is a J-pop singer famous in Japan for her unconventional light singing style and ukulele music. She rose to fame after performing the end-title track for the Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns in 2002. Her other music for TV and anime includes "Tanpopo" for Tensai Terebi Kun.
Biography In 1993, Tsuji attended Kyoto City Dohda Senior High School of Arts where, during an activities class, she started to learn the ukulele after finding her hands were too small to correctly hold and play the guitar.
In 1996, Tsuji attended Ryukoku University as a student under the literature department. She graduated as a historian from Ryukoku University's Department of Oriental History.
In 1998, she released a mini-album entitled Urara from LD & K Records, making this her independent debut as a musician.
Discography Albums Release date: Title: October 10, 1998 September 22, 1999 March 15, 2000 April 18, 2001 April 17, 2002 Balanço December 11, 2002 May 21, 2003 May 19, 2004 Cover Girl November 23, 2005 Calendar Calendar July 5, 2006 Tsuji Best September 22, 2006 December 19, 2007 Sweet, Sweet Happy Birthday September 24, 2008 Cover Girl 2 September 16, 2009 September 8, 2010 January 6, 2022 HELLO WOMAN
Singles Release date: Title: Notes: January 26, 2000 October 18, 2000 March 1, 2001 November 21, 2001 February 27, 2002 June 27, 2002 End-title track for the Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns January 22, 2003 March 19, 2003 May 21, 2003 December 17, 2003 April 6, 2005 June 22, 2005 Shiny Day / October 5, 2005 / December 6, 2006 February 20, 2008 In collaboration with Beat Crusaders
DVDs Release date: Title: April 6, 2005 Kyoto Girl November 23, 2005 Ayano Clip /
References
External links
Ayano Tsuji's personal blog (May 1, 2005, to August 24, 2010) Ayano Tsuji's personal blog (from August 24, 2010) NPR music profile of Ayano Tsuji by producer Robert Rand