The theatrical version of "Slam Dunk" was released today, with a box office of more than 20 million at zero o'clock, and the pre-sale box office has already exceeded 100 million, breaking the Japanese cartoon record of "Suzuya Journey" is no longer in suspense, and may even test the box office record set by "Zootopia" for imported cartoons.
Why is this movie so popular? I believe that many friends grew up watching the TV version of Slam Dunk, which is a memory that cannot be erased in the youth that cannot be returned. Among them, the ending song "My Friend" in episodes 82-101 is sung by the protagonist of our story today - Sakai Izumi.
Sakai Izumi was the best-selling female singer in the 90s of the 20th century, selling more than 37 million records. In 1991, she joined the five-piece pop group Zard as lead singer and also served as the lyricist of the band's songs, and she wrote the lyrics for almost all the band's songs, totaling more than 150 songs.
In 1993, just as Japan's bubble economy burst, Sakai Izumi's song "Don't Admit Defeat" inspired countless people and was called Japan's "second national anthem". In addition to Slam Dunk, she has also sung many anime theme songs, such as "Turning the Wheel of Destiny" from "Detective Conan" and "Can't Breathe" from "Little Chinese Boss", accompanying the youth of many anime fans.
Many friends believe that Sakai Izumi is the prototype of Haruko Akagi in "Slam Dunk". Their appearance is very similar, and the temperament of the girl next door on the two is also very consistent. In addition, Sakai Izumi was born in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, as was Haruko Akagi; Sakai Izumi is 165 cm tall, and Haruko Akagi is as tall.
In April 2006, Sakai was diagnosed with cervical cancer and underwent a hysterectomy in June of the same year. In April 2007, during a follow-up examination by Sakai Izumi, it was found that the cancer had metastasized to the lungs and he was forced to be readmitted to the hospital for treatment.
At 5:40 a.m. on May 26, 2007, Sakai Izumi, who was being treated at Keio University Hospital, completed his routine walk and fell down a 3-meter-high slope between the stairs and lay downside at the entrance to the parking lot of the hospital. At 3:10 p.m. on May 27, he died of a brain contusion at the age of 40.
What is the cause of death of Sakai Izumi? The official announcement was an accident, but for many years, some people have believed that she committed suicide in order not to leave fans with the image of being devastated by illness. I don't really believe this statement, because my mobile phone still has her "Don't Admit Defeat", which sings: Don't admit defeat and work harder, until you finally surpass yourself; No matter how far apart you are, your heart is close at hand, chasing unattainable dreams.
I hope that with the popularity of the Slam Dunk movie, some people can remember Sakai Spring Water, and more people will know about this beautiful and talented female singer and listen to her songs.