Mitsuo Terada, better known as Tsunku, is one of the most successful songwriters and managers in the Japanese music business. With record sales exceeding 38 million units Terada is an influential figure in J-pop and manages a stable of idols including Aya Matsuura and others who work under the umbrella name of Hello! Project. As well as mentoring his team of idols Terada also writes and produces most of their chart topping hits. He cites his own influences as The Beatles and later bands such as Chic, Duran Duran and Kool and the Gang. He first rose to prominence as the lead singer of the popular rock band Sharam Q who were a dominant player in Japanese rock music in the 1990s. After his success as a frontman Terada concentrated on building the careers of performers and used his business experience and songwriting talent to build a substantial group of chart-topping performers. One of his most successful projects has been the all-girl idol band Morning Musume who have had an lengthy run of chart success which began in 1997 and has lasted until the present day.