- published: 07 May 2016
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Masaharu Fukuyama (福山 雅治, Fukuyama Masaharu?, born February 6, 1969) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, guitarist, record producer, actor, radio personality, and photographer from Nagasaki, Nagasaki Prefecture. He is the best-selling male solo artist in Japan. He is a member of entertainment company Amuse, Inc. and is known for his low, deep voice.[citation needed] Among fans, he is known as Masha, Masha-nii, or Fuku-chan.[citation needed] He debuted in 1990 with the single "Tsuioku no Ame no Naka" and remains active and popular.[citation needed]
While he can also be seen in Japanese television drama, Fukuyama is best known for his singing career and remains popular in Japan.[citation needed] Since his debut in 1990, he has steadily gained popularity.[citation needed] His 1992 breakout single "Good night" gained a wide audience because of its tie-in with a drama. In 1993, he made his first appearance in Kōhaku Uta Gassen, where only successful J-pop and enka artists are invited to perform. Propelled by the success of Hitotsu Yane no Shita, where he played 'Chinichan', the second older brother in the Kashiwagi family, he had his first million-selling single, "It's Only Love/Sorry Baby" in 1994. His 1995 single "Hello" became the second highest selling single that year.