天童よしみ (Tendo Yoshimi) is a Japanese enka singer, known for her soaring vocals and emotive performances that have garnered her a dedicated fanbase in Japan and respect in the world of traditional Japanese music. Born on February 13, 1959, in Yamagata Prefecture, she began her singing career at a young age, making her professional debut in 1972 with the single "Ima wa Oyasuminasai." Tendo achieved her breakthrough in 1986 with the hit song "Akai Sweet Pea" and has since become a staple in the enka genre, a style of Japanese music that blends traditional and modern Japanese music elements, often characterized by its sentimental ballads.

Throughout her distinguished career, Tendo Yoshimi has released numerous hits, showcasing her ability to imbue each song with deep emotion and a sense of nostalgia that resonates with her audience. Her soulful voice and powerful stage presence have earned her numerous awards and accolades, including multiple appearances on the prestigious NHK's "Kohaku Uta Gassen," an annual music show that features the most successful artists of the year. With her recent releases like "星見酒 (Hoshimizake)," "上を向いて歩こう (Ue o Muite Arukou)," and "帰郷 (Kikyou)," Tendo Yoshimi continues to enchant listeners with her timeless voice, cementing her status as an enduring figure in Japan's enka music scene.