- Title: JAPAN: Southern All Stars lead singer Keisuke Kuwata diagnosed with cancer
- Date: 29th July 2010
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) MUTSUMI AKABA, 23 YEAR-OLD PART TIME WORKER, SAYING: "I've listened to his music for a long time and it's really feel-good music. It has a real summertime feel to it." (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) SUMIRE NAKATA, 36-YEAR-OLD JOB SEEKER, SAYING: "I had liked him since I was a child, and I was extremely shocked. I hope he can soon get better and appear in front of everyone again."
- Embargoed: 13th August 2010 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Japan
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz,Health
- Reuters ID: LVA7WWKL510K304ER33ALMJPBVQF
- Story Text: Popular Japanese group Southern All Stars has canceled a planned tour after it was announced on Wednesday (July 28) that lead singer Keisuke Kuwata was diagnosed with cancer.
The 54-year-old lead singer was diagnosed with esophagus cancer according to a statement released Wednesday by his management company, Amuse Inc, on the band website.
Kuwata will cancel his planned tour that was to start from October and will take a break from performing while he undertakes surgery.
His music is well known for his experimentation with different styles and he primarily acts as the lead guitar and vocals when performing.
"I've listened to his music for a long time and it's really feel-good music. It has a real summertime feel to it," said 23-year-old Mutsumi Akaba as he was browsing at a Tower Records store in Tokyo.
While fans were shocked, the cancer was found in its early stages and he is expected to fully recover.
"I had liked him since I was a child, and I was extremely shocked. I hope he can soon get better and appear in front of everyone again," said 36-year-old Sumire Nakata who added that she was unable to express the shock in words.
Although he will take a break from performing, his plan to release a new single remains unchanged and Tower Records explained that although there have been some calls asking if the CD will be delayed, they are still receiving reservations. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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