Daily Yomiuri Online 2 August, 2004

"I'd like to contribute to protecting animals and plants in return for their contribution to how much I enjoy the environment," said 53-year-old singer Iruka, who has become the first goodwill ambassador for the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, to which 77 nations and more than 80 environmental organizations belong.

Her appointment reflects widespread recognition of her influence as a singer, which will enable her to promote conservation worldwide.

She has loved insects and animals since her childhood.

During her 30-year career in music that started two years after she graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design, she wrote about 50 songs about nature. She also has authored picture books and essays on environmental issues.

When she visited Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi to accept the position Wednesday, Iruka handed the minister what she called an "eco-bag" she had designed herself rather than a business card. The bags are sold at her concerts to discourage people from using plastic shopping bags.

"It's important to remember when we're in the kitchen that the Earth is ours and needs care," she said.

Her stage name began as a nickname and means dolphin.

A scholar once told her when she was in the United States recording an album that dolphins could bridge the gap between people around the world because they could swim freely across many oceans.

"I feel as if that comment described my destiny," she said.

Next year, she will organize a charity concert for the union and is now working on a theme song for the event.

"I'd like people to think about the current state of the Earth. I'll convey my message through music, which goes beyond generations," she said.