Ashoro Town celebrates Chiharu Matsuyama's 50th debut anniversary

Ashoro Town in Hokkaido is organizing a series of celebrations to honor singer Chiharu Matsuyama's 50th anniversary since his debut. The town has designated the period leading up to January next year as a “50th anniversary year” and will implement various related projects.

A central event, the “Townspeople's Gathering to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Debut,” is scheduled for September 19 at the Townspeople's Center. The event will feature a screening of Matsuyama's live performances and a talk session involving the singer, Ashoro Mayor Shunichi Watanabe, and other local figures.

Matsuyama, born in 1955, is a graduate of local schools in Ashoro and has maintained his residency in the town while achieving national fame. He was named an honorary citizen of Ashoro in 2016 for his contributions to promoting the town through his music.