A museum dedicated to Minako Honda in Asaka, Saitama Prefecture, exhibits about 200 items related to the late singer and musical actress, who died from acute myelocytic leukemia in November 2005 at the age of 38. Honda lived in the city for about 30 years, from when she was a small child.
Honda was born in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, in July 1967, and grew up in Asaka. In 1985, she made her singing debut with the song "Satsui no Bakansu" (Murderous vacation). Her excellent voice was highly praised on songs such as "Marilyn in 1986," and she successfully auditioned for the lead role of Kim in the 1992 musical "Miss Saigon," playing a Vietnamese girl who falls in love with a U.S. soldier during the Vietnam War.
Near the entrance of the Minako Honda. Museum, which includes a period in its name, a red curtain bears the words "To Minako Honda, from Mitsuko Mori." The curtain was given by the late great actress Mori in celebration of Honda's stage debut.
Pass through the curtain to see a re-creation of Honda's dressing room. The cosmetics placed on the dresser, and the pots and plates on a shelf, were all actually used by Honda.
"Visitors say they feel as if Minako were still there," said Honda's mother, Mieko Kudo, 79.
For one year after being chosen to play Kim, Honda refused other offers and focused on lessons and rehearsals for the stage. "I was convinced by Minako, who said, 'I won't be able to produce a new me without taking on new challenges,'" said Keiji Takasugi, 80, the president of Honda's talent agency.
She improved her singing techniques and vocalization, and was able to sing a wide range of genres including rock music, enka ballads and classical music. In the later part of her best song, "Tsubasa" (Wings) released in 1994, she held a note for 30 seconds, showing her true power as a singer.
The museum also exhibits a dress that Honda planned to wear for a concert to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her debut, acting scripts, musical scores and poems she wrote. A 53-year-old doctor who visited the museum from Sapporo said, "I hope the excellent works produced by Minako will live forever. "
Honda died too young, but she made many people smile with her songs and courage. "I want many people to know how Minako lived for 38 years," Kudo said.
Minako Honda. Museum: 4-12-37, Hizaoricho, Asaka, Saitama Prefecture
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