Miriam Tayrako Sakaguchi (born 21 September 1959), known professionally as Mimy Succar, is a Peruvian‑born naturalized American singer, musician, and performer specializing in salsa, Latin jazz, tropical, and Japanese music. She has been active in the music industry since the early 1990s.
Early life and background
Born in the Pueblo Libre district of Lima, Peru, Succar comes from a family of Japanese descent. She grew up in the Peruvian‑Japanese neighborhood of Lurigancho‑Chosica. In her youth she won the Miss Nikkei Perú beauty pageant (1978) and subsequently earned titles at the international Miss Nikkei competition in Brazil.
Musical career
In 1990, after moving to Miami with her husband—musician Antonio “Tony” Succar—she formed the musical duo Mistura, performing under the stage name Mimy Succar. The duo gained a following within Miami’s Latin community, appearing at venues such as Club Peruano Japonés. Over time, her children—including son Tony Succar, a noted percussionist and producer—joined the family act.
Succar’s solo work includes the 2023 debut album “Mimy & Tony,” featuring salsa renditions of classics like “Quimbara” and collaborations with artists such as La India and Haila Mompié. She has also appeared on Peruvian television programs (e.g., La Voz Senior, Perú tiene talento) and contributed to film soundtracks.
A landmark achievement came in 2025 when she won the Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album for the live recording “Alma, corazón y salsa (Live at Gran Teatro Nacional)”, performed with her son Tony Succar and a roster of guest musicians.
Awards and recognition
- 2021: Luces Awards – Best New Artist
- 2022: TUMI USA Awards – Recognition for musical career
- 2025: Grammy Award – Best Tropical Latin Album
Personal life
Mimy Succar is married to Antonio “Tony” Succar. The couple’s three children—Claudia, Brian “Kenji,” and Tony—are active participants in her musical projects.
Legacy
Succar is noted for bridging Peruvian salsa traditions with broader Latin and Japanese influences, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the Latino diaspora in the United States. Her Grammy win underscores her impact on contemporary tropical music.