Former Ministry of Defense Engineer and "Singing Nurse" Akiko Iriyama to Release Soul Trilogy "Esashi Koi Onna" on July 15, 2026!

Akiko Iriyama, an enka singer and "Singing Nurse" with a 13-year career as a nurse in national and public hospitals, will release her long-awaited new single "Esashi Koi Onna" (えさしこいおんな) on July 15, 2026 (Wed).

This work is a soul trilogy that embraces the "life" and "heart" of people, including the dramatic challenge song "Esashi Koi Onna" that karaoke fans have been waiting for, as well as songs for regional revitalization and support written by Iriyama herself. Akiko Iriyama, who transitioned from the medical field to the world of song, delivers a message that will energize modern society.

To a Super-Aged Society Facing Loneliness and Anxiety - The "Song x Music x Exercise" Frontier Prescribed by the "Singing Nurse"!

In response to the major social issues facing our country, such as the isolation of seniors and the extension of healthy life expectancy (frail prevention),

Akiko Iriyama advocates her unique "Kenko (Health & Wellness) Approach." She has been actively engaged in volunteer activities (aiming for "100-Year-Old PPK" activity) visiting over 50 facilities and hospitals annually.

"Shiwasewo Arigato" (Thank You for Happiness), included in this single, was written by Iriyama herself and is a special original song she always sings during facility visits. The most notable feature of this song is the incorporation of the "Shiwasewo Kenko Taiso" (Happiness Health & Wellness Exercise), which can be practiced in 5 minutes while seated, even by those in wheelchairs.

Naturally maintaining and improving physical and mental functions while enjoying singing. This is an innovative hybrid program of "Song x Music x Exercise" made possible by the knowledge of a nurse with 13 years of experience.

Always composing shows considering Song x Music x Exercise anywhere, anytime - Niigata Prefecture Festival Guest Show

Demonstrating Kenko Taiso lecture at an event - December 2025, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture

Wheelchair and nursing home friendly - Shiwasewo Arigato Kenko Taiso Lecture Edition

Scenes from facility visits. Implementing Kenko Taiso and singing simultaneously, with an emphasis on communication and without strain.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Iriyama conducted health checks for attendees. The cooperation of volunteer doctors and nurses was also a great support.

Regional Revitalization and Heritage Preservation: The Power of Song to Energize Communities

In "Hana no Kokoroiki" (Spirit of Flowers), Iriyama wrote the lyrics based on the life of Takasugi Shinsaku, a passionate figure from the late Edo period, and her hometown of Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture (Ota, Kinreisha, etc.). Certified as a recommended song by the Mine City Tourism Association, Akiko Iriyama, who also serves as an "Ambassador of Hometowns and Exchange" for four regions nationwide, conveys the history and charm of local areas across the country through song, with a strong message of contributing to regional revitalization (regional revitalization).

Kinreisha in Ota, Mito Town, Mine City, which I visit every time I return home.

Ota Hometown Summer Festival in Mine City.

A Richness Beyond a Single! Three Luxurious Stories Packed with All Emotions

"Esashi Koi Onna" (Lyrics: Kyosuke Kuni / Composition: Yusuke Yamada / Arrangement: Kazutoyo Sato)

A highly anticipated "Koi Onna Series" following the major hit "Tsugaru Koi Onna," by master Kyosuke Kuni.

Set in Esashi Town, Hokkaido, this is a magnificent challenge song that dramatically depicts the intense passion of a woman who fell in love with a man of the sea.

The dramatic arrangement by Kazutoyo Sato, winner of the Japan Record Award for Arrangement, leads the current karaoke trend.

"Hana no Kokoroiki" (Lyrics: Akiko Iriyama / Composition: Yusuke Yamada / Arrangement: Tadashi Yataabe)

An uplifting song that depicts the gritty yet beautiful determination to live tomorrow, inspired by the life of Takasugi Shinsaku.

"Shiwasewo Arigato" (Lyrics: Akiko Iriyama / Composition: Arisa Yu / Arrangement: Tadashi Yataabe)

A nostalgic melody for connecting with smiles, which brings to mind loved ones just by listening, and includes Kenko Taiso.

Esashi Koi Onna orchestra recording with the production staff.

Release Commemorative Live Performance & National Karaoke Grand Prix Competition Decided!

To commemorate the release of the new single, a "National Karaoke Grand Prix Competition (Finals: March 21, 2027)" will be held as a bonus for CD purchasers. This event aims to create a moving experience where many people, especially seniors, can find a sense of purpose and deepen their connections through singing and karaoke. The goal of the 50 events held annually is the exchange of energy and smiles.

On July 26 (Sun), immediately after the release, a release commemorative live performance and karaoke screening will be held at J-Square JOYSOUND (Shinagawa, Minato-ku).

Date & Time: July 26, 2026 (Sun) Doors open 11:30 AM / Performance starts 12:00 PM

Price: Viewing Ticket 4,000 yen (Inquiries to the contact information below)

Nationwide as a Professional Vocal Coach! Akiko Iriyama's "Anywhere Karaoke Popularization Method" Begins

Before her debut, Akiko Iriyama completed the prestigious "Suzuki Jun Music Academy Instructor Course" and worked as a private lesson instructor. Utilizing her solid experience, she will embark on a nationwide tour to further popularize karaoke.

The "New Song One-Point Lesson" directly taught by Akiko Iriyama, which will be implemented in this activity, is an innovative method that combines "reading lyrics aloud" and "acapella spoon-fed singing" that can be practiced without expensive equipment or sound systems. With this unique method, which also contributes to brain training and prevention of swallowing difficulties, and the popular "Shiwasewo Kenko Taiso," she will deliver the "emotion of connecting through song anywhere, with anyone" to people nationwide. Akiko Iriyama, the passionate "Singing Nurse,"

Her new challenge is certainly worth watching!

Singing photo

CD jacket photo

[Contact Information for this Matter]

IRIYAMA PLANNING Inc.

Contact Person: Morizawa (Akiko Iriyama's Representative)

Address: 1-2928 Wakasa, Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture, 359-1511

TEL: 04-2956-0448

FAX: 04-2959-6602

E-mail: [email protected]