Fuji Ayako

Fuji Ayako came up in the late 1990s with a single called "Kokoro Zake" that caught on as a ballad. She put out albums like Kokoro Zake in 1998, Aoi Tori in 2000, and Sora in 2002.

Her songs sometimes stirred things up. In 2003 she released "Kanashimi ni Makasete," which dealt plainly with domestic violence and isolation. Some listeners found it too raw, while others appreciated the directness.

She worked with musicians like guitarist Satoshi Watanabe and bassist Masashi Kitajima. She also collaborated with singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda on a track called "Mikan." Other songs of hers include "Hana No Warutsu," "Futari No Kizuna," and "Miren."