About this Record
Released in 1969 on Philips (manufactured by Victor Company of Japan, Ltd.), “Yoyaku” (予約) marks the dazzling debut single of singer and voice actress Kyoko Okada (岡田恭子). Emerging as the top talent from the Kansai division of the prestigious Watanabe Production Talent Scout Contest in 1965 at a young age, Okada was celebrated for her sweet, resonant vocal delivery and multifaceted background in radio and television.
Both sides of this 7″ 45 RPM single are arranged and composed by the renowned Osamu Shoji (東海林修), supported by the lush orchestrations of the Philips Studio Orchestra. The A-side features lyrics by Michie Onaka, delivering a melodic late-1960s pop/kayōkyoku ballad with charming orchestration. The flip side, “Donna Fuu ni” (どんなふうに), features lyrics penned by the iconic Kazumi Yasui (安井かずみ), lending an elegant, introspective touch characteristic of Golden Era Japanese pop. This particular copy is an original vintage Japanese pressing featuring the rare white promotional “Sample” (見本盤) label on the center spindle.
Tracklist & Notes
- Side A: 予約 (Yoyaku) [2:22] – Lyrics: Michie Onaka / Music & Arrangement: Osamu Shoji
- Side B: どんなふうに (Donna Fuu ni) [2:33] – Lyrics: Kazumi Yasui / Music & Arrangement: Osamu Shoji
Accompanied by the Philips Studio Orchestra. Includes original fold-out insert sleeve with portrait photo, liner notes, lyrics, and vintage Victor/Philips corporate inner sleeve.
「アッコちゃん歌ってた有名な人？と思ったら一文字違いの別人だった」
(Wife’s thought: Wait, is this the famous singer behind the ‘Himitsu no Akko-chan’ anime theme?” …Nope. Turns out it’s a completely different person whose name is spelled just one letter off.)
