Aki Yashiro’s “farewell party” held in Ota-ku, Tokyo = afternoon on the 26th
A farewell party for singer Aki Yashiro, who passed away at the age of 73 in December last year, was held on the 26th at Katayanagi Arena in Ota Ward, Tokyo, and fellow singers and fans gathered to attend as it continued to rain since the morning. 3,000 people attended.
In response to Mr. Yashiro’s desire to return to the stage, the concert was held in the form of a concert featuring live music and the singing voice he used before his death. The venue was decorated with Yashiro’s favorite flowers, including moth orchids, roses, and purple carnations, and a line of flowers continued as her signature songs “Funeuta” and “Ame no Yoshijo” were played.
Condolences were expressed one after another from those in attendance. Actor Kotaro Satomi (87), who has known Yashiro since her debut, said, “Thank you for your hard work, Aki-chan,” and singer Hiroshi Itsuki (76) said, “A fellow singer and comrade. I really miss you. I’m very sad that it’s gone.”
At the event, an artificial intelligence (AI) voice synthesized from data of Yashiro’s voice recorded before his death was also unveiled. “Even if the flame of life burns out, I believe that the soul will be revived” and “Aki Yashiro was happy,” were the voices that echoed through the venue, bringing tears to those in attendance.