Shinji Tanimura, famed Japanese singer behind ‘Subaru,’ dies at 74

Key details: Tanimura reportedly underwent surgery for acute enteritis in March and was undergoing treatment when he died in a hospital on Oct. 8, his agency confirmed, according to several reports.

The artist’s official X account also shared the news in a series of posts on Monday.

Last public concert: Tanimura reportedly held his last public concert in Beijing on Sept. 28, 2018. He also had to cancel his nationwide tour with his three-member band Alice to recover following his surgery.

About Tanimura: Born on Dec. 11, 1948, in Osaka Prefecture, Japan, Tanimura made his music album debut through his three-member group Alice, which he created with fellow members Takao Horiuchi, 73, and Toru Yazawa, 74, in 1972.

The group became known for their hit songs, such as “Champion” and “Fuyu no Inazuma” (“Winter Lightning”).

Aside from being a part of Alice, Tanimura also ventured into a successful solo career. As a solo artist, Tanimura released the hit 1980 song “Subaru” (“Star”), which he later became synonymous with. He also worked on multiple anime projects, including performing the theme songs for “Turn A Gundam” and the “Great Conquest: The Romance of Three Kingdoms” anime films.

Time in China: Besides Japan, Tanimura is also especially popular in China and Hong Kong, whose social media platforms have seen countless posts honoring the late singer. Alice performed at a summer pop concert in Beijing in 1981, attended by former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

He also spent some time in the country by working as a professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning extended their condolences after learning of Tanimura’s passing.

Receiving an award: Tanimura was awarded a Medal with Purple Ribbon by the Japanese government in 2015 for his contribution to art and culture in Asia.