Kingo Hamada

Japanese City Pop Singer-Songwriter

Kingo Hamada is a Japanese singer and songwriter known for his contributions to the city pop genre, which gained popularity in Japan in the late 1970s and 1980s. His music is characterized by its smooth, urban-inspired sound that often incorporates elements of jazz, funk, and R&B. Hamada's career saw a significant rise with the release of his album "Midnight Cruisin'" in 1982, which became a classic example of the city pop style. The album's title track is particularly celebrated and has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years due to a renewed interest in city pop music both in Japan and internationally. Following the success of "Midnight Cruisin'," Kingo Hamada continued to produce music, including the album "Heart Cocktail," further cementing his status as an influential figure within the genre. His work from this era remains influential and continues to attract new listeners who appreciate the nostalgic and sophisticated soundscapes that define city pop.