Saijo Hideki

Quick Facts: Who was Saijo Hideki?

Subject:

Saijo Hideki

Known for:

Iconic Japanese singer whose 70s hits defined the Shōwa era idol scene.

Born:

1955-04-13

Died:

2018-05-16

Century / Era:

1955s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Hideki Saijō (西城 秀樹, Saijō Hideki; originally Tatsuo Kimoto (木本 龍雄, Kimoto Tatsuo); April 13, 1955 – May 16, 2018) was a Japanese singer, composer, actor, drummer, voice actor, and television and radio show host. Due to his numerous pioneering achievements throughout Asia in the 1970s and 1980s, he is considered an icon amongst Shōwa era idols. With on-stage vivacity and highly acclaimed vocals as his defining trademarks, Saijō quickly came to dominate the Japanese charts of the 1970s. He was consistently promoted as part of the Shin-Gosanke (新御三家, "New Big Three") idol trio alongside two other soloists who debuted around the same time: Goro Noguchi and Hiromi Go. Almost seven years into his career, his 28th single "YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)" (a Japanese cover of the Village People song of the same name) became a social phenomenon in Japan, selling over 1.8 million copies.

Career & Major Achievements

Hideki Saijō was born as Tatsuo Kimoto on 13 April 1955 in Atago-machi, Higashi-ku, Hiroshima City (now Higashi-ku), Hiroshima Prefecture, as the youngest of three siblings to parents Saburō and Toshiko Kimoto. In April 1959, he enrolled in Rissho Kindergarten. As a child, he often sang "Black Petals," a popular song at the time, much to the distaste of his teacher who advised that he sing more childish songs. In April 1962, he entered Onaga Elementary School in Hiroshima City. Influenced by his father, who had played jazz guitar as a hobby, he became familiar with Western music from an early age and began attending Hiroshima Central Jazz School.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He initially studied electric guitar, followed by bass guitar, but eventually settled on drums. In 1965, while in fourth class, he formed a rock and roll band called "Beggars" with his older brother. Through Beggars, he began performing as a drummer while still in primary school. In April 1968, he entered Futaba Junior High School in Hiroshima City. He performed on stage at the school's annual festival when his brother was in third year and he was in first year.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1955 (1955-04-13): Birth of Saijo Hideki — Iconic Japanese singer whose 70s hits defined the Shōwa era idol scene.
2. 1959: 1959 Milestone — In April 1959, he enrolled in Rissho Kindergarten.
3. 1962: 1962 Milestone — In April 1962, he entered Onaga Elementary School in Hiroshima City.
4. 1965: 1965 Milestone — In 1965, while in fourth class, he formed a rock and roll band called "Beggars" with his older brother.
5. 1968: 1968 Milestone — In April 1968, he entered Futaba Junior High School in Hiroshima City.
6. 2018 (2018-05-16): Passing & Historical Legacy — Saijo Hideki passed away on 2018-05-16, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Saijo Hideki

“Hideki, kangeki!”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Saijo Hideki

True or False: “Saijō Hideki's breakthrough hit 'YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)' was originally a Japanese composition.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The song was a Japanese cover of the Village People's original track.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1955 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1955
• April 13 (04-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on April 13
• 2018 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2018
• May 16 (05-16) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on May 16

Frequently Asked Questions about Saijo Hideki