Natsumi Kawano, born as 川野 陽子 (Kawano Youko) on July 25, 1980, in Tsukumi, Japan, is a singer specializing in Enka music. Her career began with the release of her first single "あばれ海峡" (Abare Kaikyō) on November 21, 1998. This marked the start of a prolific discography that includes numerous singles and albums. Notable early releases include "白いフェリーの船長さん" (Shiroi Ferry no Senchō-san), released in November 1999, and "博多っ娘純情" (Hakata no Musume Junjō) from May 2000. Natsumi Kawano's music career continued with a steady stream of singles and albums, such as "出世太鼓" (Shusse Taiko), released in January 2001, and "サヨナラ桟橋" (Sayonara Sanbashi) from February 2002. Her debut album 花のステージ (Hano no Stage) was released on September 6, 1999. Throughout her career, she has released several best-of compilations and full-length albums, including 川野夏美ザ・ベスト (Kawano Natsumi The Best), released in November 2004, and 川野夏美全曲集 倖せなみだ/じょんがら恋唄 (Kawano Natsumi Zenkyoku-shū - Shiawase Namida / Jongara Koiuta) from November 3, 2010. Subsequent releases include the EP 北の恋情歌/海峡セレナーデ (Hokkai-ko Mori-uta / Kaigyō Serenade), released on August 28, 2024.