Ataru Nakamura | Transgender Woman

Like her gender identity, Ataru Nakamura has always known her musical preferences, even at an early age. The singer was assigned male at birth but has always struggled with gender identity. She then decided to transition and become a female. Her official biography short contained details of her struggles, too.

After Nakamura signed with Avex Trax, she released her debut single, “Yogoreta Shitagi,” but it was her second single, “Tomodachi no Uta,” which caused her to be recognized internationally. This song chronicled her struggles with sexuality and the unrequited love she had for a friend. The single was well-received. Due to her new popularity, her first album, Ten Made Todoke, was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan. She is notable for her two different styles when singing: a modern rock/pop sound and a degree of enka-inspired sound.