Taeko Onuki is a Japanese singer-songwriter and founding member of Sugar Babe whose solo work moved from urban soul toward a cool, European-influenced art pop.[1]
Sugar Babe
Born in Suginami, Tokyo, in 1953, Onuki formed Sugar Babe in 1973 with Tatsuro Yamashita and Kunio Muramatsu, singing and playing keyboards.[1][2] The band’s only album, Songs, appeared on Niagara in 1975; the group split the following year.[2]
Solo career
Her solo debut Grey Skies came out on PANAM/Crown in 1976, followed by Sunshower (1977), which blended pop and jazz, and Mignonne (1978).[1] After a two-year break she released a “Europe” trilogy — Romantique, Aventure and Cliché — beginning in 1980, with a more electronic, continental sound.[1]
Later work
Onuki has written extensively for film, animation and games, including the score for Tokyo Biyori (1997) and the theme for the Japanese release of Kirikou and the Sorceress. In February 2026 she gave her first concert outside Japan, at the Wiltern in Los Angeles.[1]
Discography
Main articles: Sunshower, Mignonne
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Grey Skies | PANAM / Crown |
| 1977 | Sunshower | — |
| 1978 | Mignonne | — |
| 1980 | Romantique | — |
| 1981 | Aventure | — |
| 1982 | Cliché | — |
Notable songs
- “Tokai” ↗1977
References
- “Taeko Ohnuki”. Wikipedia. Retrieved 11 October 2026.
- “シュガー・ベイブ”. Wikipedia (Japanese). Retrieved 11 October 2026.
In the catalogue · 7
From the community
Nothing here yet — be the first to add a photo, a link or a pressing note.
Contribute to this page
Loading…