| Hiroshi Kitadani | |
|---|---|
Kitadani performing as part of JAM Project in Paris |
|
| Background information | |
| Born | August 24, 1968 |
| Origin | Susa, Yamaguchi, Japan |
| Genres | Pop, anison |
| Occupations | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Associated acts | Lapis Lazuli, Stagger, JAM Project |
Hiroshi Kitadani (きただに ひろし Kitadani Hiroshi, real name 北谷 洋, born August 24, 1968) is a Japanese vocalist who is prominent as an anison, or a musician who primarily performs theme songs and other songs in anime. He also works behind the scenes of many songs. He currently works with JAM Project, but has also been a part of Lapis Lazuli and Stagger and does solo work. He is known for singing the first opening theme of One Piece "We Are!", the ending theme of Daigunder "We Are the Heroes", the first ending of Kamen Rider Ryuki "Hatenaki Inochi" (果てなき希望), the third ending of Ryuki "Revolution", and the eponymous first opening theme of Madan Senki Ryukendo. More recently he has sung "We Go!", the new opening theme for One Piece.
Hiroshi Kitadani began his singing career in 1994 when he was in the trio called "Stagger." After the band has released an album through Warner Music Japan, a music label, he released a self-titled album in 1999. Shortly after, he became globally recognized for singing One Piece's opening, "We Are!" Soon, he paired up with fellow musicians in the musical act "Lapiz Lazuli" in December of the same year. The group released a mini-album before Hiroshi left.
In 2003, his big break came when he joined JAM Project. He debuted live during the group's second live concert, and did not participate in studio until the group's single, "Nageki no Rozario," was released. From then on Hiroshi became a prominent figure in the anison industry, but he was not singing many theme songs regularly like his peers in the group. By the time of JAM Project's first world tour, his popularity rose dramatically, and he became known to fans across the globe.
Also in 2008, Hiroshi released his first and only full-length studio album to date, "R-New." He worked on the tracks with his friends in a small apartment full of recording equipment. While in the process of writing songs, he had shown that he had the ability to cook as well, preparing meals for himself in his own apartment. Ironically, his album was released under the label "evolution" which had signed his fellow group member, Masami Okui. Throughout the duration of the production, she supplied back-up vocals and harmonization in many of his songs.
Throughout his journey as an anison artist, Hiroshi had been to many events with JAM Project members. He had been in Latin America with his friends, Masaaki Endoh and Hironobu Kageyama, during such events as Anime Friends and the like. He also participated in Animelo, an annual summer anison music festival where JAM Project is a recurring guest. He had also collaborated with names such as Aki Misato to produce anime theme songs. As of now, he has not announced any plans for a second full-length album.