is a Japanese folk duo formed in 1974 by and . The artists were previously part of the Kansai folk group Akaitori (赤ãÂÂé³¥), which was known for its unique sound blending light rock with choral harmonies. Their style is characterized by interpretations of traditional songs with arrangements using contemporary sounds and rhythms. Kamifà «sen is active in the Kansai region of Japan and have recorded internationally in Santa Monica, California, and Toronto, Canada.
Kamifà «sen's music was inspired by Peter, Paul & Mary, who had a strong influence on the 1970s Japanese folk movement. Gotà  and Hirayama first formed a duo in 1967, when they were both in the second year of university. As they added more members, they formed Akaitori, which means "red bird", in 1969.
Akaitori was discovered by producer Kunihiko Murai (æÂÂäºÂé¦彦) after winning the 1969 Yamaha Light Music Contest Grand Prix Award for "Takeda's Lullaby." Making their formal debut in 1970, the folk group became best known for the hit single "Tsubasa wo Kudasai", which became the official song of the Japan Football Association when Japan made its first appearance at the World Cup in France. After disbanding in August 1974, former members formed Kamifà «sen, Hi-Fi Set, and Humming Bird.
In September 1974, Gotà  and Hirayama started Kamifà «sen, continuing to perform "Tsubasa wo Kudasai", which became part of the standard choral repertoire in elementary schools. In 1977, Kamifà «sen had their first major hit "", which became a signature song for the group. The song reached number 4 on the Oricon Singles Chart, with lyrics written by Gotà Â, and music composed by .
Kamifà «sen released nine albums between 1974 and 1986; seven of them were recorded in Japan, while Here With Me was recorded in Santa Monica, California, and Echo Of Love in Toronto, Canada. Here With Me (1984) was produced by Henry Lewy, featuring the original song "Cherry Blossom" written by Peter Yarrow and a Japanese cover version of "The Outside In," a Carmine Coppola theme from The Outsiders soundtrack. Echo Of Love (1986) featured musicians from The Anne Murray Band.
In 1991, Gotà  and Hirayama participated as members of TSU-BA-SA, formed by and . After releasing the albums Angel On The Roof (1990) and TIME (1991), they returned to work as Kamifà «sen.
Kamifà «sen released seven albums from 1993 to present. Live performances included recitals at Osaka Central Public Hall, Osaka Theater Drama City, Osaka Sankei Hall Breeze, and Hyogo Performing Arts Center. In 2019, Kamifà «sen held their "45th Anniversary Concert - 50th Anniversary Recital from Red Bird" at Yomiuri à Âtemachi Hall in Tokyo.
Gotà  and Hirayama were classmates at Amagasaki Kita High School in Hyà Âgo Prefecture. They were reunited after starting university, when they were both interested in traditional songs, and developed a connection. The couple were married at the age of 20 while part of Akaitori.
Hirayama has appeared as a radio show host for several decades. In 2005, Gotà  appeared as a lecturer on NHK Educational TV 's Shumi Yà «yà « (趣å³æ ã ).