Singer Shimakura

Singer Shimakura

TOKYO, Japan - File photo shows Chiyoko Shimakura, one of Japan's most enduring postwar singers, during an interview in Tokyo in October 2003. Shimakura died of liver cancer at a Tokyo hospital on Nov. 8, 2013, her record label said. She was 75.

67th anniv. of Japan's WWII defeat

67th anniv. of Japan's WWII defeat

TOKYO, Japan - Fumi Shimakura, from Takaoka in Toyama Prefecture, heads for an annual memorial ceremony marking the 67th anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War II, at Nippon Budokan hall in Chiyoda Ward, central Tokyo, on Aug. 15, 2012. Shimakura, 98, whose husband died in the Philippines, was the oldest family member to attend the ceremony.

Singer Chiyoko Shimakura receives medal of honor

Singer Chiyoko Shimakura receives medal of honor

TOKYO, Japan - Singer Chiyoko Shimakura will receive this fall's Medal with Purple Ribbon for contributions to the arts and academia, the government announced Nov. 1. Shimakura, 61, is among 30 recipients of the medal. Shimakura has had numerous hits in her career spanning close to 45 years, including ''Tokyo dayo Okkasan'' (It's Tokyo, Mother) and ''Karatachi Nikki'' (Bengal Quince Diary).

Singer Chiyoko Shimakura receives medal of honor

Singer Chiyoko Shimakura receives medal of honor

TOKYO, Japan - Singer Chiyoko Shimakura will receive this fall's Medal with Purple Ribbon for contributions to the arts and academia, the government announced Nov. 1. Shimakura, 61, is among 30 recipients of the medal. Shimakura has had numerous hits in her career spanning close to 45 years, including ''Tokyo dayo Okkasan'' (It's Tokyo, Mother) and ''Karatachi Nikki'' (Bengal Quince Diary).