Maria Anzai (安西 マリア, Anzai Maria, b. Mariko Shibasaki on December 16, 1953 - d. March 15, 2014) was a Japanese idol.
Maria Anzai made her debut in 1973 with a Japanese language version of "Namida no Taiyō",[1] originally performed in English by Japanese singer Emy Jackson.[2] The single sold over 500,000 copies.[2] [3] That same year she was nominated for Best Newcomer of the Year at the 15th Japan Record Awards,[2] [3] [4] but was beaten by Junko Sakurada. She has also acted in movies and television series.[3]
She retired from show business in 1978, married and emigrated to Hawaii.[3] She released 12 singles between 1973 and 1978 and 4 albums.
She made a comeback in 2000.[2]
Maria Anzai died on March 15, 2014.[3] [4]