Yoshida Akiko, more commonly known as KOKIA made her mark in the Japanese musical industry this last decade, as one of the most original artist. KOKIA is mostly known for lending her voice to theme song of anime and video games. Inspired by her classical background and lyrical in conservatoire, KOKIA gives incredible vocal performances recognized in all Asia. It is in April 1998 that she starts her career after joining Pony Canyon (label music), after being noticed by Toshifumi Hinata who asked her to lend her voice for the original song of the video game Tail Concerto. Little by little, KOKIA marks the Asian musical industry with the help of singles such as “The Power of Smile/Remember the kiss” in 2003, which put her at the 15th place of the Oricon Chart. KOKIA is appreciated by the public and specialist for her artistic simplicity, by wearing simple and refined clothes while performing on stage but also for her controlled technicity and vocals, brought by the musical syncretism which defines her style and huge sensibility. KOKIA is celebrating her 20 years of career, and our team is pleased to have meet this amazing artist.
First, can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is KOKIA.
You are coming to Paris to celebrate your 20 years of career. How do you reflect on those 20 years?
When I think about it, a lot of things happened. But I think I can say that today I blossom more in what I do than 5 or 10 years ago. I can’t wait to see how I will progress as a musician in the next 5 to 10 years.
In April 1998, when you started your activity, you composed the opening song of the game Tail Concerto, what did you learn through this experience?
I remember this as if it was yesterday, but what surprises me the most is how ignorant I was at that time. But after all, the adults around me, recognized my talent and chose me. I am extremely grateful.
For Tail Concerto, I was in charge of lyrics and melody. The music was composed by Suô Yoshikaru. However, I already wrote songs by myself at that time.
Where does your inspiration comes from?
I find inspiration in my travelling or while watching a movie. It can also come from food, dreams/daydreams, meeting new people… From a lot of things not really related to music.
Without searching for new ideas, the inspiration comes to me. I would need more than one life to realize all of my projects.
In April 2018 you released an album called “Tokyo Mermaid”. Are you the mermaid of Tokyo? Why did you choose this title?
Tokyo is a city that gathers people full of dreams and hopes.
If Tokyo can seem animate or loud, it is an ephemeral and furtive city.
I am also one of those people that gather under the light of Tokyo.
I see myself as the little mermaid who changed into foam when she throws herself into the sea.
For the occasion of your 20 years of career, you released a 62-songs-best-album. You also released, not long ago, an album for children. Why do you like to participate to many different projects?
I don’t participate to projects, I am giving ideas.
What I love is creation, leaving ideas to posterity is the essence of a creator.
You released an album for children named “Ton ton ton dôbutsu no ongakukai.” (ton ton ton the concert of animals.) What was your goal?
I wanted that through my songs children can feel things, strong feelings. But then I thought that if I incorporated various genres in this album, adults would also enjoy it. It’s by mixing those ideas that this marvelous project was born.
Is there unseen concepts or new ideas that you still haven’t developed but that you would like to start?
Yes, there is too much of them!
When you stand on stage in front of your fans, what do you like the most?
What I love above all is to be on stage, because I feel like I can shine.
For the Paris show, do you plan on doing something special?
I still don’t know which songs I will be singing, I will start thinking about it soon but it sure will be a special and captivating moment.
Do you have a message for your French fans?
After all this time, I didn’t think I would be able to have once again a show in Paris, it warms my heart. The fans that already saw me on stage as the people who will see me for the first time are welcomed! I will try my best for each people to have a good memory of this show.
Thanks to KOKIA for taking the time to tell us more about her career and her motivations as an artist
Many thanks also to 33degrees and their teams for the Japanese translations and the organization of this meeting
