Hiroko Shimabukuro

Biography

She has won three consecutive awards in the Japan Record Awards for "Treasure" (2000), "Your innocence" (2001), and "Eternal Place" (2002).

In terms of CD sales, hiro is the most popular amongst the four SPEED members. "Treasure" sold about 500,000 copies while "Your Innocence" sold more than 200,000. Her first album, "Brilliant" was ranked solidly #4 for about five weeks, selling 400,000 copies. The second album "Naked and True" is the only solo album by SPEED member to be ranked #1. The recent best singles album she released also reached the top 10 rankings. Avex choosing to sent her to perform in the United States at Seattle's Sakura-con in April 2004. Her songs range from soothing ballads to quick, catchy songs with fine-tuned dance choreographies.

Ever since the beginning of SPEED, hiro played a crucial role in the group with her skilled vocals. Despite their young age, SPEED was seen as an authentic artist thanks to hiro's vocals. When SPEED performed "White Love" in 1997, the audience was deeply impressed by her powerful voice when she was just thirteen.

Hiro also has the reputation of being an excellent dancer. Typically SPEED's dances are very strenuous. Hiro's voice retains stability while dancing that also impressed the audience.

Although when SPEED debuted hiro was just twelve years old and the youngest in the group, hiro did not look very childish. As hiro herself said, she had always been seen as older than she actually was because she was relatively tall and matured early.

In 1999, SPEED announced that it was going to disband in March 2000. Their respective career development was the formal explanation as their reason for disbanding. However it is well-known that hiro's relationship with Naoki Takahashi triggered SPEED's break-up. Hiro had dated him for three years since she was twelve. However, hiro and her management had disputes over their relationship. Hiro also complained about lack of time they could spend together due to SPEED's activities. As a result hiro's relationship with Takahashi forced SPEED to disband.

In August 2004 Hiro released an all-English jazz album under the name of Coco d'or . Her single "Hikari no naka de" was featured on the soundtrack to the movie Devilman.

After almost a year, her single "clover" was released. It's also the ending theme of anime "Black Jack".