Suga Ryoo (25), a new enka singer who will make his debut in “Hometown Spring and Autumn” on May 21st, prayed for a hit at Suga Shrine in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo on the 15th.
Suga is from Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture. He grew up experiencing enka, which was played at his grandparents’ house from a young age, and by the time he was old enough to remember, he began singing enka, and after adoring Kitajima Saburo (88), he aspired to become an enka singer. He has participated in karaoke tournaments since he was in the first grade of elementary school and has won numerous tournaments. He moved to Tokyo as soon as he graduated from university and worked as a working adult, but retired to concentrate on his dream of becoming a singer. In 2023, they began street concerts singing enka in front of Kawasaki Station and other places, and also began solo concerts at live houses. His singing voice and talk with a Tohoku accent steadily expanded his popularity, attracting attention from those involved, and he made his debut.
Suga Ryoo is his stage name. “Suka” is named after “Suka Shrine,” a shrine known for its worship hall with a carved climbing dragon sculpture in her hometown of Higashimatsushima City. The characters “Ryo” were engraved from their real name, and the words “o” were engraved to aim at their goals with a brave and strong will.
On this day, six days away from his debut, he chose Suga Shrine in Yotsuya, Tokyo, after his stage name as a place to pray for his hits, and received prayers along with Kitazume Aoi, who wrote his debut song at the shrine building, and Minamino Seita, who composed his music.
Suga, who successfully prayed for a hit, said with a smile, “First of all, I’m relieved. I’m grateful for the support of the people around me, and I’ll do my best step by step from now on so that it can be a huge hit.”
His debut song, “Hometown Spring and Autumn,” is a song about young people who pursue their dreams and go out to the city and work hard. As the seasons change, she suddenly misses her hometown and sings with thoughts on her “grandpa” in her hometown, who has vowed to make her dream come true. His expansive singing voice and lyrics that call out “Grandpa” are impressive.
Regarding his debut song, he said, “My grandfather has been a sailor in the ocean fishing industry for many years, and as you can see in the lyrics, he has a hand that is completely black. I was really happy to receive lyrics that overlap with me, and when I received the melody and sheet music for the temporary song, I was moved and cried in ruins. When I told my grandfather he was happy and said, ‘You got a great song’.”
He fulfilled his dream of making his debut, and said his future goals include, “I would like people all over Japan to first learn about Suga by appearing on TV and radio programs and appearing on stage.”
He also said, “I would like to eventually take on a bigger stage, such as the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen. My goal is to become a singer who can travel around Japan with live bands in the future.”
“From now on, as Suga Ryoo, I will continue to work hard one step at a time so that everyone across the country can listen to their debut song, “Hometown Spring and Autumn,” and become a huge hit. We look forward to your continued support.”
[Release]
“Hometown Spring and Autumn” released on Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Suga Ryoo
delivery: https://SugaRyo.lnk.to/FurusatoShunjyu
“Hometown Spring and Autumn” Poetry: Kitazume Aoi Composition: Minamino Seita Arrangement: Ido Norio
C/W “That’s That Ondo” Poetry: Sanri Koji Composition: Minamino Seita Arrangement: Ido Norio
COCA-18288 ¥1,500 (price excluding tax: ¥1,364)
Suga Ryoo Profile
Suga Ryoo Date of birth: June 8, 1999
Born: Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture
Height: 176cm
Hobbies: I love all things to do with trains, laundry
Special skills: Kyudo (National Athletics candidate), guitar, piano, electronic drums
Favorite food: Eel, Sasa Kamaboko
He grew up listening to enka, which he had played at his grandparents’ house since he was a child.
By the time I was old enough to remember, I began singing enka, and after admiring Kitajima Saburo, I aspired to become an enka singer.
He has participated in karaoke tournaments since he was in the first grade of elementary school and has received awards such as winning in numerous tournaments.
In November 2019, he won the national championship at the “National Karaoke Grand Prix Singing of Oda Junpei,” and received original songs from singer-songwriter and composer Oda Junpei.
In December 2021, he was selected as 20 program contestants from 17,015 applications to Nippon Television’s “Singing King.”
He sang “Aiya Lullaby,” written and composed by Kitajima Saburo Hara Joji, whom he respects since he was a child.
He will also be selected as six finalists on the program.
At the same time as graduating from university in March 2022, he moved to Tokyo to become a professional enka singer.
Starting in 2023, concerts will be held at live houses in Tokyo, and the singing voice and Tohoku accent chats have been a huge success.
A street concert will also be held, and by chance it will catch the eye of those involved with Kitajima Saburo, and the singing video will be made possible by Kitajima Saburo, whom he admires.
On May 21, 2025, he made his debut with “Hometown Spring and Autumn” from Nippon Columbia.
Suga Ryoo Campaign
May 21st (Wed) 15:00 (Akabane) Biseido
May 22nd (Thursday) 12:00 (Kinshicho) Sekine Musical Instruments
May 22nd (Thursday) 3:00pm (Higashijujo) Music Shop Dan
May 23rd (Fri) 15:00 (Koiwa) Blue Orange
Tuesday, June 3rd, 12:00 (Machida) Suzuki Musical Instruments
Event appearances
Wednesday, June 25th, 13:30 Tokyo Enka Live @ Kameari Lilio Hall
