Japanese voice actress and J-pop singer Sumire Uesaka is celebrating a major milestone—her 10th anniversary as a singer. To mark this special occasion, she has released a best album titled SUMIRE CATALOG. The album is now available in digital format, and a physical 2CD edition will be released internationally on September 13, 2024. This collection brings together some of her most loved songs from the past decade, as well as new tracks created especially for this anniversary.
A Decade of Music and Growth
Sumire Uesaka first entered the entertainment world as a voice actress and later made her way into the Japanese music industry. Over the years, she has built a unique style that blends anime-inspired pop music with her own artistic expression. With her powerful voice and energetic stage presence, she has gained a loyal following, often referring to her fans as “Comrades.”
Her music has been a reflection of her journey, starting from her debut single to her latest releases. This best album captures that growth and allows fans to relive her most popular songs, as well as experience newly recorded tracks that showcase her musical evolution.
Album Composition: A Blend of Past and Present
The album is divided into two discs, each with a carefully selected set of songs that define Uesaka’s music career.
Disc 1: A Journey Through Her Singles
The first disc of SUMIRE CATALOG is a collection of title tracks from her first 15 singles. These songs represent the different stages of her career, highlighting how her style and voice have developed over the years. Each track tells a story, reflecting the themes of the anime and projects she was involved in. For fans who have followed her from the beginning, this disc serves as a nostalgic look back at her early works. For newer listeners, it provides an introduction to her signature sound.
Disc 2: A Collection of Special Songs
The second disc features 12 carefully selected songs that showcase Uesaka’s versatility as an artist. These songs were chosen for their deep connection to her musical journey and for the way they represent her unique artistic identity.
In addition to these past works, Disc 2 includes three brand-new songs created especially for this album. These new tracks add fresh energy to the collection and highlight Uesaka’s continuous growth as a musician.
New Songs: A Personal Touch to the Album
The first new song, FIRST PERIOD., was written and composed by Haruko Momoi, a well-known musician in the J-pop and anime industry. The song blends nostalgic and modern elements, creating a perfect balance between Uesaka’s past and present musical styles.
The second new track is an acoustic version of “Sorairo.” This song originally appeared as a character song in the anime Listen to Me, Girls. I Am Your Father! in which Uesaka voiced the character Sora Takanashi. The new version strips the song down to its core, creating a soft and emotional reinterpretation of the original.
The third new song, KENZAN! KAKUMEI☆FOREVER, is especially meaningful because it was written by Sumire Uesaka herself. The song is dedicated to her fans, or “Comrades,” as she lovingly calls them. The lyrics express her deep gratitude for their support over the years and reflect on the journey they have shared together. This song stands as a heartfelt message of appreciation and love for her audience.
A Message from Sumire Uesaka
To mark this special release, Sumire Uesaka shared a personal message expressing her joy and gratitude:
“We’ve completed a truly best-of-the-best album to commemorate my 10th anniversary as an artist! I’m so happy! It’s astonishing that I’ve been able to continue doing what I love for ten years. This is all thanks to my wonderful Comrades who always support me! Thank you so much. I look forward to many more joyful moments together!”
Her words show how much this 10-year journey means to her and how deeply she values her connection with her fans. Music has been a big part of her life, and this album serves as a reminder of everything she has achieved and the support she has received along the way.
Recognition from Streaming Platforms
Sumire Uesaka’s songs have been recognized by major streaming platforms, where they have been added to popular playlists. Some of her new tracks have been featured in genre-based collections, making it easier for both long-time fans and new listeners to discover her work.
Her music has been included in Spotify’s anime-themed playlists, such as Anime Now, Women of Anime, Anime on Replay, and Kirakira Pop Japan. On Apple Music, her songs have been highlighted in New in J-pop, New in Anime, and SAY! YOU! SEIYU! playlists. These placements show how influential her music has become in the anime and J-pop communities.
A Celebration of Music and Art
Sumire Uesaka’s 10-year anniversary is not just about looking back—it’s also about moving forward. With SUMIRE CATALOG, she has given her fans a gift that celebrates her career while also looking ahead to what’s next.
As she continues her journey as a voice actress and singer, her passion for music remains strong. This album serves as a reflection of everything she has achieved, and with new songs included, it also marks the beginning of her future musical endeavors.
Her ability to blend anime, pop culture, and music has made her a beloved artist in the industry. Whether through powerful performances, emotional ballads, or fun and energetic tracks, Sumire Uesaka has created a space where fans can connect with her music in a meaningful way.
Looking Ahead
With this milestone album now released, what comes next for Sumire Uesaka? Fans are eager to see how her music will evolve and what new projects she will take on in the future.
One thing is certain—Sumire Uesaka’s journey is far from over. With her passion, creativity, and deep connection with her fans, she will continue to bring joy and inspiration through her music.
For now, SUMIRE CATALOG stands as a celebration of her first decade in the music industry, a reminder of how far she has come, and a promise of more exciting things to come.
