kitajima saburou
Famous real-life Japanese enka singer, real name Oono Minoru (大野 穣, おおの みのる). Also songwriter and composer. And on-and-off actor. Makes regular appearances on NHK's annual New Year Eve's Kouhaku Uta Gassen TV program, which features many different performances by various Japanese singers.
Also affectionately nicknamed "Sabu-chan". His most famous song (at least for modern generations) is arguably "Matsuri", due to it being sung on Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Mr. Kitajima is also a successful owner of several thoroughbred racehorses, most famous among them being Kitasan Black. He has dedicated several song performances to his horse, including penning an exclusive new song called "Arigatou, Kitasan Black" for Kitasan's retirement ceremony.
Because of the above, Mr. Kitajima is sometimes drawn together with the Umamusume version of Kitasan Black, where he usually acts as an affectionate grandfather-like figure.
