[Article] Namie Amuro’s retirement re-sparks debate on who will sing at the Olympics

[Corvina]

Never thought Namie would be part of it.
Most likely one boyband/ rock band and AKB48.
And for female solos maaaaaaybe Shiina Ringo as she's part of the committee as well as AKB48's producer and she already was in the closing ceremony of the last Olympics in Rio. If anything.

Asahi Shinbun actually released an translated interview with Shiina Ringo on their site about that topic.

Here's an excerpt:

"I also think it would not go down so well in Japan if we were to rely on star power. If a certain celebrity was selected, it would only cause a fight between people who support that person and those who don’t. That is not what our version of Japan and Tokyo ought to be.
She proposes something more harmonious for the ceremony.”I believe collective ideas gathered from the wisdom of ordinary people would be a better representation of the nation.

Here's the full thing:
http://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles...708270005.html

[EndOfTheWorld]

Based on the poll included with the article, 6.52% voted "Anything except Johnny's or AKB48" the 3rd most voted option. It looks like a lot of people don't want idols to be chosen. But maybe people in Japan may have a different opinion. Of course Utada has the highest votes. But I don't know if she would be interested in doing such a high profile event. She tends to always limit her time in the spotlight.
I did consider Namie as a possibility even before her retirement announcement but not as a top pick or front runner. She has the popularity and legacy to be qualified but I just don't see her doing it.
I think Perfume is the best choice. I can totally see them making a special single for the event and creating an elaborate choreographed performance. I think foreign countries would be impressed with their style of dance.