Singer Frank Nagai, known for smash hits such as "Yurakucho de Aimasho," died of pneumonia Oct. 27, people close to him said Sunday. He was 76.
Nagai attempted suicide at his home in Tokyo in 1985, leaving him with serious brain damage and preventing him from resuming his singing career.
A native of Miyagi Prefecture, Nagai, whose real name was Kiyoto Nagai, made his music debut in 1954.
After the success of "Yurakucho de Aimasho" ("Let's Meet in Yurakucho") in 1957, he became a regular fixture on NHK's yearend "Kohaku" song contest.
Nagai received the Japan Record Award in 1961 for "Kimi Koishi" ("I Yearn for You").
He teamed up with Kazuko Matsuo for duets such as "Tokyo Night Club."
