Tokyo International Forum, drew nearly 18,000 fans over four performances as they packed the venue to bid farewell to the artist before his break.
During the concert, titled "Kiyoshi Hikawa Special Concert 2022 Kiyoshi Kono Yoru - Vol.22", Hikawa performed 27 songs, showcasing the breadth of his career and immense vocal talent. Dressed initially in a stunning blue robe-like jacket, he opened with his debut track "Hakone Yatsuri no Hanjirou", followed by other hits like "Ooi Okkake Onjirou" and "Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi". While the audience, limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, remained silent, they compensated with vibrant penlights, filling the hall with colorful lights instead of voices.
"When I first performed Kiyoshi Kono Yoru at the Tokyo International Forum back in 2001, I was so nervous I could hardly sleep the week leading up to the show, even getting high fever before the performance," Hikawa recalled during the concert. His charming banter with emcee Nishiyori Higashi entertained the audience, and he expressed gratitude, acknowledging, "Over the past 22 years, so many wonderful fans have come to see me. Today is my last concert here, but if I happen to do it again next year, I might just pull off what I call 'last fraud' (laughs)." This humorous remark showcased his dedication to his fans and his reluctance to say goodbye.
The concert was structured to celebrate both his past work and his most heartfelt messages, with the first half focused on songs instrumental in shaping his career. He continued passionately through his repertoire, showcasing his versatility across genres. This segment featured powerful renditions of award-winning tracks, including the classic "Ikken" donned with traditional clothing, and newer hits as well. The excitement built as he transitioned to the second half, where he revealed his latest song "Naketekuru Kedo Waraetekuru" under his alternate persona, KIINA.
While expressing sadness at taking time off from performances, Hikawa showed optimism for the future. He shared plans to travel internationally, hinting at new inspirations to be drawn during this time. Recently, he took to Instagram, detailing his reflections during his break: "Caught up with the busyness of life, I felt I had to resolve my inner personal challenges. Although naturally filled with anxiety, I gathered the courage to take the time off. Living as KIINA and spending time away from the business allowed me to meet about 1,000 people, who taught me various life lessons about endurance and strength. I realized my role remains to sing, and every encounter inspired me to shed rigid constructs from my mind."
This introspective experience prompted Hikawa to seek diverse encounters across Los Angeles and other destinations as he broadened his worldview. He reflected on how life, with all its differences, offers stimuli to create art more meaningfully.
The NHK Music Special not only highlights the concert's historical significance but also explores the transformative period for traditional Enka music, previously dominated by Hikawa. His absence prompted discussions about the genre's evolution, with various artists rising to try and fill the vacuum. Critics note the emergence of talents like Keisuke Yamauchi and Hiroshi Miyama, who bring fresh narratives and styles to the Enka scene, ensuring it remains vibrant amid changing cultural preferences.
Yet, the question of whether a singular talent could replicate Hikawa's charm remains open. Music scholar Kazuichi Tomizawa points out the influence Hikawa has had on male Enka singers over the years, saying, "Kiyoshi Hikawa has undoubtedly been the leader of Enka music for men, yet his hiatus has ushered us to question the future of this genre. What will the next chapter hold?"
With 2022 seeing numerous veterans' farewell from the renowned annual Kohaku Uta Gassen, the future of Enka feels both uncertain and hopeful. Hikawa’s return, described as fittingly poignant, reaffirms the genre's heart and the artist’s enduring appeal. "This concert signifies not just my comeback but also my appreciation. I hope to continue contributing to music after this time,” Hikawa said, as audiences eagerly await his return to stage once again.
Fans and critics alike are left with anticipation after the NHK special, excited for the new direction Kiyoshi Hikawa might take, not just as his role as a classic Enka singer but as Kiina, who is proud to share her fresh narratives with fans.
The NHK Special today reflects Hikawa's unwavering dedication and his hopes for the next chapter, leaving audiences with inspiring thoughts of resilience.
