Mariko Takahashi (singer)

Mariko Takahashi (高橋 真梨子, Takahashi Mariko, born March 6, 1949) is a Japanese pop and jazz singer. She is known for her distinctive husky voice and her long career, spanning several decades.

Takahashi debuted as a member of the group "The Pussycats" in 1968. After the group disbanded, she launched her solo career in 1973. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she gained considerable popularity with numerous hit songs, including "For You..." (桃色吐息, Momoiro Toiki) and "Gomen ne..." (ごめんね…).

Takahashi's musical style is characterized by a blend of pop sensibilities with jazz influences. Her repertoire includes ballads, uptempo pop songs, and jazz standards. She is highly regarded for her vocal technique and emotional delivery.

She continues to record and perform actively, maintaining a dedicated fanbase in Japan and abroad. Her contributions to Japanese popular music have cemented her position as a prominent and enduring figure in the industry.