generasia:Featured article for 2014 week 32
Koda Kumi
Koda Kumi (倖田來未) is a Japanese pop singer hailing from Kyoto. She made her debut through avex trax's sub-label rhythm zone in late 2000 with the single TAKE BACK, though it wasn't until 2002 that she released her debut album, affection. Her big break came with the release of real Emotion / 1000 no Kotoba. The single contained the two songs featured in the Playstation 2 video game, Final Fantasy X-2. The single reached #3 on the Oricon charts, becoming Koda's first release to enter the top ten and the #24 highest-selling single of 2003.
With the release of her second album grow into one, Koda gradually transitioned into the J-urban musical style, changing from a teen idol look to a more mature image focused on sexual appeal. She and her label agreed that it was the best move for her career to develop a sexier image. This style is referred to as "ero-kakkoii", which means erotic-cool. It would become Koda's trademark that rockets her to fame.
In September 2005, Koda released her album, BEST ~first things~. The album was a two-disc best-of compilation containing all of her singles up till that point. The album was a massive hit and reached #1 on the Oricon charts. The album is often considered Koda's breakthrough album. It sold more than a million copies in 2005, becoming the #6 album of the year as well as the highest selling album for a female artist in 2005. In March 2006, she released BEST ~second session~, a compilation of 12 weekly project singles. The album was another hit, reaching #1 on the Oricon charts, becoming the #2 album of 2006.
In late 2007, Koda became the seventh solo female singer to perform at Tokyo Dome. Since her debut, she has sold over 15 million records in Japan alone, becoming the 18th best-selling solo Japanese female artist of all time.
Koda's newest single HOTEL will be released this week on August 6, 2014.
