石嶺聡子

Satoko Ishimine (石嶺 聡子) is a Japanese female singer-songwriter.She rose to fame in 1992 when she won the grand prix of the 16th annual Nagasaki Singing Festival at the age of 16, which resulted in her receiving a recording contract with Toshiba EMI. After she graduated from high school, Ishimine traveled to Los Angeles, California, to receive voice training and dancing lessons.In November 1994, she released her first single Doyōbi to Pen to Udedokei (Saturday, Pen and Wristwatch). In March 1995, Ishimine won first prize at the 5th NHK's Newcomer Singing Contest.In May, she released a cover version of the renowned song Hana, originally recorded by Shoukichi Kina, for the film Himeyuri no Tō (The Tower of Himeyuri).This, her third single, sold over 500,000 copies.She was selected to participate in the 46th annual NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with the song at the end of the year.