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Difference between revisions of "KOKIA"

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'''KOKIA''' is a [[J-Pop|Japanese singer]]-songwriter hailing from Tokyo. She is mostly associated with games and [[Anime|anime]] soundtracks; having appeared in eight different game/anime soundtracks to date. KOKIA has an extremely talented voice - she even held a long-tone Opera note for a little over 29 seconds on national TV once. She is most well-known in Hong Kong and Taiwan for her song Arigatou..., which became so popular it was even covered by star Sammi Cheng. Her biggest hit in Japan was the single [[The Power of Smile / Remember the Kiss|The Power of Smile / Remember the kiss]], which reached #15 on Oricon charts.
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[[Image:KOKIA - Evolve to Love 20 Years Anniversary Best promo.jpg|thumb|520px|KOKIA promoting ''[[Evolve to Love -20 Years Anniversary Best-|EVOLVE to LOVE -20 years Anniversary BEST-]]'' (2018)]]
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<div align="justify">
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'''KOKIA''' is a [[J-Pop|Japanese singer]]-songwriter hailing from Tokyo. She is mostly associated with games and [[Anime|anime]] soundtracks; having appeared in eight different game/anime soundtracks to date. KOKIA has an extremely talented voice - she even held a long-tone Opera note for a little over 29 seconds on national TV once. She is most well-known in Hong Kong and Taiwan for her song [[Arigatou...]], which became so popular it was even covered by star [[Sammi Cheng]]. Her biggest hit in Japan was the single "[[The Power of Smile / Remember the Kiss|The Power of Smile / Remember the kiss]]", which reached #15 on [[Oricon]] charts.
  
 
==Profile==
 
==Profile==
 
* '''Stage Name:''' KOKIA
 
* '''Stage Name:''' KOKIA
 
* '''Real Name:''' Yoshida Akiko (吉田亜紀子)
 
* '''Real Name:''' Yoshida Akiko (吉田亜紀子)
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* '''Birthday:''' 22 July 1976
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* '''Birthday:''' {{bda|1976|07|22|mf}}
 
* '''Birthplace:''' Tokyo, Japan
 
* '''Birthplace:''' Tokyo, Japan
 
* '''[[Blood Type]]:''' O
 
* '''[[Blood Type]]:''' O
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* '''First CD Ever Bought:''' Michael Jackson's BAD
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* '''First CD Ever Bought:''' [[wikipedia:Michael Jackson|Michael Jackson]]'s [[wikipedia:Bad (album)|Bad]]
 
* '''Favourite Type of Music:''' Music from films, Disney Songs, Celtic Music
 
* '''Favourite Type of Music:''' Music from films, Disney Songs, Celtic Music
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* '''Favourite Artists:''' Michael Jackson, Madonna, Enya, Criara, Adiemus, Bon Jovi, Skid Row, R.E.M, Sakamoto Ryuichi
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* '''Favourite Artists:''' [[wikipedia:Michael Jackson|Michael Jackson]], [[wikipedia:Madonna (entertainer)|Madonna]], [[wikipedia:Enya|Enya]], [[wikipedia:Ciara|Ciara]], [[wikipedia:Adiemus|Adiemus]], [[wikipedia:Bon Jovi|Bon Jovi]], [[wikipedia:Skid Row (American band)|Skid Row]], [[wikipedia:R.E.M.|R.E.M]], [[Sakamoto Ryuichi]]
 
* '''Favourite Foods:''' Uni, Bananas, Hard Candy, Perrier, Cheese, Uirou, Spring Rolls, Coconut Milk, Hard French Bread, Escargot
 
* '''Favourite Foods:''' Uni, Bananas, Hard Candy, Perrier, Cheese, Uirou, Spring Rolls, Coconut Milk, Hard French Bread, Escargot
 
* '''Least Favourite Foods:''' Melon, Watermelon, Squid, Octopus, Shrimp
 
* '''Least Favourite Foods:''' Melon, Watermelon, Squid, Octopus, Shrimp
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* '''Least Favourite Things:''' Fluorescent Lights, Aeroplanes.
 
* '''Least Favourite Things:''' Fluorescent Lights, Aeroplanes.
 
* '''Favourite Sport:''' Skiing
 
* '''Favourite Sport:''' Skiing
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* '''Trivia:''' KOKIA's sister, Yoshida Kyoko, is a famous violinist.  
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* '''Trivia:''' KOKIA's sister, [[Yoshida Kyoko]], is a famous violinist.  
  
 
==Information==
 
==Information==
 
===Pre-Debut - Pony Canyon===
 
===Pre-Debut - Pony Canyon===
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KOKIA was a very musical child, even when she was little. Instead of playing with toys, she would instead play on the piano, or play the violin. She was readily able to express her feelings and emotions through song. When she was 10 (and later when she was 14) she went to study English in America at a summer music school. KOKIA later enrolled at the prestigious Toho Gakuen School of Music for High School.
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KOKIA was a very musical child, even when she was little. Instead of playing with toys, she would instead play on the piano, or play the violin. She was readily able to express her feelings and emotions through song. When she was 10 (and later when she was 14) she went to study English in America at a summer music school. KOKIA later enrolled at the prestigious [[wikipedia:Toho Gakuen School of Music|Toho Gakuen School of Music]] for high school.
  
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KOKIA studied Opera and classical music while in University. During her time there, she caught the eye of a scouter from [[Pony Canyon]], and in 1998 while still at University debuted with the single [[Aishiteiru Kara]] under the stage name KOKIA. This stage name that she created for herself was both her first name reversed (A-Ki-Ko -> Ko-Ki-A), as well as the name of a Hawaiian Hibiscus flower, which blooms during her birthday. Aishiteiru Kara and it's B-side, [[You (KOKIA)|You]], were used insert songs into the Fuji TV drama Brothers. However, this single was not her first release into the Japanese market, as two weeks prior the Tail Concerto OST had been released. The soundtrack contained For Little Tail, the opening theme for the game, which KOKIA had sung. KOKIA's next release was a song called Ai no Field, which was used as the ending theme song for the anime BRAIN POWERD (the song was composed by the well-known composer Kanno Yoko). KOKIA followed up this single six months later with her second, tie-upless single Tears in Love.
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KOKIA studied opera and classical music while in University. During her time there, she caught the eye of a scouter from [[Pony Canyon]], and in 1998 while still at university debuted with the single "[[Aishiteiru Kara]]" under the stage name KOKIA. This stage name that she created for herself was both her first name reversed (A-Ki-Ko -> Ko-Ki-A), as well as the name of a [[wikipedia:Hawaiian hibiscus|Hawaiian hibiscus flower]], which blooms during her birthday. [[Aishiteiru Kara]] and its B-side, [[You (KOKIA)|You]], were used insert songs into the Fuji TV [[Dorama|drama]] ''[[Brothers (drama)|Brothers]]''. However, this single was not her first release into the Japanese market, as two weeks prior, the ''[[wikipedia:Tail Concerto|Tail Concerto]]'' soundtrack album had been released featuring her song "[[For Little Tail|For LITTLE TAIL]]", the opening theme for the game. KOKIA's next release was a song called "[[Ai no Field]]", which was used as the ending theme song for the [[Anime|anime]] ''[[wikipedia:Brain Powerd|BRAIN POWERD]]'', composed by the well-known composer [[Kanno Yoko]]. KOKIA followed up this single six months later with her second, tie-upless single [[Tears in Love]].
  
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KOKIA's next single, [[Arigatou...]], was the first song that she had fully written and composed herself. It was used as the TBD drama Dotsuzen Oyako's theme song. While this did not propel her to stardom in Japan, KOKIA became extremely famous in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Arigatou... won her the third place prize in the Hong Kong International Popular Music Awards. Popular Cantonese singer, Sammi Cheng, even recorded a Cantonese language cover of the song. This was followed up with KOKIA's debut album, [[Songbird|songbird]].
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KOKIA's next single, "[[Arigatou...]]", was the first officially-released song that she had fully written and composed herself. It was used as the drama [[Dotsuzen Oyako]]'s theme song. While this did not propel her to stardom in Japan, KOKIA became extremely famous in Hong Kong and Taiwan. "[[Arigatou...]]" won her the third place prize in the Hong Kong International Popular Music Awards. Popular Cantonese singer, [[Sammi Cheng]], even recorded a Cantonese-language cover of the song. This was followed up with KOKIA's debut album, ''[[Songbird|songbird]]''.
  
 
===Victor Entertainment===
 
===Victor Entertainment===
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After releasing this album, KOKIA decided to take a break from music. Apart from contributing six songs to the RK Standard project, nothing much was heard from KOKIA until early 2001, when she switched labels from Pony Canyon to Victor Entertainment. In May, a new single of hers, [[Tomoni|tomoni]], was released. This was followed up with three more singles, and the release of a new KOKIA album, [[Trip Trip|trip trip]]. These new songs showed a completely different side of KOKIA, with the songs becoming more unique and complex. The last track on the album, a gift, was even featured in Subaru ads throughout Europe.
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[[Image:KOKIA - dandelion promo.jpg|thumb|220px|KOKIA promoting [[Dandelion|dandelion]] (2005)]]
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After releasing this album, KOKIA decided to take a break from music. Apart from contributing six songs to the RK Standard project, nothing much was heard from KOKIA until early 2001, when she switched labels from [[Pony Canyon]] to [[Victor Entertainment Inc.|Victor Entertainment]]. In May 2001, a new single of hers, "[[Tomoni|tomoni]]", was released. This was followed up with three more singles, and the release of a new KOKIA album, ''[[Trip Trip|trip trip]]''. These new songs showed a completely different side of KOKIA, with the songs becoming more unique and complex. The last track on the album, a gift, was even featured in Subaru ads throughout Europe.
  
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In 2003, KOKIA seemed to gain a lot more publicity than she had before. Her first new single since the release of [[Trip Trip|trip trip]], [[Kawaranai Koto ~Since 1976~|Kawaranai Koto ~since 1976~]], had two semi-major tie-ups. The A-side was used as the daytime drama Itoshiki Mono e's theme song, while the B-side [[Tell Tell Bouzu|tell tell Bouzu]] was used as the second ending theme song to the anime Hungry Heart: Wild Striker. This single debuted at #47, KOKIA's first top 50 single. Following this was the even more successful single [[The Power of Smile / Remember the Kiss|The Power of Smile / Remember the kiss]] single, with The Power of Smile featuring in a mass TV commercial for Kao's Essential Damage-Care shampoo range. The single grabbed the #15 spot and is currently KOKIA's most sold single. Similarly, her next album [[Remember Me|Remember me]] is her most sold album (which had debuted at #15 too). Interestingly, in 2003 KOKIA's old label, Pony Canyon, decided to feature KOKIA in the popular Chinese drama At the Dolphin Bay's soundtrack with two songs; [[I Catch a Cold]] and [[Shiroi Yuki (KOKIA)|Shiroi Yuki]].
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In 2003, KOKIA seemed to gain a lot more publicity than she had before. Her first new single since the release of ''[[Trip Trip|trip trip]]'', "[[Kawaranai Koto ~Since 1976~|Kawaranai Koto ~since 1976~]]", had two semi-major tie-ups. The A-side was used as the daytime drama Itoshiki Mono e's theme song, while the B-side [[Tell Tell Bouzu|tell tell Bouzu]] was used as the second ending theme song to the [[Anime|anime]] ''[[wikipedia:Hungry Heart: Wild Striker|Hungry Heart WILD STRIKER]]''. This single debuted at #47, KOKIA's first top 50 single. Following this was the even more successful single "[[The Power of Smile / Remember the Kiss|The Power of Smile / Remember the kiss]]" single, with "[[The Power of Smile]]" featured in a mass TV [[CM|commercial]] for [[wikipedia:Kao Corporation|Kao]]'s Essential Damage-Care shampoo range. The single grabbed the #15 spot and is currently KOKIA's highest selling single. Similarly, her next album ''[[Remember Me|Remember me]]'' is also her best selling album (which had debuted at #15 too). In the year 2003 KOKIA's old label, [[Pony Canyon]], decided to feature KOKIA in the popular Chinese drama ''[[At the Dolphin Bay]]'''s soundtrack with two songs; "[[I Catch a Cold]]" and ""[[Shiroi Yuki (KOKIA)|Shiroi Yuki]]".
  
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2004 saw yet another KOKIA album. [[Uta ga Chikara]] was backed with the two singles [[So Much Love For You|so much love for you♥]] and [[Yume ga Chikara]]. Yume ga Chikara became the official cheering song for the Japanese team at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.
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2004 saw yet another KOKIA album. ''[[Uta ga Chikara]]'' was backed with the two singles "[[So Much Love For You|so much love for you♥]]" and "[[Yume ga Chikara]]". "[[Yume ga Chikara]]" became the official cheering song for the Japanese team at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.
  
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While KOKIA released two singles in 2005 with minor tie-ups, she planned to start 2006 with a brand new single for the anime movie Gin-iro no Kami no Agito, "[[Ai no Melody / Chouwa Oto ~With Reflection~|Ai no Melody / Chouwa oto ~with reflection~]]". The anime featured a re-arranged version of her song Chouwa oto from [[Trip Trip|trip trip]] as the opening theme, and a new composition, Ai no Melody as it's ending theme song. Following this was KOKIA's first live outside of Asia, a concert held in Paris on the 21st of January. KOKIA also released a best album on the first of February (which was surprisingly also sold in France and Spain, as well as Japan).
+
While KOKIA released two singles in 2005 with minor tie-ups, she planned to start 2006 with a brand new single for the [[Anime|anime]] movie ''[[wikipedia:Origin: Spirits of the Past|Giniro no Kami no Agito]]'', "[[Ai no Melody / Chouwa Oto ~With Reflection~|Ai no Melody / Chouwa oto ~with reflection~]]". The [[Anime|anime]] featured a re-arranged version of her song "[[Chouwa Oto|Chouwa oto]]" from ''[[Trip Trip|trip trip]]'' album as the opening theme, and a new composition, "[[Ai no Melody]]" as its ending theme song. Following this was KOKIA's first live outside of Asia, a concert held in Paris on the 21st of January. KOKIA also released a best album on the first of February (which was surprisingly also sold in France and Spain, as well as Japan).
  
 
===Beyond Victor===
 
===Beyond Victor===
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In June 2006, it was announced the KOKIA would leave her label Victor Entertainment. She then set up her own independent website, and has sung at several lives. Following this, in October it was announced that French label Wasabi Records would be releasing KOKIA's new album, [[Ai ga Kikoeru]], in November for an exclusive France release. It is unknown which Japanese record label will pick up KOKIA and release her album at this point, but the album will most likely be released in Japan at a later time.
+
In June 2006, it was announced the KOKIA would leave her label [[Victor Entertainment Inc.|Victor Entertainment]]. She then set up her own independent website, and has sung at several lives. Following this, in October it was announced that French label [[Wasabi Records]] would be releasing KOKIA's new album, ''[[Ai ga Kikoeru]]'', in November for an exclusive France release. It is unknown which Japanese record label will pick up KOKIA and release her album at this point, but the album will most likely be released in Japan at a later time.
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−
KOKIA will return to Paris in January, the 20th, 2007. She will perform in LE BATACLAN.
 
  
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KOKIA will be releasing her 16th single, [[Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi]], on January 23rd, 2008. It will be featured as the opening theme for the second season of the Gunslinger Girl anime, titled Gunslinger Girl -Il Teatrino-.
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KOKIA released her 16th single, "[[Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi]]", on January 23rd, 2008. It was featured as the opening theme for the second season of the ''[[wikipedia:Gunslinger Girl|Gunslinger Girl]]'' anime.
  
 
==Other Compositions / Setlist Tracks==
 
==Other Compositions / Setlist Tracks==
 
KOKIA has composed several songs for other artists. These songs are:
 
KOKIA has composed several songs for other artists. These songs are:
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* [[Ashino Hiroshi]] - [[Larme (Ashino Hiroshi)|Larme]] ([[wikipedia:French language|[Fr:]]] ''Tear'') (jointly composed with [[Ashino Hiroshi]])
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* Hatsukoi (初恋; First Love) (Yumi Saori and Yasuda Sachiko) (appeared as track #3 on their joint 2000 album Uta Uta Uta Vol.5 ~Ashita no Omoi de~. The song was jointly composed with Minami Kosatsu)
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* [[Snow*|Otake Yuki]] - [[Tokai no Hitsuji]] (都会の羊; ''City Sheep'')
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* Larme ([Fr:] Tears) (Ashino Hiroshi) (appeared as track #13 on Ashino's La Brise de la Cote d'Azur album. The song was jointly composed with Ashino Hiroshi himself)
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* [[Takagaki Ayahi]] - [[Inori (Takagaki Ayahi)|Inori†]] (祈り†; ''Prayer'')
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* Tokai no Hitsuji (都会の羊; City Sheep) (Otake Yuki) (appeared as track #3 on Otake's Nemuru Kujaku album. Kokia solely composed this)  
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* [[Takagaki Ayahi]] - [[Justice (Takagaki Ayahi)|Justice]]
 +
* [[Yumi Saori]] and [[Yasuda Sachiko]] - [[Hatsukoi (Yumi Saori and Yasuda Sachiko)|Hatsukoi]] (初恋; ''First Love'') (jointly composed with [[Minami Kosatsu]])
  
 
KOKIA has also featured many new songs that don't appear on any releases yet in her recent lives. These songs are:
 
KOKIA has also featured many new songs that don't appear on any releases yet in her recent lives. These songs are:
 +
* [[Hajimete Kiita Uta wa Komoriuta]] (初めて聴いた歌は子守唄; ''The First Song I Heard Was a Lullaby'')
 +
* [[Il Fiore]] ([[wikipedia:Italian language|[It:]]] ''The Flower)
 +
* [[Let's Show Them]]
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* [[The Water is Wide]]
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</div>
  
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* Douke (道化; Messing About)
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==Discography==
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* Hajimete Kiita Uta wa Komoriuta (初めて聴いた歌は子守唄; The First Song I Heard Was a Lullaby)
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[[Image:SINGLEMOTHERPROMO.jpg|thumb|250px|KOKIA promoting "[[Single Mother / Christmas no Hibiki|single mother / Christmas no Hibiki]]" (2009)]]
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* Il Fiore ([It:] The Flower)
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[[Image:KOKIA - COLOR OF LIFE promo.jpg|thumb|250px|KOKIA promoting ''[[Color of Life (KOKIA)|COLOR OF LIFE]]'' (2014)]]
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* Il Mare Dei Suoni ([It:] The Sea of Sounds)
 
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* Inochi no Hikari (命の光; Light of Life)
 
−
* Let's Show Them
 
−
* The Water is Wide
 
−
* Usaghi (Rabbit)
 
−
* Vintage Love ~In November~
 
  
−
==Discography==
 
 
===Albums===
 
===Albums===
 
* [1999.07.16] [[Songbird|songbird]]
 
* [1999.07.16] [[Songbird|songbird]]
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* [2003.11.12] [[Remember Me|Remember me]]
 
* [2003.11.12] [[Remember Me|Remember me]]
 
* [2004.07.21] [[Uta ga Chikara]] (歌がチカラ; ''Songs are Strength'')
 
* [2004.07.21] [[Uta ga Chikara]] (歌がチカラ; ''Songs are Strength'')
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* [2006.02.01] [[Pearl ~The Best Collection~|pearl ~The Best Collection~]]
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* [2007.05.23] [[Ai ga Kikoeru|a i g a k i k o e r u]] (''Listen for the Love'')
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* [2006.11.29] [[Ai ga Kikoeru|aigakikoeru]] (''Listen for Love'') - French Release
 
 
* [2008.02.20] [[The Voice|The VOICE]]
 
* [2008.02.20] [[The Voice|The VOICE]]
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* [2008.09.24] [[Fairy Dance ~KOKIA meets Ireland~]]
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* [2008.09.24] [[Fairy Dance ~KOKIA Meets Ireland~|Fairy Dance ~KOKIA meets Ireland~]]
 
* [2008.11.12] [[Christmas Gift (KOKIA)|Christmas gift]]
 
* [2008.11.12] [[Christmas Gift (KOKIA)|Christmas gift]]
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* [2009.03.18] [[KOKIA AKIKO ~Balance~|KOKIA∞AKIKO ~balance~]]
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* [2009.03.18] [[KOKIA Akiko ~Balance~|KOKIA∞AKIKO ~balance~]]
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* [2009.03.18] [[AKIKO KOKIA ~Balance~|AKIKO∞KOKIA ~balance~]] (indies)
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* [2009.03.18] [[Akiko KOKIA ~Balance~|AKIKO∞KOKIA ~balance~]] (Indie)
 +
* [2010.03.31] [[Real World (KOKIA album)|REAL WORLD]]
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* [2011.05.18] [[Moment (KOKIA)|moment]]
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* [2013.03.20] [[Where to Go My Love (album)|Where to go my love?]]
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* [2015.03.18] [[I Found You|I found you]]
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* [2018.04.25] [[Tokyo Mermaid]]
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* [2020.09.18] [[Hoshi no Uta Kaze no Naka]] (星のうた 風のなか)
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* [2021.01.01] [[Kono Sekai no Katasumi de]] (この世界のかたすみで)
 +
* [2022.04.29] [[Gin no Kitsune to Kin no Koucha wo]] (銀のキツネと金の紅茶を)
 +
 
 +
===Mini-Albums===
 +
* [2010.10.27] [[Road to Glory ~Long Journey~ (mini-album)|Road to Glory ~long journey~]]
 +
 
 +
===Cover Albums===
 +
* [2010.09.15] [[Musique a la Carte]]
 +
* [2016.04.01] [[Watching from Above]]
 +
* [2019.09.09] [[Watching from Above 2]]
 +
 
 +
===Live Albums===
 +
* [2014.02.12] [[Color of Life (KOKIA)|COLOR OF LIFE]]
 +
* [2019.04.29] [[Alive -The Live History-|ALIVE -the live history-]]
 +
 
 +
===Best Albums===
 +
* [2006.02.01] [[Pearl ~The Best Collection~|pearl ~The Best Collection~]]
 +
* [2008.09.17] [[KOKIA Complete Collection 1998-1999|KOKIA complete collection 1998-1999]]
 +
* [2009.12.02] [[Coquillage ~The Best Collection II~]]
 +
* [2011.08.24] [[Pieces (KOKIA)|pieces]] <small>(Outworks Compilation)</small>
 +
* [2012.03.07] [[Kokorobakari]] (心ばかり) <small>(B-side Compilation)</small>
 +
* [2018.02.21] [[Evolve to Love -20 Years Anniversary Best-|EVOLVE to LOVE -20 years Anniversary BEST-]]
 +
* [2022.12.28] [[Pieces 2]] <small>(Outworks Compilation)</small>
 +
 
 +
===Other Albums===
 +
* [2017.10.08] [[Animal CD Vol. 1|Animal CD vol. 1]]
 +
* [2018.09.15] [[Animal CD Vol. 2|Animal CD vol. 2]]
 +
* [2020.08.27] [[Animal CD Vol. 3|Animal CD vol. 3]]
 +
* [2022.09.30] [[Animal CD Vol. 4|Animal CD vol. 4]]
  
 
===Singles===
 
===Singles===
 
* [1998.04.29] [[Aishiteiru Kara]] (愛しているから; ''Because I Love You'')
 
* [1998.04.29] [[Aishiteiru Kara]] (愛しているから; ''Because I Love You'')
 
* [1998.11.18] [[Tears in Love]]
 
* [1998.11.18] [[Tears in Love]]
−
* [1999.06.17] [[Arigatou...]] (ありがとう...; ''Thankyou...'')
+
* [1999.06.17] [[Arigatou...]] (ありがとう...; ''Thank You...'')
 
* [2001.05.23] [[Tomoni|tomoni]] (''Together'')
 
* [2001.05.23] [[Tomoni|tomoni]] (''Together'')
 
* [2001.08.22] [[Say Hi!!]]
 
* [2001.08.22] [[Say Hi!!]]
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* [2002.01.23] [[Ningen tte Sonna Mono ne]] (人間ってそんなものね; ''Humans are Just Like That'')
 
* [2002.01.23] [[Ningen tte Sonna Mono ne]] (人間ってそんなものね; ''Humans are Just Like That'')
 
* [2003.05.21] [[Kawaranai Koto ~Since 1976~|Kawaranai Koto ~since 1976~]] (かわらないこと; ''Unchanging Things'')
 
* [2003.05.21] [[Kawaranai Koto ~Since 1976~|Kawaranai Koto ~since 1976~]] (かわらないこと; ''Unchanging Things'')
−
* [2003.09.24] [[The Power of Smile / Remember the Kiss|The Power of Smile/Remember the kiss]]
+
* [2003.09.24] [[The Power of Smile / Remember the Kiss|The Power of Smile / Remember the kiss]]
 
* [2004.04.21] [[So Much Love For You|so much love for you♥]]
 
* [2004.04.21] [[So Much Love For You|so much love for you♥]]
 
* [2004.06.23] [[Yume ga Chikara]] (夢がチカラ; ''Dreams are Strength'')
 
* [2004.06.23] [[Yume ga Chikara]] (夢がチカラ; ''Dreams are Strength'')
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* [2005.07.21] [[Time to Say Goodbye|time to say goodbye]]
 
* [2005.07.21] [[Time to Say Goodbye|time to say goodbye]]
 
* [2006.01.01] [[Ai no Melody / Chouwa Oto ~With Reflection~|Ai no Melody / Chouwa oto ~with reflection~]] (愛のメロディー / 調和 oto; ''Melody of Love / Harmony Sound'')
 
* [2006.01.01] [[Ai no Melody / Chouwa Oto ~With Reflection~|Ai no Melody / Chouwa oto ~with reflection~]] (愛のメロディー / 調和 oto; ''Melody of Love / Harmony Sound'')
 +
* [2007.03.16] [[Arigatou...]] (ありがとう...; ''Thank You...'')
 
* [2007.11.21] [[Follow the Nightingale]]
 
* [2007.11.21] [[Follow the Nightingale]]
 +
* [2012.01.25] [[New Day, New Life]]
 +
* [2012.01.25] [[Hikari wo Atsumete]] (光をあつめて)
 +
 +
===Other Singles===
 +
* [2007.09.16] [[Watashi ni Dekiru Koto (KOKIA)|Watashi ni Dekiru Koto]] (私にできること)
 
* [2008.01.23] [[Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi]] (たった1つの想い)
 
* [2008.01.23] [[Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi]] (たった1つの想い)
−
* [2009.04.22] [[Karma|KARMA]]
+
* [2009.04.22] [[Karma (KOKIA)|KARMA]]
 +
* [2009.08.26] [[Transparent]]
 +
* [2010.05.26] [[Fate (KOKIA)|Fate]]
 +
* [2011.04.27] [[Sakura no Ki no Shita / Hikari no Hou e]] (桜の樹の下 / 光の方へ; ''Under the Cherry Tree / To the Light'')
 +
* [2012.01.25] [[Memorial Days|Memorial days]]
 +
* [2012.03.01] [[Yume Oibito]] (夢追人)
 +
* [2013.02.20] [[Battle of Destiny|Battle of destiny]]
 +
* [2013.03.27] [[Kioku no Hikari]] (記憶の光)
 +
* [2016.09.14] [[Itsuwari no Sora no Saki ni Aru Mono]] (偽りの空の先にあるもの)
 +
* [2017.10.11] [[Nostalgia (KOKIA)|Nostalgia]]
  
−
===Digial Downloads===
+
===Split Singles===
 +
* [1998.05.21] [[Ai no Field]]
 +
 
 +
===Digital Singles===
 
* [2008.12.03] [[Love Tears]]
 
* [2008.12.03] [[Love Tears]]
 +
* [2009.08.05] [[Kimi wo Sagashite / Last Love Song|Kimi wo Sagashite / last love song]] (君をさがして)
 +
* [2009.11.18] [[Single Mother / Christmas no Hibiki|single mother / Christmas no Hibiki]] (single mother / クリスマスの響き)
 +
* [2010.03.17] [[Kodoku na Ikimono / Ano Hi no Watashi ni]] (孤独な生き物 / あの日の私に)
 +
* [2011.11.23] [[Sekai wo Tsutsumu Ribbon In Our Heart|Sekai wo Tsutsumu Ribbon in our heart]] (世界を包むRibbon in our heart)
 +
* [2020.02.02] [[Memorial Days (KOKIA)|Memorial days]]
 +
* [2020.08.02] [[Happy Birthday to You (KOKIA)|Happy birthday to you]]
 +
* [2020.08.27] [[Yagi -Karaoke Iri-]] (ヤギ-カラオケ入り-)
 +
* [2020.09.09] [[Fukurou -Karaoke Iri-]] (フクロウ-カラオケ入り-)
 +
* [2020.09.17] [[Negi -Karaoke Iri-]] (ヘビ-カラオケ入り-)
 +
* [2020.09.17] [[I Love You (KOKIA)|I LOVE YOU 2020 -Karaoke Iri-]] (I LOVE YOU 2020-カラオケ入り-)
 +
* [2020.10.22] [[Koto Isolated Island]] (孤島 Isolated Island)
 +
* [2021.03.07] [[Hoshi ni Natta Inu Titti]] (星になった犬 Titti)
 +
* [2022.06.23] [[Kisetsuhazure no Sakura]] (季節外れのさくら)
 +
* [2022.09.30] [[Tako]] (タコ)
  
−
===DVD / VHS===
+
===Video Releases===
−
* [2006.02.01] jewel ~The Best Video Collection~  
+
* [2006.02.01] [[Jewel ~The Best Video Collection~|jewel ~The Best Video Collection~]]
−
 
+
* [2008.07.16] [[The Voice 10th Anniversary Concert|The VOICE 10th anniversary concert]]
−
===Major Compilations===
+
* [2009.04.29] [[2009 Infinity Tour at Tokyo|2009 infinity tour at Tokyo]]
−
* [1998.05.21] Ai no Field (愛の輪郭(フィールド); Fields of Love) (#1 Kokia - Ai no Field)
+
* [2009.09.23] [[Wherever I Am ~World Tour 2009 in Europe~|Wherever I am ~world tour 2009 in Europe~]]
−
* [2000.07.26] ЯK STANDARD feat. Kokia - "goes on forever"
+
* [2010.08.01] [[Oto no Tabi Bito KOKIA Concert Tour 2010|OTO NO TABI BITO KOKIA CONCERT TOUR 2010]]
−
* [2000.09.21] ЯK STANDARD feat. Kokia - "melody"
+
* [2011.05.18] [[Moment no Moment|moment no moment]] (momentのmoment)
−
* [2000.12.16] ЯK STANDARD - "Kanata Made" (彼方まで; Before the Other Side) (#1 goes on forever, #4 Gekitsuu (激痛), #5 KOKIA with Risa - a voice, #8 Jiyuu na Hito (自由な人), #10 Kaze (風), #12 melody)
+
* [2011.09.14] [[5th Season Concert|5th season concert]]
−
* [2005.07.27] Roppongi Men's Choir with Kokia - "Peace Road" (#1 Peace Road)
+
* [2012.03.07] [[Music Like A Prayer|music like a prayer]]
 +
* [2012.08.31] [[History (KOKIA)|History]]
 +
* [2013.09.10] [[15 Anniversary Concert DVD "Color of Life" 2013|15th anniversary concert DVD 「COLOR OF LIFE」 2013]]
 +
* [2014.08.13] [[2014 KOKIA Spring Concert ~Release~|2014 KOKIA spring concert ~Release~]]
 +
* [2015.05.18] [[KOKIA 2014 Falling in Love with the Orchestra]]
  
−
===Compilation / Other===
+
===Compilations / Other===
−
* [1998.04.16] Tail Concerto OST (#1 For Little Tail)
+
* [2000.07.26] [[ЯK STANDARD]] feat. '''KOKIA''' - [[Goes on Forever|goes on forever]]
−
* [1998.04.29] Brothers OST (#1 Aishiteiru Kara, #2 You)
+
* [2000.09.21] [[ЯK STANDARD]] feat. '''KOKIA''' - [[Melody (ЯK STANDARD)|melody]]
−
* [1998.08.05] BRAIN POWERD OST (#19 Ai no Field)
+
* [2000.12.16] [[ЯK STANDARD]] - [[Kanata Made]] (#1 ''goes on forever, #4 Gekitsuu, #5 '''KOKIA''' with [[Risa]] - a voice, #8 Jiyuu na Hito, #10 Kaze, #12 melody'')
−
* [1999.03.17] Fuji TV Dorama Soundtrack Best (#5 You)
+
* [2005.07.27] [[Roppongi Dansei Gasshoudan Club]] with '''KOKIA''' - [[Peace Road]]
−
* [1999.09.07] Neshia no Tabibito OST (#10 Neshia no Tabibito ~Umi to Kaze to Hito no Uta)
+
* [2010.08.11] [[ESCOLTA]] - [[Sanctus ~Voice of Peace~|SANCTUS ~Voice Of Peace~]] feat. '''KOKIA'''
−
* [2000.02.03] Planet of Love (#3 Tsuru Norohito - Dreaming) (feature vocals: Kokia)
+
* [2013.11.21] [[Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII Original Soundtrack|LIGHTNING RETURNS: FINAL FANTASY XIII Original Soundtrack]] (Disc 1 #18 ''Noel no Theme ~Yami no Karyuudo~'')
−
* [2000.03.23] Ningyou Soushi Ayatsuri Sakon OST II (#20 Sayonara wa Iwanai de)
+
* [2014.04.23] [[Seiken Densetsu Rise Of Mana Original Soundtrack]] (#1 ''Believe in the Spirit'')
−
* [2000.05.10] Gensou Suikoden II Ongakushuu Orrizonte (#2 KOKIA with Ueno Yoko - Currents)
+
* [2014.08.27] [[Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 Shudaikashuu]] (#5 ''Kioku no Hikari, #17 Kioku no Hikari (TOKYO MX／BS11 Edition)'')
−
* [2000.10.25] Saijo Hideki - "Toki no Kizahashi" (feature vocals: Kokia)
+
* [2016.09.28] ''[[Yuukyuu no Tierblade -Lost Chronicle- Original Soundtrack]]'' (#1 "Itsuwari no Sora no Saki ni Aru Mono (Game size)", #23 "Aoi Sora Sore Dake na no ni (Game size)", #25 "Aoi Sora Sore Dake na no ni (TRUE END ver.)")
−
* [2002.12.04] VITA NOVA - "SHIAWASE" (#5 Rom no Aoi Hibiki)
+
* [2017.12.20] [["Mahoutsukai no Yome" Original Soundtrack 1]] (#23 ''Seirei no Mai~Dance of the Spirit / '''KOKIA''''')
−
* [2003.01.22] FAKE? - "TOMORROW TODAY" (#11 CARE) (feature vocals: Kokia)
 
−
* [2004.02.18] MISSING YOU (#4 Aishiteiru Kara)
 
−
* [2004.03.03] Hotel Venus OST (#7 Desperado, #9 Desperado (Orchestra Version), #11 Desperado (With Tap Version))
 
−
* [2004.12.08] 802 HEAVY ROTATIONS J-HITS COMPLETE '01-'03 (#1 Say Hi!!)
 
−
* [2005.03.30] Minna no Uta Best Hit Collection (DVD) (#4 Yuukyuu no Mori)
 
−
* [2005.11.02] Hiranuma Yuri - "Mada Mienu Neiga no Tame no Ongaku" (#7 Daiji na no wa Tsuyoku Omou Koto) (feature vocals: Kokia)
 
−
* [2006.01.07] Gin-iro no Kami no Agito Original Soundtrack (#2 Cyouwa Oto ~With Reflection~, #30 Ai no Melody (Soundtrack Ver.))
 
−
* [2006.06.07] THANK YOU!! (#2 Kawaranai Koto ~Since1976~)
 
−
* [2006.06.07] Thank You ~Arigatou~ (#6 Arigatou...)  
 
  
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
−
*[http://www.kokia.com/ Official Website]
+
* [http://www.kokia.com/ Official Website]
 +
* [http://www.kokia.com/blog/ Official Blog]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Nj69kzQ3ARDEuetOibj6A Official Youtube]
 +
* [http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/-/Discography/A012051/-.html JVC Official Profile]
  
 
[[Category:Artists]]
 
[[Category:Artists]]
 
[[Category:J-Pop]]
 
[[Category:J-Pop]]
 +
[[Category:Classical]]
 
[[Category:1976 Births]]
 
[[Category:1976 Births]]
 
[[Category:Blood Type O]]
 
[[Category:Blood Type O]]
 
[[Category:Tokyo Artists]]
 
[[Category:Tokyo Artists]]
 +
[[Category:Songwriter]]
 +
[[Category:1998 Debut]]

Latest revision as of 00:05, 6 August 2023

KOKIA promoting EVOLVE to LOVE -20 years Anniversary BEST- (2018)

KOKIA is a Japanese singer-songwriter hailing from Tokyo. She is mostly associated with games and anime soundtracks; having appeared in eight different game/anime soundtracks to date. KOKIA has an extremely talented voice - she even held a long-tone Opera note for a little over 29 seconds on national TV once. She is most well-known in Hong Kong and Taiwan for her song Arigatou..., which became so popular it was even covered by star Sammi Cheng. Her biggest hit in Japan was the single "The Power of Smile / Remember the kiss", which reached #15 on Oricon charts.

Profile

  • Stage Name: KOKIA
  • Real Name: Yoshida Akiko (吉田亜紀子)
  • Birthday: July 22, 1976 (1976-07-22) (age 47)
  • Birthplace: Tokyo, Japan
  • Blood Type: O
  • First CD Ever Bought: Michael Jackson's Bad
  • Favourite Type of Music: Music from films, Disney Songs, Celtic Music
  • Favourite Artists: Michael Jackson, Madonna, Enya, Ciara, Adiemus, Bon Jovi, Skid Row, R.E.M, Sakamoto Ryuichi
  • Favourite Foods: Uni, Bananas, Hard Candy, Perrier, Cheese, Uirou, Spring Rolls, Coconut Milk, Hard French Bread, Escargot
  • Least Favourite Foods: Melon, Watermelon, Squid, Octopus, Shrimp
  • Favourite Things: Movies, Music, Animals, Unarmed Martial Arts, Glittering things (like Swarovsky Jewerly)
  • Least Favourite Things: Fluorescent Lights, Aeroplanes.
  • Favourite Sport: Skiing
  • Trivia: KOKIA's sister, Yoshida Kyoko, is a famous violinist.

Information

Pre-Debut - Pony Canyon

KOKIA was a very musical child, even when she was little. Instead of playing with toys, she would instead play on the piano, or play the violin. She was readily able to express her feelings and emotions through song. When she was 10 (and later when she was 14) she went to study English in America at a summer music school. KOKIA later enrolled at the prestigious Toho Gakuen School of Music for high school.

KOKIA studied opera and classical music while in University. During her time there, she caught the eye of a scouter from Pony Canyon, and in 1998 while still at university debuted with the single "Aishiteiru Kara" under the stage name KOKIA. This stage name that she created for herself was both her first name reversed (A-Ki-Ko -> Ko-Ki-A), as well as the name of a Hawaiian hibiscus flower, which blooms during her birthday. Aishiteiru Kara and its B-side, You, were used insert songs into the Fuji TV drama Brothers. However, this single was not her first release into the Japanese market, as two weeks prior, the Tail Concerto soundtrack album had been released featuring her song "For LITTLE TAIL", the opening theme for the game. KOKIA's next release was a song called "Ai no Field", which was used as the ending theme song for the anime BRAIN POWERD, composed by the well-known composer Kanno Yoko. KOKIA followed up this single six months later with her second, tie-upless single Tears in Love.

KOKIA's next single, "Arigatou...", was the first officially-released song that she had fully written and composed herself. It was used as the drama Dotsuzen Oyako's theme song. While this did not propel her to stardom in Japan, KOKIA became extremely famous in Hong Kong and Taiwan. "Arigatou..." won her the third place prize in the Hong Kong International Popular Music Awards. Popular Cantonese singer, Sammi Cheng, even recorded a Cantonese-language cover of the song. This was followed up with KOKIA's debut album, songbird.

Victor Entertainment

KOKIA promoting dandelion (2005)

After releasing this album, KOKIA decided to take a break from music. Apart from contributing six songs to the RK Standard project, nothing much was heard from KOKIA until early 2001, when she switched labels from Pony Canyon to Victor Entertainment. In May 2001, a new single of hers, "tomoni", was released. This was followed up with three more singles, and the release of a new KOKIA album, trip trip. These new songs showed a completely different side of KOKIA, with the songs becoming more unique and complex. The last track on the album, a gift, was even featured in Subaru ads throughout Europe.

In 2003, KOKIA seemed to gain a lot more publicity than she had before. Her first new single since the release of trip trip, "Kawaranai Koto ~since 1976~", had two semi-major tie-ups. The A-side was used as the daytime drama Itoshiki Mono e's theme song, while the B-side tell tell Bouzu was used as the second ending theme song to the anime Hungry Heart WILD STRIKER. This single debuted at #47, KOKIA's first top 50 single. Following this was the even more successful single "The Power of Smile / Remember the kiss" single, with "The Power of Smile" featured in a mass TV commercial for Kao's Essential Damage-Care shampoo range. The single grabbed the #15 spot and is currently KOKIA's highest selling single. Similarly, her next album Remember me is also her best selling album (which had debuted at #15 too). In the year 2003 KOKIA's old label, Pony Canyon, decided to feature KOKIA in the popular Chinese drama At the Dolphin Bay's soundtrack with two songs; "I Catch a Cold" and ""Shiroi Yuki".

2004 saw yet another KOKIA album. Uta ga Chikara was backed with the two singles "so much love for you♥" and "Yume ga Chikara". "Yume ga Chikara" became the official cheering song for the Japanese team at the 2004 Olympic games in Athens.

While KOKIA released two singles in 2005 with minor tie-ups, she planned to start 2006 with a brand new single for the anime movie Giniro no Kami no Agito, "Ai no Melody / Chouwa oto ~with reflection~". The anime featured a re-arranged version of her song "Chouwa oto" from trip trip album as the opening theme, and a new composition, "Ai no Melody" as its ending theme song. Following this was KOKIA's first live outside of Asia, a concert held in Paris on the 21st of January. KOKIA also released a best album on the first of February (which was surprisingly also sold in France and Spain, as well as Japan).

Beyond Victor

In June 2006, it was announced the KOKIA would leave her label Victor Entertainment. She then set up her own independent website, and has sung at several lives. Following this, in October it was announced that French label Wasabi Records would be releasing KOKIA's new album, Ai ga Kikoeru, in November for an exclusive France release. It is unknown which Japanese record label will pick up KOKIA and release her album at this point, but the album will most likely be released in Japan at a later time.

KOKIA released her 16th single, "Tatta Hitotsu no Omoi", on January 23rd, 2008. It was featured as the opening theme for the second season of the Gunslinger Girl anime.

Other Compositions / Setlist Tracks

KOKIA has composed several songs for other artists. These songs are:

KOKIA has also featured many new songs that don't appear on any releases yet in her recent lives. These songs are:

Discography

KOKIA promoting "single mother / Christmas no Hibiki" (2009)
KOKIA promoting COLOR OF LIFE (2014)

Albums

Mini-Albums

Cover Albums

Live Albums

Best Albums

Other Albums

Singles

Other Singles

Split Singles

Digital Singles

Video Releases

Compilations / Other

External Links

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