since her debut in 2003 with the hit single Kesenai Tsumi (subsequently featured as the first ending song for Fullmetal alchemist) Nana Kitade has been a powerful presence in the world of Japanese pop music. Her music, featured in no less than six Japanese tv and anime shows, is a polished concoction of indie rock infused jpop. Her unique voice often feels like it might come off the rails completely, with lyrics sung and shouted in a high vibrato Japanese, occasionally detouring to adorably poor English.

Nana for Ruby Gloom

Her latest releases unfortunately tend to fall more in line with the overly simplistic qualities that plague contemporary jpop. Her earlier works, however, are dense with an aggression and sincerity not often found in popular music. Cutie Bunny, a mini-album released in 2006, was her high point in my opinion. 薔薇は美しく散る (Roses Scatter Beautifully) and You May Dream (a Sheena and the Rockets cover) display her powerful voice, instrumental talent, and ability to absolutely own a song. And in the case of the Sheena and the Rockets cover, it shows Nana’s ability to take a so-so song and make something gorgeous of it.

Nana Kitade at the Japan Expo 2007, shot by Georges Seguin

As notable as her music is her impact on the Japanese contemporary fashion scene. As a model for Baby, the Stars Shine Bright clothing as well as KERA and Gothic & Lolita Bible magazines, Nana has been a significant spokesmodel for the Gothic Lolita clothing style. Many of her fans follow her fashion choices religiously, and often come to her concerts in their own take on the popular style.

Its uncertain what the future holds for Nana. Over the last few years her singles have debuted further and further down the charts. Seeing as Nana Kitade was a special sign by mega corporation Sony Music Japan, it seems likely that her label support will slip along with her chart ranking. Regardless, she has definitely cemented her place as a fashion icon, and her music will linger for many years to come, in my mind at least.

here is the video for Kibo No Kakera, an older song, and the video that introduced me to Nana Kitade’s unique voice and style… and the video is uber kawaii. You can hear the other songs I wrote about by clicking on their titles in this post.