19-year-old college student Kana Nishino, who made her international debut as a singer this past February, has been given a major task as the opening act for Cyndi Lauper's upcoming Japan tour.

Lauper, a pop icon of the 1980s, last performed in Japan 12 years ago. She begins her tour on September 23 in Osaka, and the next day she will perform at the Nippon Budokan.

When Nishino's record label heard about Lauper's visit, they suggested Nishino as a possible opener, figuring they had nothing to lose by making the offer. As it turned out, Lauper was pleased with her voice and her looks, and she eventually chose Nishino from among a large number of other offers.

Nishino will reportedly be warming up audiences with a 20-minute set at each venue. She has already released three singles this year, and she plans to unveil a new song during the tour.