Chitose Hajime (元ちとせ Hajime Chitose, born January 5, 1979) is a folk singer-songwriter from Japan. She is from Amami Ōshima and sings in a style particular to that region (shimauta), with distinctive falsetto effects. Chitose Hajime was recognized as a gifted folk singer at a young age. She won many folk song competitions, released two traditional folk albums on an indie label, and was approached by numerous record labels. She decided to study to become a beautician instead of pursuing music.