Label: Starchild – KICS-282

Artist: 水谷 優子 (Yuko Mizutani)

Format: CD, Album, Stereo

Released: Dec 24, 1992

Genre: Pop, Stage & Screen

APPALE has always stood out to me as one of Yuko Mizutani’s most heartfelt projects — light, melodic, and full of personality. It even includes an Omitsu-only version of “YASU-けくナイ,” (the song performed by Lovely Mipple in episode 6) giving her character a rare, solo spotlight that perfectly captures her warmth.

The lyrics booklet is 24 pages all color, and contains many photos of Yuko taken near Mt. Fuji — a peaceful backdrop that feels beautifully symbolic of her gentle voice.

As a Kyattou Ninden Teyandee collector, this album represents a piece of history that bridges her work as Omitsu with the person behind the voice. I wanted to honor that connection with this sketch — drawn with the same affection and lightness she always brought to her performances.

There’s a very special reason I chose to post this, today. November 4th would have been her 61st birthday. Ms. Mizutani passed away in 2016, at the age of 51.

優子さん、ありがとう。💖

(Yuko-san, thank you.)