Jump to content

Koda Kumi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Kumi Koda)

Koda Kumi
倖田 來未
Kumi Koda performing at the 2005 Kami Kaze Con.
Kumi Koda performing at the 2005 Kami Kaze Con.
Background information
Birth nameKumiko Kōda (神田 來未子)
Born (1982-11-13) November 13, 1982 (age 42)
Kyoto, Japan
Genres
Occupations
InstrumentVocals
Years active2000–present
LabelsRhythm Zone
Orpheus (United States)
Websiterhythmzone.net/koda

Kumiko Kōda (神田 來未子, Kōda Kumiko, born November 13, 1982), known professionally as Koda Kumi (倖田 來未, Kōda Kumi), is a Japanese singer from Kyoto, known for her urban and R&B songs.

After debuting with the single "Take Back" in December 2000, Koda gained fame in March 2003 when the songs from her seventh single, "Real Emotion/1000 no Kotoba", were used as themes for the video game Final Fantasy X-2.[1][2] Her popularity grew with the release of her fourth studio album Secret (2005), her sixteenth single "Butterfly" (2005), and her first greatest hits album Best: First Things (2005), reaching the number-three, number-two, and number-one spots respectively.[3][4][5]

Though her early releases presented a conservative, quiet image, she has become a fashion leader among young women, setting trends such as the ero-kakkoii style.[6] In 2006 and 2007, Oricon named Koda as the top selling artist of the year.[fn 1]

Life and career

[edit]

Early life

[edit]

Koda was born into a family of musicians. Her grandfather was a Shakuhachi master and her mother was a Koto teacher;[9] she is the older sister of Misono, current solo artist and former lead singer of Day After Tomorrow. Inspired by her mother, who performed in karaoke bars, Koda, from a young age, had aspirations of becoming a singer.[9] Her school years were unhappy; she described her junior and high school years as "obscure times", as she was ridiculed due to her "fatness", "shortness", "ugliness", and other factors related to her appearance.[10][11][12] During her second year of high school Koda auditioned in Avex's "Dream Audition", where she came in second out of 120,000 participants. She was then signed onto the Avex sub-label Rhythm Zone.[9] Koda's first semi-biographical book, Koda-shiki ("Koda-style") was officially described as "a story about a girl who was filled with inferiority complex pursuing her way".[13]

2000–2004: Early career and image change

[edit]

Koda debuted on December 6, 2000, with the single "Take Back"; it was followed by "Trust Your Love", "Color of Soul" (both 2001), and "So into You" (2002). "Trust Your Love" and "Color of Soul" were both Top 30 singles; the former reached number 18 on the chart and became Koda's first Top Twenty single.[14][15] Using the stage name Koda, Koda recorded "Take Back" and "Trust Your Love" in English and released the singles in the United States under Orpheus Records. "Take Back" peaked at number 18 on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart;[16] "Trust Your Love" had more success, reaching the top spot on the Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.[17] The single also charted on the Hot Singles Sales chart and Hot Dance Club Play chart, at No. 19 and No. 35, respectively.[18][19] After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Koda recorded the charity single "The Meaning of Peace" with Korean singer BoA as part of Avex's Song+Nation project to raise funds for charity.[20][21] In March 2002, Koda released her debut album Affection under Rhythm Zone; it peaked at number 12 on the Oricon album chart.[22]

After the release of Affection, Koda released three singles. "Love Across the Ocean", "Maze" (both 2002), and "real Emotion/1000 no Kotoba" (2003). "Love Across the Ocean" and "Maze" peaked at the number 19 and 25 positions.[23][24] Koda achieved minor success with "real Emotion/1000 no Kotoba", which peaked at number 3 after three weeks on the charts.[25] The songs were used as the opening and ending themes, respectively, of the video game Final Fantasy X-2; in addition, Koda motion-acted the dance moves of one of the characters and voiced the character Lenne in the Japanese version of the game.[26] She released her second album, Grow into One in March 2003. It debuted at number 11 on the charts,[27] and peaked at number 8 in the fourth week of its run.[28]

From then on, Koda continued a string of Top Twenty singles with "Come with Me", "Gentle Words" (both 2003), and "Crazy 4 U" (2004).[29][30][31] She then released her third album Feel My Mind (February 2004), which debuted at number 7.[32] Koda also covered the theme song of the anime series Cutie Honey[broken anchor] originally by Yoko Maekawa for the 2004 live-action film and Re: Cutie Honey. The song, which shared the same name as the show, was included as a bonus track on the album and became the title track of her eleventh single, "Love & Honey" (2004), after the album's release. At the end of the year, Koda released two more singles, "Chase" and "Kiseki".

During her image change, Koda stated her concern about what her parents would think. When they approved and supported her, she chose to keep the style that would become infamous with her name: "ero-kakkoi".

2005–2006: Growing popularity

[edit]
An advertisement for Best: First Things in Shibuya in 2005

Koda's first release of 2005 was her fourteenth single, "Hands" (January 19). Less than a month later, she released her fourth album, Secret. Secret debuted at number 3 and became her first album to debut in the Top Five.[3] The album was certified double platinum by the RIAJ for selling 521,000 copies total.[33] Koda then released her fifteenth single, "Hot Stuff", from the album. Shortly afterwards, Koda released her first live DVD, Secret: First Class Limited Live. In 2006, Oricon reported that Secret: First Class Limited Live had set a new record on the music DVD charts by remaining at the top of the Oricon DVD charts for seven weeks in total.[34] Koda released her sixteenth single, "Butterfly", which debuted at number 2 on the Oricon chart.[4] "Butterfly" was followed by "Flower" and "Promise/Star"; both peaked at number 4 in the weekly chart.[35][36]

In September, Koda released her first greatest hits album, Best: First Things. The album debuted at number 2 on the chart in its first week but rose to the top the following week, giving Koda her first number-one album.[5][37] Best: First Things sold over a million copies and was certified million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan.[38] In December, Koda began the "12 Singles Project" in which for twelve consecutive weeks, she released one single per week (nine of which were labeled as limited editions).[39][40] The first single of the 12 Singles Project, "You", debuted at the top of the chart, giving Koda her first number-one single.[41] Koda then released "Birthday Eve", "D.D.D.", and "Shake It Up" before the end of the year. Koda released the remaining eight singles in the beginning of the new year. The first single was "Lies", followed by "Feel", "Candy", "No Regret", "Ima Sugu Hoshii", "Kamen", "Wind" and "Someday/Boys & Girls".

On the same day as she released the last single from the project, she released digitally Koda Kumi Remix Album, which includes remixes of songs from project. "Feel", the fifth single from the project, debuted atop the charts.[42] "You" remained in the Oricon Top Ten during the release of "Shake It Up" and "Lies", making Koda the first female artist to have three singles in the Top Ten of the Oricon Weekly Singles chart.[43] Koda's fashion in this period, in which she wore skin-baring clothes, started the ero-kakkoii trend in Japan.[44][45] "Get It On", the thirteenth and last single of the "12 Singles Project",[fn 2] was Koda's first digital single; it was followed by her second greatest hits album, Best: Second Session.[46] The album featured all twelve singles along with two new tracks and was released in three different formats: CD-only, CD+DVD, and CD+2DVD. Best: Second Session debuted at the top of the chart with 983,000 copies sold in its first week, making Koda the first female artist with the highest greatest hits album debut sales since Hikaru Utada's Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 1.[47] Like Best: First Things, Best: Second Session was certified million by the RIAJ.[48]

Koda in March 2005

After Best: Second Session, Koda released "Koi no Tsubomi" which reached number 2 in its debut week with 140,000 copies sold,[49] and eventually topped 1 million downloads.[50] This was the highest debut week sales for a female artist in 2006, until Ayumi Hamasaki surpassed it with her single "Blue Bird". On July 26, 2006, Koda released her first photobook, Maroc; the book, photographed by Leslie Kee, was tied with her thirty-second single "4 Hot Wave", which was released on the same day.[51] Koda reclaimed the title of highest debut week sales for a female artist in 2006 with "4 Hot Wave";[52] which also ranked second behind the KinKi Kids.[53] "4 Hot Wave" is Koda's nineteenth consecutive single to debut in the Top Ten since "Kiseki".[39] Koda's next single, "Yume no Uta / Futari de..." (2006), was a musical first for Koda, as she took full creative control over the production of the single and music video; she wrote the lyrics, chose the outfits, and produced the concepts for the videos of both songs.[54] Koda then recorded a cover of the Bubblegum Brothers' "Won't Be Long" with label-mates Exile. "Cherry Girl/Unmei" was the last single Koda released before releasing her fifth album Black Cherry in December. Black Cherry became the first female studio album to stay atop the charts for four weeks since Ayumi Hamasaki's album Duty.[55] At the end of 2006, Oricon named her the best-selling artist of 2006 with ¥12,702,200,000 profit (approximately $136,465,304), and Yahoo! Japan declared her to be the most-searched female artist and tenth most searched term overall in 2006.[7][56][57]

2007–2010: Commercial peak and controversy

[edit]

On March 14, 2007, Koda released her thirty-fifth single ("But/Aishō"), another greatest hits album (Best: Bounce & Lovers), and a DVD of her second tour Live Tour 2006–2007: Second Session. Her second single of 2007, "Freaky", reached the top spot on the Oricon, giving Koda her fourth number-one single. Koda performed at the Japanese leg of Live Earth in Tokyo on July 7, 2007, and attended AP Bank Fes '07, a conservationist-themed concert, hosted by Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr. Children on July 15, 2007.[58][59] At the end of 2007, Koda released two singles, "Ai no Uta" and "Last Angel", a collaboration with Korean boy band TVXQ better known as Tohoshinki in Japan. "Last Angel" was used as the theme song for the Japanese release for Resident Evil: Extinction.[60] On December 1, she held her first performance at Tokyo Dome for her third nationwide and first arena tour. Koda became the seventh solo female singer to perform at Tokyo Dome with an estimated audience of 45,000 people.[61] Having sold more than 7.3 billion yen worth of CDs and DVDs, Koda was again the best-selling artist of the year in Oricon's 2007 year-end rankings.[8]

Koda released her thirty-ninth single "Anytime" on January 23, 2008; it was followed by her sixth studio album Kingdom, which was released in the same format as her previous album. With a little over 420,000 copies sold in its first week, Kingdom debuted atop the Oricon.[62] On January 31, Koda hosted All Night Nippon; discussing her manager's recent marriage and plans on having children, Koda remarked that "When women turn 35, their amniotic fluid goes rotten, so I'd like them to have a child by 35".[63] Because of the controversy instigated by the comment, Avex released an apology stating that as a consolation, all promotion of Kingdom would cease.[64] Additionally, several of Koda's commercial endorsements were placed on hiatus. Koda herself made a public apology on Fuji TV.[63][65][66][67] Despite the controversy, Kingdom remained on top for a second consecutive week.[68] Two months after her controversial statement, Koda released Live Tour 2007: Black Cherry Tour Special Final in Tokyo Dome, her fourth live DVD. Her fourth nationwide tour Kumi Koda Live Tour 2008: Kingdom commenced on April 12, 2008.[69] Koda's fortieth single "Moon" was released on June 11, 2008. Like "Freaky", "Moon" contained four tracks. The single contained "Moon Crying", used as the theme for Asahi Television drama Puzzle, and a collaboration track with The Black Eyed Peas' Fergie[70]

Koda again attended Avex's annual summer concert A-Nation '08. She appeared at all eight shows in Japan and performed with other Avex artists such as Every Little Thing, Ai Otsuka, Namie Amuro, Ayumi Hamasaki, TVXQ, and Maki Goto.[71] In October 2008, Koda released her forty-first single, "Taboo". With around 66,000 copies sold in its first week, "Taboo" debuted at the number-one position and became Koda's fifth single to reach the top.[72] Koda released her forty-second single "Stay with Me" on Christmas Eve, which debuted atop of the chart selling 58,000 copies.[73] Koda's seventh studio album, Trick, was another number-one album for the singer, selling 253,000 in its first week.[74] The album stayed at the number-one spot for a second week selling 56,000 copies.[75] Although the album debuted at the number-one position, this was her lowest selling album since her fourth studio album, Secret.[fn 3]

Fans attending Koda's Live Tour 2008: Kingdom in Tokyo, May 2008

On March 25, 2009, Koda released two albums, Out Works & Collaboration Best and Koda Kumi Driving Hit's. The former is a compilation of collaborations with other artists and the latter is a remix album.[77] Out Works & Collaboration Best and Koda Kumi Driving Hit's debuted at number 7 and 6 respectively.[78][79] Koda's forty-third single, "It's All Love!", was released on March 31.[80] The single, a collaboration with her younger sister Misono,[81] debuted atop the Oricon, making the sisters the first siblings to have a single top the chart in its initial week.[82] The second song from the single, "Faraway", was used as the theme song for the manga-based movie Subaru.[80] On July 8, 2009, Koda released her forty-fourth single, "3 Splash".[83] The single debuted at number 2 on the charts making it Koda's thirty-third Top 10 single.[84] Following the release of "3 Splash" was her forty-fifth single, "Alive/Physical Thing", which took the number-one spot on the single charts.[85]

2010–2011: Tenth anniversary, Dejavu, Japonesque, and marriage

[edit]

On January 20, 2010, Koda released a new single titled, "Can We Go Back", which is a cover of a bonus track on Kelly Clarkson's 2009 album All I Ever Wanted.[86] On February 3, 2010, Koda released a new best album, Best: Third Universe, and her eighth studio album, Universe, which are packaged together under the name of Best: Third Universe/Universe.[87] On July 7, 2010, she released her 47th single, "Gossip Candy",[88] which peaked at number 4 on the Oricon chart. On September 22, 2010, she released her 48th single "Suki de, Suki de, Suki de./Anata Dake ga"[89] , two ballads and a re-recorded version of "Walk". The DVD release of her tour "Kumi Koda Live Tour Universe" was released on October 6, 2010. A week later Koda released her first cover-album Eternity: Love & Songs, on which she covers songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Koda didn't release a number-one single in 2010, her first time since 2004 not to do so. On December 5, 2010, Koda held a concert celebrating her 10th Anniversary named "Fantasia", where she performed a selection of songs from all over her career. The concert was filmed for DVD release and held at Tokyo Dome.

On February 2, 2011, her 49th single "Pop Diva" was released and on February 23, 2011, Koda released "Eternity -Love & Songs- at Billboard Live" an audio DVD of her performance at Billboard Live Tokyo in October 2010, where she performed many songs from her Eternity: Love & Songs cover album. She released her ninth studio album named Dejavu on March 2, 2011. Koda was planning to release Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 3 in March, but due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the date was pushed back to May 4. Koda is featured in the Far East Movement song "Make It Bump", which was only released on the Japanese edition of their album Free Wired. On May 18, 2011, Koda released the DVD of her "Fantasia" concert entitled "Kumi Koda 10th Anniversary: Fantasia in Tokyo Dome".[90] Alongside DVD, the concert was also released in Blu-ray format. Her previous concerts were also re-released in Blu-ray format.[91]

Koda's 50th single was released August 17, 2011. The single is titled "4 Times" and includes four songs as well as four music videos to accompany them (Such as her previous 2006 summer single, "4 Hot Wave"). Since it is Koda's 50th single, it was released in two different special limited edition commemorative versions. One comes with 50 Kumi Koda 50th Anniversary post cards and the other with a special digital camera. Immediately after the release of "4 Times", it was posted on her official website that her 51st single, "Ai o Tomenaide" was to be released September 21, 2011. The song charted at number 4 on the Oricon charts. On November 29, Koda became the only Japanese star to perform at the Mnet Asian Music Awards. On November 30, 2011, her 52nd single, "Love Me Back", was released, debuting at number 5 on the Oricon charts. On December 7, 2011, Koda's tenth album was announced for release on January 25, 2012. The album is entitled Japonesque and comes in four different types: CD, CD+DVD, the DVD containing music videos, a limited edition featuring a B4-size, 32-page booklet and a CD+2DVD edition which would features additional live content alongside the music videos.[92]

On August 1, 2012, Koda released a remix album called Beach Mix, which included a new song and a new music video, titled "Whatchu Waitin' On?" This was the first release of any content since Koda gave birth. It was at this time that Koda announced a nationwide arena tour of Japan in 2014 for the album Japonesque. It was announced in August that "Go to the Top" would be released as Koda's 53rd on October 24, 2012. The single went to number 1 on the Oricon charts, her first in three years to do so. Her 54th single "Koishikute" was originally set for December 5, 2012, but was pushed back to December 26, 2012. However, it had been released on iTunes Japan the original date; and subsequently peaked at No. 7 on the Oricon chart when the physical single was finally released.[93]

2013–2016: Bon Voyage and Walk of My Life

[edit]
Koda at Taipei International in October 2013

In February 2013, Koda released her 2nd cover album Color the Cover fronted by a cover of late rock-singer Hide's hit "Pink Spider"; as well as other popular hits such as Kome Kome Club's "Shake Hip!" and Kenji Ozawa's "Lovely". The album peaked at No. 3 on the Oricon chart and charted for 17 weeks. Furthermore, in March, continuing the Driving Hit's series, Koda released her 7th remix album Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 5. In March, Koda embarked on a Japan-wide arena tour for the album Japonesque. Following the release of two new singles, "Summer Trip" in July 2013 and "Dreaming Now!" in November of the same year, Koda announced her 11th studio album, titled Bon Voyage which was released on February 26, 2014. This was immediately followed by the release of the 6th entry in the Driving Hit's series, her 8th remix album Koda Kumi Driving Hit's 6.

Soon thereafter, Koda embarked on the Bon Voyage Hall Tour, a series of concerts held throughout Japan to help promote the album. On August 6, Koda released her yearly summer single called "Hotel". In November of the same year, Koda became the first singer in the world to use the Oculus Rift technology to shoot the music video for her first digital single "Dance in the Rain", which coincided with the start of the 15th anniversary celebration since her debut as a singer, nicknamed 'KXVK'. This was followed by a special concert held on December 6 at Studio Coast, called the 'Koda Kumi 15th Anniversary First Class 2nd Limited Live' during which she performed 62 of her songs.

As part of her 15th anniversary celebration, Koda's 12th album, called Walk of My Life was released on March 18, 2015, followed by a Japan-wide Walk of My Life 2015 Tour supported by Mercedes-Benz. The album reached the number 1 position on the Oricon charts on its release day becoming Koda's 8th studio album to achieve this feat and continuing her trend of managing to hit the number 1 spot with her studio albums for the 8th time in a row since Black Cherry. Koda also embarked on a tour in 2016 which celebrated her 15th anniversary in the music industry.

2017–2019: W Face, AND, and DNA

[edit]

On March 8, 2017, Koda released her thirteenth album, as well as her first double album "W Face ~inside~" and "W Face ~outside~". Both albums topped the Oricon Weekly Charts at number one and number two. She was the second female artist in forty-years to hold the top two positions on the Oricon Album Charts, after Ayumi Hamasaki who released A BEST 2 in 2007.[94] In July 2017, Koda announced her 60th single to be released in August 2017. It will be a limited release and only sold at concert venues and the Japanese music site, mu-mo. The single was the first of three planned singles released for the year, with her 61st single released in October and her 62nd single released in December. On August 2, 2017, Koda released her 61st single "LIT", and on October 4, 2017, released her 62nd single "HUSH". After the release of "Never Enough" in December, she released her fourteenth studio album AND on February 28, 2018.[95] The album was one of two albums planned for the year, with the second album, titled DNA, released in August.[96] DNA was promoted via a special website created by Rhythm Zone.[97]

And debuted at number two on Oricon and dropped in ranking throughout the week to take the No. 6 slot.[98] This became her first studio album since Secret to not take the No. 1 position. AND was predominately released for her fan club Koda Gumi, which was evidenced by her holding a fan club-specific tour for the album, titled Fanclub Tour 2018 ~AND~. Two different performances would be released: her April 29, 2018 performance at DRUM LOGOS in Fukuoka was placed on CD+3DVD edition of DNA,[99] while her June 9, 2018 performance held at Zepp Tokyo was placed on the 4DVD edition of Live Tour 2018 ~DNA~.[100][101]

Her second studio release for 2018, DNA, fared better on the charts. While it also debuted at No. 2, it remained in the top ten throughout the week, giving it the weekly ranking of No. 3.[102][103] The album held a corresponding tour, Live Tour 2018 ~DNA~, which would be released on DVD and Blu-ray in March 2019.[104] The performance utilized on the DVD and Blu-ray was of the concert performed at the Kanagawa Prefectural Hall on Koda's 36th birthday on November 13, 2018.[105] Her eleventh remix album, Driving Hit's 9 -Special Edition-, was released on February 20, 2019, debuting at No. 24. It was released as a 3-disc set with the first disc composed of songs from her album DNA and the second and thirds discs compiled with previous remixes.[106]

2019–present: re(Cord) and Heart

[edit]

Beginning in July 2019, Koda began a string of digital releases, the first being "Eh Yo" released on July 3. The song was used as the Hanazono support song for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[107] Koda debuted the song on June 15, 2019, with a performance at Tennōji Park in Tennōji-ku, Osaka for the "100 Days To Go" event.[108] She released two more songs in the month of July, "Summer Time" on the 10th and "Do Me" on the 17th. On July 20, 2019, Koda released a cover of Ricky Martin's hit "Livin' la Vida Loca" via Avex's official YouTube.[109] Three weeks later on August 13, she released the song "Goldfinger 2019", which was the Japanese version of the song. Both versions received music videos with only slightly varying scenes.[110] "Put Your Hands Up!!!" and "OMG" were released in September on the 13th and 18th respectively. The final three songs were released in October. "Strip" (October 16) and "Get Naked" (October 23) would later receive music videos, though they were only released on the 3DVD fan club edition of her Live Tour 2019 Re(live): Black Cherry/Japonesque. The final song, "Again" (October 30), was about the past and future, with the music video recalling many of her prior styles.[111] All nine of the songs were placed on the album Re(cord), which was released on Koda 's 37th birthday on November 13.[112] The album debuted at No. 4, where it remained for the weekly ranking.[113] On March 11, 2020, Koda released her twelfth remix album titled Re(mix). It was released the same day as her concert DVDs/Blu-rays of Live Tour 2019 Re(live): Black Cherry and Live Tour 2019 Re(live): Japonesque.

On December 2, 2020, Koda released her first public physical non-album in over 6 years titled Angel + Monster. It became her sixth official EP since Gossip Candy and debuted at number five on Oricon.[114] In 2022, Koda announced her 17th studio album, titled Heart, which was released on March 2, over two years after her previous studio album Re(cord) (2019). The album was released on streaming platforms a month prior to the physical release on February 2. In October 2022, Koda collaborated with band Shōnan no Kaze release the new song "Trust・Last", which was used as the opening theme of the 33rd entry of the Kamen Rider series, Kamen Rider Geats.[115][116]

Artistry

[edit]

Koda's musical style is mainly Japanese Urban and R&B music; however, it was only after Koda signed to Rhythm Zone that Japanese Urban and R&B became her main musical styles.[9] But throughout her career her musical style has spanned additional styles such as rock, hip-hop, electropop and dance.[9][117][118][119][120]

Themes

[edit]

Kumi has explored the themes of sexuality and taboos in her lyrics. While listening to the music of "But", the first thing that came to Koda's mind was homosexuality.[121][122] Regarding the theme of homosexuality, Koda said in an interview: "I'm the type of person who thinks that [in a relationship] it doesn't matter what sex the other person is. No matter who they are, it doesn't change the 'I love this person' feeling, does it?"[fn 4] The video for "Taboo" portrayed homosexuality and other "taboo" subjects to deliver Koda's message of "there really is no such thing as a taboo".[123] She also said of "Taboo"'s themes, "Instead of trying stuff out and experiencing it, we put up a 'No' sign, we never try to break the taboos" and "Sometimes we shouldn't retreat into safety, we should have courage to do things. Those are the feelings kin the song."[124] Such themes are also present in her music videos: she has incorporated her "sexy" image into her videos since "Crazy 4 U" through sexually charged dances and skin-baring outfits. The video of "Ima Sugu Hoshii" featured two males in sexual positions, and the video of "Juicy", which also featured sexual posturing, was censored in Taiwan.[125][126]

Lyrics and composition

[edit]

Since the start of her career Koda has been writing the lyrics to her songs.[fn 5] On her second studio album, Grow into One, Koda wasn't as much involved with the writing of the lyrics, as only four songs were written by her. Koda's control over the writing of the lyrics grew with her thirty-third single "Yume no Uta / Futari de... ". The single was originally intended to be a single song about "happy love", however Koda felt the melody had represented both the elements of happiness and sadness. She wrote the lyrics for both songs to represent the sadness and the happiness. In doing so Koda ended up creating two songs with the same melody. She remarked, "It was a first time experiment for me, but I was able to convey how happiness and sadness are two sides of the same coin."[54][fn 6] She has also stated that when she produces, she "is like a different person"; thus, she refers to herself in the third person and "looks at [herself] objectively".[127]

Koda was not as involved concerning the composition of her songs. "Milk Tea" (ミルクティー, Miruku Tii), from Black Cherry, marked the first time she composed a song.[128] Her involvement in the composition stage grew during the production of her seventh studio album Trick.[fn 7] Koda's songwriting credits for other artists include contributing lyrics for Faky's 2019 digital single "New Age".[129]

Public image

[edit]

Fashion

[edit]

Koda has been known for her "sexy" image. In 2003, she started a cleavage-baring trend when she appeared in advertisements wearing a metallic bra.[130] Her 2004 work with the anime movie Cutie Honey continued this image,[131] and in 2005, she began the "ero kawaii" or "ero-kakkoii" trend in Japan and was partially responsible for making the wearing of lingerie in public more acceptable in Japan.[6][132] Koda's image has inspired other artists: Korean singer Ayumi Lee and American Japanese expatriate model-singer Leah Dizon, both known for their use of sexuality in the image, are inspired in part by Koda.[133] Singaporean newspaper The New Paper suggested that her sexy image was responsible for her sales—she outsold "reigning J-pop queen" Ayumi Hamasaki in 2006 and 2007.[134][135] In 2006, Koda began winning awards for being a new trendsetter in Japan, including the "Best Jeanist Award" on September 4, 2006,[136] and the title of "Nail Queen" for her nail art on November 21, 2006, by Japan Nail Expo.[137][138]

In 2006, when the popularity of Japanese singers was declining in Singapore due to the rising popularity of the Korean Wave, Koda's sexy image garnered her popularity in the region and renewed interest in J-pop.[139] James Kang, marketing director for Warner Music in Asia, noted that Koda's sexy image is popular not only with men but also with women, even "Japanese aunties", because she uses her image to "make a feminist statement [...] She's constantly telling women to believe in themselves and do what they want to do".[133] In 2007, it was proposed that the term "ero-kakkoii" be added to the Japanese Encyclopedia of Contemporary Words.[140]

Personal life

[edit]

In August 2007, it was rumored that Koda was dating SMAP leader Masahiro Nakai.[141] The media questioned the artists' agencies on the matter; neither agency had confirmed or denied the rumors.[142][143] In September, during a variety show that Nakai was a semi-regular on, socialite Dewi Sukarno was discussing her ideal boyfriend and mentioned that Nakai and Koda were dating.[144] It was also rumored that the two would get married before Koda's 25th birthday.[144] In the December issue of Josei Seven, it was "confirmed" that the two were dating.[145]

The couple was dubbed as the "national couple", a nickname last used in the early 1960s when actor Akira Kobayashi married enka singer Hibari Misora.[144] However, some denied that the relationship was real, claiming that Johnny Kitagawa orchestrated the relationship to move SMAP to the Avex label.[144] On December 12, 2011, Koda's official website announced that she was engaged to Kenji03 from Back-On.[146] Koda then announced on December 16 that she was eight weeks pregnant;[147] after returning from the Mnet Asian Music Awards in Singapore. The two married on December 22, and Koda gave birth to the couple's first child, a son, on July 17, 2012.[148][149]

Philanthropy

[edit]

In March 2011, Koda provide aid to the victims of Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami, the Foundation in association with Yahoo! Japan organized the Japan Relief Fundraising Auction, and all the benefits were sent to the Japanese Red Cross.

From January 2020 to October 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic, Japan issued a "stay-at-home" order and also postponed the Tokyo Olympics at one year time. Many Japanese artists took part in releasing music created at home to encourage citizens to remain at home and to take necessary precautions when in public.[150] On April 19, 2020, Kumi and her husband Kenji03 took part in the song "Be One ~Bokura ni Dekiru Koto~" (僕らにできる事 / What We Can Do), along with various other Japanese artists, including Daichi Miura, Yu Shirota, KEITA, KM-MARKIT and Micro among others.[151] Continuing her involvement, Koda released the song "Puff" as a digital single on June 26.[152] That the same day, an accompanying music video was uploaded to Avex's official YouTube.[153] In the video, Koda and several of her backup dancers perform a dance in their own respective homes, consisting of various yoga poses and lite calisthenics. An alternate version of the video was uploaded with Koda in front of a blue screen, encouraging fans to input their own backgrounds and tag the videos as "MADE93".[154] In December 2020 amid the third COVID wave, all of songs were recorded in her home studio due to COVID-19 pandemic, which she said gave her more opportunity to work with many Western writers and composers.[155]

On February 15, 2021 as COVID-19 cases declined in Japan, Koda and alongside various other artists, took part in the song "My Hero ~Kiseki no Uta~" (奇跡の唄 / Miracle Song).[156] The song was the theme song for the charity concert Live Empower Children, which was held to support childhood cancer treatment on International Childhood Cancer Day (February 15).[157][158]

Discography

[edit]

Awards and achievements

[edit]

Koda won her first award at the 47th Japan Record Awards for Butterfly on December 31, 2005,[159] and was awarded "Triple Crown" at the Japan Gold Disc Awards on March 10, 2006, for pocketing three awards: "Pop Artist of the Year", "Pop Album of the Year", and "Music Video of the Year".[160] She continued to win more awards for this song; on May 27, 2006, the MTV VMAJ's awarded Koda with "Best Female Video" and "Best Video of the Year" for "Butterfly", and "buzzASIA from Japan" for "Trust You", a track from her album Secret.[161] Later in 2006, her song "Yume no Uta" from her 33rd single, "Yume no Uta / Futari de...", garnered Koda more awards. She was a Grand Prix winner at the 39th Japan Usen Grand Prize.[162]

On May 26, 2007, Koda won three awards from MTV Video Music Awards Japan for the second year in a row. "Yume No Uta" was nominated in three categories and won "Best Female Video and "Best Video of the Year". Koda herself won a special award known as "Best Stylish Artist Award".[163] At the 2007 Best Hit Kayōsai Koda's "Ai no Uta" earned her the Grand Prix in the pop category, also winning one of the golden awards for the 49th Nihon Record Taishō.[164][165] Koda, while having success on Oricon charts with physical CD sales, maintains success on online music sales as well. It is reported that twenty-two of her music videos chart the top 100 most downloaded videos, with four of her videos dominating the top five, and having "Koi no Tsubomi" top the Overall Downloads Chart, which thirteen of her other songs chart.[166][167] She has sold more than 15 million records in Japan.

Koda won the "Hottest Asian Artist" at the 2011 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Singapore.[168] Koda and director Mika Ninagawa won the "Music Short Excellence Award, Cinematic Award" for "Pink Spider" at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2013 (abbreviation: SSFF &ASIA).

Filmography

[edit]

Concert tours and live videos

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
  • 2006: Maroc Koda Kumi Photobook (Maroc 倖田来未写真集) ISBN 978-4-8470-2942-4 – photography by Leslie Kee[169]
    deluxe edition (2007), ISBN 978-4-8470-2953-0
  • 2006: Koda-Shiki Koda Kumi Style Book (倖田式 Kumi Koda Style book) ISBN 978-4838717569[13]
  • 2009: Koda Kumi Live Tour 2009 Behind of Trick Live Book (Koda Kumi Live Tour 2009 TRICK裏 倖田来未ライブブック) ISBN 978-4847042072[170]
  • 2010: Brazil ISBN 978-4847043314 – photography by Leslie Kee, released for 10th anniversary, second photo book[171]
    deluxe edition (2011), ISBN 978-4847043321[172]
  • 2011: Koda Reki ISBN 978-4062167628 – lifestyle book[173][174]
  • 2013: Koda Kumi Parparazzi!! ISBN 978-4800203953[175][176]
  • 2016: Bibody no Shuukan - Customs of a Beautiful Body (倖田來未流 美ボディの習慣) ISBN 978-4799319826[177]
  • 2021: WALK ISBN 978-4074494217 – photostyle book[178]

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ She made ¥12,702,200,000 in profits, in 2006[7] approximately $ 136,465,304 and ¥7.3 Billion in 2007[8]
  2. ^ Although "Get It On" is the thirteenth single from the project, the cover art is marked with 00.
  3. ^ In its first week Secret sold 186,377 copies.[76]
  4. ^ Original text from Oricon Style: 私は相手が異性であろうと同性であろうと関係ないと思うタイプなんです。相手が誰であろうと“人を愛する気持ち”に変わりはないでしょ?[121]
  5. ^ Some of the lyrics are either co-written or written by others.
  6. ^ Original text: 「初めての試みでしたが、幸せと悲しみが表裏一体だってことが表現できた」
  7. ^ Koda co-composed "Bling Bling Bling", "Just the Way You Are", "That Ain't Cool" and "This Is Not a Love Song".

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Brenner, Wayne Alan. "Sailor Scout and the Chaperone". The Austin Chronicle. Austin Chronicle Corp. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
  2. ^ Fahey, Rob (June 5, 2007). "Fiercely Burning Heart of Love!". Eurogamer. Eurogamer Network. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
  3. ^ a b "Secret chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 3, 2008. Retrieved November 11, 2008.
  4. ^ a b "Butterfly chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 3, 2008. Retrieved November 11, 2008.
  5. ^ a b "Best: First Things chart position, week two" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 3, 2008. Retrieved November 11, 2008.
  6. ^ a b "Showing Some Skin". web-japan.org. September 13, 2007. Retrieved January 16, 2009.
  7. ^ a b "Annual hit chart special – 2006 artist total sales ranking big announcement!" (in Japanese). Oricon. December 21, 2006. Retrieved June 26, 2007.
  8. ^ a b "Koda is best-selling artist of 2007". Tokyograph. December 18, 2007. Retrieved January 5, 2009.
  9. ^ a b c d e "Telling Secrets – A Konversation with Kumi Koda". Nippop. April 2, 2005. Archived from the original on February 23, 2009. Retrieved January 17, 2009.
  10. ^ RBB TODAY (April 23, 2007). ""ストップ!いじめ"〜倖田來未が実体験をもとに参加". ライブドアニュース. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved October 29, 2009.
  11. ^ "Kodashiki – Kumi Koda Style Book -"'s "Girl's Talk" ISBN 4-8387-1756-3
  12. ^ "倖田來未の「ストップ!いじめ」". 政府インターネットテレビ. Archived from the original on June 7, 2017. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  13. ^ a b "Koda Shiki Kumi Koda Style book Kumi Koda [BOOK]". CDJapan. Neowing. December 28, 2006. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  14. ^ "Trust Your Love chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  15. ^ "Color of Soul chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  16. ^ "Take Back Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart". Billboard. June 16, 2001. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
  17. ^ "Trust Your Love Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart". Billboard. February 2, 2002. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
  18. ^ "Trust Your Love Hot Singles Sales chart". Billboard. December 22, 2001. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
  19. ^ "Trust Your Love Hot Dance Club Play chart". Billboard. January 26, 2002. Archived from the original on July 19, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
  20. ^ "BoA and Hamasaki Ayumi Join Song+Nation's South Korean Release". Chosunonline.com (in Japanese). Chosun Ilbo Co. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved December 1, 2008. (Paid access required to view article)
  21. ^ "Song+Nation" (in Japanese). Avex Trax. Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved December 6, 2008.
  22. ^ "Affection chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  23. ^ "Love Across the Ocean chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  24. ^ "Maze chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  25. ^ "Real Emotion/1000 no Kotoba chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  26. ^ Caffrey, Rori (January 15, 2004). "Popcetera / Tomoka Zones in, Takayo Zones out". AccessMyLibrary. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
  27. ^ "Grow into One week one position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 8, 2008. Retrieved December 8, 2008.
  28. ^ "Grow into One week four position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 8, 2008. Retrieved December 8, 2008.
  29. ^ "Come with Me chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  30. ^ "Gentle Words chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  31. ^ "Crazy 4 U chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  32. ^ "Feel My Mind chart position" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 8, 2008. Retrieved December 8, 2008.
  33. ^ "Gold Album Certifications July 2005" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved June 26, 2007.
  34. ^ "Other talked about songs chart announcements" (in Japanese). Oricon. February 13, 2006. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  35. ^ "Flower chart position". Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  36. ^ "Promise/Star chart position". Oricon. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  37. ^ "Best: First Things, week one" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 10, 2008. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
  38. ^ "Best album topped million!! Kumi Koda, the background of the latest craze" (in Japanese). Oricon. November 22, 2005. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
  39. ^ a b "Kumi Koda breaks own record with drama 'Ugly Love' theme song!" (in Japanese). Oricon. May 30, 2006. Retrieved June 26, 2007.
  40. ^ "Kumi Koda official website" (in Japanese). Avex Group. Archived from the original on December 30, 2008. Retrieved January 11, 2009.
  41. ^ "Kumi Koda, 12 weeks a row in the first release of her first singles win first place!!" (in Japanese). Oricon. December 13, 2005. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
  42. ^ "Kumi Koda, "You", following the lead single for her second win by 2!!" (in Japanese). Oricon. January 16, 2006. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
  43. ^ "Kōhaku, year-end program guests boom! Kumi Koda's feat first in women's history!" (in Japanese). Oricon. January 9, 2007. Retrieved June 26, 2007.
  44. ^ "Koda: 'I Talk about the 12 Singles Project'" (in Japanese). Oricon. December 21, 2005. Retrieved January 16, 2009.
  45. ^ ""Erotic-Cool" Culture in Japan". web-japan.org. February 22, 2006. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  46. ^ "Limited Delivery & Album Tracks! The Message Has Arrived!" (in Japanese). Barks.jp. March 9, 2006. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
  47. ^ "Kumi Koda second 'best of' album starts as 980,000-Disk Big Hit! Number 1 on Release!" (in Japanese). Oricon. March 13, 2007. Retrieved June 26, 2007.
  48. ^ "Best: Second Session certification" (in Japanese). RIAJ. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
  49. ^ "Kumi Koda in July, a collection of new songs and the first simultaneous release of photos!" (in Japanese). Oricon. May 31, 2006. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
  50. ^ "Kumi Koda, the new single, wear a blossom of love song topped 1 million download!" (in Japanese). Oricon. May 25, 2007. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
  51. ^ "Kumi Koda Releases Sexy Pictures". World Journal. June 1, 2006. Archived from the original on March 28, 2009. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  52. ^ "Kumi Koda, 06 girls with two golds artists!" (in Japanese). Oricon. August 1, 2006. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  53. ^ "4 Hot Wave chart position". Oricon. Retrieved January 13, 2009.
  54. ^ a b "Kumi Koda writes 2 songs with 1 melody! Ballad filled with happiness and sadness" (in Japanese). Sankei Sports. August 25, 2006. Archived from the original on May 29, 2007. Retrieved June 26, 2007.
  55. ^ "Kumi Koda four straight weeks at top first time in six years" (in Japanese). Oricon. January 16, 2007. Retrieved June 28, 2007.
  56. ^ "2006 Search word ranking" (in Japanese). Yahoo! Japan. Archived from the original on October 30, 2007. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  57. ^ Williams, Martyn (December 21, 2006). "Japan's top searches: burgers, babes, betting". InfoWorld. IDG. IDG News Service. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
  58. ^ "What Live Earth Really Meant". Time. July 8, 2007. Archived from the original on November 3, 2007. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
  59. ^ "ap bank fes'07 Official site" (in Japanese). AP Bank. Archived from the original on September 17, 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
  60. ^ "Kumi Koda collaborates with TVXQ". Tokyograph. September 24, 2007. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  61. ^ "Kumi Koda, her first concert at the Tokyo Dome in her seventh anniversary" (in Japanese). Sponichi. December 2, 2007. Archived from the original on February 4, 2008. Retrieved December 16, 2008.
  62. ^ "Charts: Koda on top despite controversy". Tokyograph. February 6, 2008. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  63. ^ a b "Kumi Koda comment goes "rotten", suspended for month". Tokyograph. February 2, 2008. Retrieved January 3, 2009.
  64. ^ "Japanese diva in hot water over 'rotten' womb gaffe". Agence France-Presse. February 3, 2008. Archived from the original on March 29, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
  65. ^ "Sexy Kumi Koda apologizes for controversial comments". WorldTime News Report. 2008. Archived from the original on May 11, 2007. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
  66. ^ "Tearful Koda apologizes on TV for 'rotten womb' gaffe". Japan Today. February 8, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2008.[permanent dead link]
  67. ^ "Japanese pop star apologises over offensive comments". contactmusic.com. February 4, 2008. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
  68. ^ "Charts: Koda still #1". Tokyograph. February 13, 2008. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  69. ^ "Singer Kumi Koda makes comeback concert". Japan Today. April 14, 2008. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved June 19, 2008.
  70. ^ ""Puzzle" theme sung by Kumi Koda". Tokyograph. August 16, 2008. Retrieved January 4, 2009.
  71. ^ "Maki Goto confirmed for a-nation". Tokyograph. July 9, 2008. Retrieved January 4, 2009.
  72. ^ "Charts: Kumi Koda back on top, no longer "taboo"". Tokyograph. October 15, 2008. Retrieved January 4, 2009.
  73. ^ "Charts: Ikimono Gakari's first #1". Tokyograph. Retrieved January 7, 2009.
  74. ^ "Charts: KinKi Kids, Kumi Koda". Tokyograph. Retrieved February 4, 2009.
  75. ^ "Charts: Kiyoshi Hikawa achieves second #1". Tokyograph. Retrieved February 28, 2009.
  76. ^ "Secret Debut Sales" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved February 28, 2009.
  77. ^ "Kumi Koda Information" (in Japanese). Avex. Archived from the original on February 6, 2009. Retrieved February 2, 2009.
  78. ^ "Out Works & Collaboration Best Oricon page" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  79. ^ "Koda Kumi Driving Hit's Oricon page" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  80. ^ a b "Information: Kumi Koda Official Website" (in Japanese). Avex Group. Archived from the original on February 25, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  81. ^ "Kumi Koda × misono, sister's first collaboration! (1/2 Pages)" (in Japanese). Sanspo. Archived from the original on February 21, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2009.
  82. ^ 再結成ユニコーン、14年10ヶ月ぶりの首位獲得 (in Japanese). Oricon. March 24, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  83. ^ "倖田來未、7月にリリースするニュー・シングル"3 SPLASH"の詳細が決定!". Tower Records (in Japanese). Bounce. May 21, 2009. Archived from the original on May 25, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
  84. ^ テゴマス「七夕祭り」が初登場首位 (in Japanese). Oricon. July 14, 2009. Retrieved October 31, 2009.
  85. ^ 嵐、ミスチル超え!09年アルバムセールスのトップに立つ (in Japanese). Nippon Television. September 22, 2009. Archived from the original on September 24, 2009. Retrieved September 21, 2009.
  86. ^ 倖田來未がライブ年間パスポートをファンに直接手渡し. Natasha Inc. (in Japanese). Natalie. January 13, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  87. ^ 倖田、超豪華アルバム!ベスト+オリジナル. Sanspo (in Japanese). December 11, 2009. Archived from the original on December 13, 2009. Retrieved December 10, 2009.
  88. ^ MUSIC – 倖田來未(こうだくみ)OFFICIAL WEBSITE (Gossip Candy) (in Japanese). July 7, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  89. ^ MUSIC – 倖田來未(こうだくみ)OFFICIAL WEBSITE (好きで、好きで、好きで。 / あなただけが). Rhythm Zone (in Japanese). September 22, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  90. ^ "KODA KUMI 10th Anniversary ~FANTASIA~in TOKYO DOME [DVD]" (in Japanese). May 18, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  91. ^ "KODA KUMI 10th Anniversary ~FANTASIA~in TOKYO DOME [Blu-ray]" (in Japanese). May 18, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2011.
  92. ^ "倖田来未 (こうだくみ) JAPONESQUE" (in Japanese). Rhythm Zone. Retrieved December 7, 2011.
  93. ^ "Weekly Ranking" (in Japanese). Oricon. January 5, 2013. Retrieved January 6, 2013.
  94. ^ 倖田來未、オリジナルアルバム1・2位独占!女性ソロ2人目47年ぶりの快挙達成! (in Japanese). Koda Kumi Official Website. March 13, 2017. Retrieved March 14, 2017.
  95. ^ "Koda Kumi's New Album". JaME World. January 1, 2018. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  96. ^ "Koda Kumi Announces First Album of 2018". Neko Pop. December 31, 2017. Retrieved January 30, 2018.
  97. ^ "KODA KUMI 「DNA」 Special Site". Rhythm Zone. Retrieved May 20, 2018.
  98. ^ "デイリー CDアルバムランキング 2018年02月27日付 (Daily CD Album Ranking February 27, 2018)". Oricon. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  99. ^ "Kumi Koda Concert Setlist at DRUM Logos, Fukuoka on April 29, 2018". setlist.fm. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  100. ^ "倖田來未 FanClub Tour 2018 AND Zepp Divercity Tokyo 2018.06.09 感想". Hatena Blog. July 10, 2018. Archived from the original on June 6, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  101. ^ "KODA KUMI LIVE TOUR 2018 -DNA-【初回生産限定盤】". Avex Official. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  102. ^ "デイリー アルバムランキング2018年08月21日付 (Daily Album Rank 2018.08.21)". Oricon. August 21, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  103. ^ "DNA / 倖田來未 / ORICON NEWS". Oricon. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
  104. ^ "倖田來未ライブツアー2018(DNA)の日程と開催場所一覧!チケット先行予約方法も". Sanaharu Blog. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  105. ^ "KODA KUMI DVD/Bluray "KODA KUMI LIVE TOUR 2018 -DNA-"". Koda Kumi Official Site. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  106. ^ "週間 アルバムランキング2019年03月04日付(2019年02月18日~2019年02月24日)". Oricon. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
  107. ^ "倖田來未、ラグビーW杯100日前イベントでHANAZONO公式応援ソング「Eh Yo(エーヨー)」を初披露". M-ON! MUSIC. June 15, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  108. ^ "倖田來未さんが花園応援ソング「Eh Yo」初披露! ラグビーワールドカップ2019開幕 100日前キックオフイベント". Abeno Keizai Shinbun Official YouTube. June 15, 2019. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  109. ^ "倖田來未 / Livin' La Vida Loca". Avex Official YouTube. July 20, 2019. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  110. ^ "倖田來未 / GOLDFINGER 2019". avex Official YouTube. August 13, 2019. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  111. ^ "倖田來未 / again". avex Official YouTube. October 29, 2019. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  112. ^ "倖田來未、ニューアルバム『re(CORD)』ビジュアル公開". BARKS. October 24, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  113. ^ "re(CORD) / 倖田來未 / ORICON NEWS". Oricon. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  114. ^ "デイリー アルバムランキング2020年12月01日付". Oricon. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  115. ^ "仮面ライダーギーツ主題歌情報解禁". 仮面ライダー avex SOUND WEB. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  116. ^ "【仮面ライダーギーツ主題歌】 Trust・Last (TV size) / 倖田來未 × 湘南乃風". Avex Official YouTube. October 2, 2022. Archived from the original on October 14, 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
  117. ^ Nieman, Teresa. "Kumi Koda – J-Pop will eat itself". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on February 23, 2009. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
  118. ^ "4 Hot Wave Oricon Interview" (in Japanese). Oricon. July 26, 2006. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
  119. ^ "Hip-hop, R&B a new front Kumi Koda reflected a commitment to Feel My Mind" (in Japanese). Barks.jp. February 23, 2004. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
  120. ^ "Kumi Koda good album launch" (in Japanese). Livedoor. Retrieved January 30, 2009.[dead link]
  121. ^ a b "Kumi Koda's Latest Single is Closing in on the Best Ballad in a Long Interview Special!" (in Japanese). Oricon. March 7, 2014. Retrieved March 1, 2009.
  122. ^ "The Theme of Kumi Koda's New Single is Homosexuality" (in Japanese). Barks.jp. Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved February 28, 2009.
  123. ^ "Kumi Koda's MV". World Journal (in Chinese). October 17, 2008. Archived from the original on March 28, 2009. Retrieved February 28, 2009.
  124. ^ "Kumi Koda's "sexy" and "strength" and "cool it" full of attractive new song exploded!!" (in Japanese). Oricon. October 8, 2008. Retrieved March 1, 2009.
  125. ^ "Kumi Koda's MV, Mysterious Middle-Eastern Flavor". World Journal (in Chinese). August 9, 2006. Archived from the original on March 28, 2009. Retrieved March 17, 2009.
  126. ^ "Kumi Koda's 'Ima Sugu Hoshii' Is Hot". World Journal (in Chinese). February 19, 2006. Archived from the original on March 28, 2009. Retrieved March 17, 2009.
  127. ^ McClure, Steve (February 17, 2005). "'Ku-chan' reveals Koda's secrets". AccessMyLibrary. Retrieved March 2, 2009. (Registration required)
  128. ^ "Kumi Koda Black Cherry Interview" (in Japanese). Oricon. December 20, 2006. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
  129. ^ "FAKY enters 'NEW AGE' with song co-written by Koda Kumi". J-Generation. November 28, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2019.
  130. ^ Chozick, Amy (May 12, 2007). "Japanese women bust out". Toronto Star. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
  131. ^ "Album: Kumi Koda--"Butterfly"". Sina.com (in Chinese). SINA Corporation. July 11, 2005. Retrieved January 23, 2009.
  132. ^ "Japanese Girls Go Sexier in Their Fashion". Japan Today. Archived from the original on November 22, 2008. Retrieved February 20, 2009.
  133. ^ a b Choon, Chang May (September 5, 2006). "How long can Ayumi be QUEEN? The next Kumi Koda?". The New Paper. Singapore Press Holdings.
  134. ^ Chua, Charlene (January 24, 2009). "Ayumi bumps it up". The New Paper. Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on January 29, 2009. Retrieved January 24, 2009.
  135. ^ "Sexy act pays off for Kumi Koda". The New Paper. Singapore Press Holdings. Archived from the original on February 6, 2009. Retrieved January 24, 2009.
  136. ^ "Best Jeanist" (in Japanese). Best-Jeans.com. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  137. ^ "Who Has Beautiful Hands? Kumi Koda, Akiko Wada Named Nail Queens!" (in Japanese). Sankei Sports. November 21, 2006. Archived from the original on January 7, 2008. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  138. ^ Ishida, Michiyo (November 23, 2006). "Manicure art steals the show at Japan nail expo". MediaCorp News. Archived from the original on December 29, 2007. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  139. ^ Choon, Chang May (May 23, 2006). "New wave of singers are hoping to ... Re-ignite J-pop craze". The New Paper. Singapore Press Holdings.
  140. ^ Schreiber, Mark (January 11, 2007). "Buzzword book taps into zeitgeist language". Japan Times. Retrieved March 15, 2009.
  141. ^ "A Catastrophe for Kumi Koda...Increasing Differences between Her and Her Boyfriend Who Works in Apparel". Sankei Sports (in Japanese). August 16, 2007. Archived from the original on September 6, 2007. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  142. ^ "The 10-year Difference between Masahiro Nakai and Kumi Koda". Sponichi Annex (in Japanese). Sports Nippon Newspapers. August 15, 2007. Archived from the original on October 17, 2007. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  143. ^ "SMAP's Masahiro Nakai and Kumi Koda rumored to be dating". Japan News Review. August 23, 2007. Archived from the original on January 23, 2009. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  144. ^ a b c d Brasor, Philip (September 16, 2007). "They're fey, maybe not gay, but anyway, the 'talent' are coming out to play". Japan Times. Archived from the original on March 13, 2009. Retrieved March 15, 2009.
  145. ^ "Nakai and Koda Seriously Devoted!". Sankei Sports (in Japanese). December 25, 2007. Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved January 21, 2009.
  146. ^ "Report from Kumi Koda". Archived from the original on December 13, 2011.
  147. ^ "Singer Kumi Koda Announces Pregnancy". Anime News Network. December 16, 2011. Retrieved December 16, 2011.
  148. ^ "Koda Kumi gives birth to her first child". Tokyohive. July 18, 2012.
  149. ^ "Kumi Koda Gives Birth to a Baby Boy". jpopasia.com.
  150. ^ "COVID-19 in Asia: Japan's prime minister fuels anger order; 2nd-time patients rises in South Korea". The Tribune Democrat. April 13, 2020. Archived from the original on April 17, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  151. ^ "『Be One』Music Video Be One 僕らにできる事". YouTube. April 19, 2020. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  152. ^ "倖田來未、エクササイズを取り入れた新曲「puff」&リモートMV公開! クリエイター企画「#MADE93(クミ)". J-Entertainment. Archived from the original on August 19, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  153. ^ "Koda Kumi delivers shelter-in-place bop with new digital single "puff"". Arama! Japan. June 26, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  154. ^ "倖田來未クリエイター企画 【#MADE93(クミ)】「puff」". Avex Official YouTube. June 26, 2020. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  155. ^ "倖田來未、20周年ライブも大成功!そんなくぅ". I'm Sora Project. December 13, 2020. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  156. ^ "【My Hero~奇跡の唄~】作曲・坂本龍一 作詞・つんく 小児がん治療支援チャリティソングの制作秘話!". Avex. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  157. ^ "FANTASTICS from EXILE TRIBE participating in "My Hero ~Kiseki no Uta~", the theme song of the charity concert in support of childhood cancer treatment!!". LDH Japan. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  158. ^ "国際小児がんデー「My Hero~奇跡の唄~」初披露 ピコ太郎、hitomiら大合唱". Chunichi. Retrieved February 17, 2021.
  159. ^ "47th Annual Shine! Japan Record Grand Prize" (in Japanese). TBS. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
  160. ^ "Kumi Koda Proves Ability! Receives Gold Disk Award Grand Prix" (in Japanese). Sankei Sports. March 10, 2006. Archived from the original on November 7, 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
  161. ^ "MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2006" (in Japanese). PGS. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
  162. ^ "Tearful Koda Wins Japan Usen Grand Prize Grand Prix! Blocks Nagakawa's 4th Consecutive Win" (in Japanese). Sankei Sports. December 17, 2006. Archived from the original on November 13, 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2007.
  163. ^ "Kumi Koda Wins 3 Crowns for Second Straight Year: MTV Awards" (in Japanese). Sports Hochi. March 28, 2007. Archived from the original on May 28, 2007. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
  164. ^ "Koda, Mizumori win Best Hit Kayōsai again". Tokyograph. November 20, 2007. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  165. ^ "49th Japan Record Award winners announced". Tokyograph. November 29, 2007. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  166. ^ "Annual Ranking 2006 – Ringtone Movie Downloads" (in Japanese). Label Mobile. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  167. ^ "Annual Ranking 2006 – All Downloads" (in Japanese). Label Mobile. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 25, 2007.
  168. ^ "2011Mnet Asian Music Awards part 1" Archived December 9, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. MAMA. Retrieved 20 January 2015.
  169. ^ "Maroc Kumi Koda Photobook Photobook [BOOK]". CDJapan (in Japanese). Neowing. August 28, 2006. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  170. ^ "Koda Kumi Live Tour 2009 Behind of Trick Live Book BOOK [BOOK]". CDJapan. Neowing. November 28, 2009. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  171. ^ "Kumi Koda 10th Anniversary Photo Book "Brazil" Kumi Koda / Leslie Kee [BOOK]". CDJapan. Neowing. November 13, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  172. ^ "Koda Kumi 10 Shunen Kinen Shashinshu (10th Anniversary Photo Book) Kumi Koda / Leslie Kee [BOOK]". CDJapan. Neowing. November 13, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  173. ^ "Koda Kumi -Koda Reki – Koda Kumi". Yesasia. January 31, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  174. ^ "Koda Kumi Releasing New Single and New Book Simultaneously – musicJAPANplus -Pick up". Music Japan Plus. February 4, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  175. ^ "Koda Kumi -KODA KUMI PAPARAZZI!! (w / DVD)". Yesasia. February 22, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  176. ^ "Koda Kumi Paparazzi!! W/ Dvd Kumi Koda [Book]". CDJapan. Neowing. February 22, 2013. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  177. ^ "Koda Kumi Ryubi Body no Shukan (Koda Kumi's way: habits for having a Beautiful Body)". CDJapan. October 14, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
  178. ^ "Koda Kumi WALK". CDJapan. November 13, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
[edit]