Bokunojpop.com

There are few pop idols in Japan, let alone the world, who have achieved the kind of super star status that Koda Kumi (倖田來未) has achieved. In what seems a rather humble beginning, Koda Kumi’s name is more popular today then that of the Prime Minister for people between the ages of 13 to 26. And yet with all her success and wealth, she has yet to successfully break into the biggest music market in the world. The United States.

Born on November 13 1982, Koda Kumi was the first girl born to the Koda family in several generations. Her grandfather reportedly taught the bamboo flute and her mother was a skilled Japanese harp player. These subtle influences helped young Kumi develop an ear for music and rhythm.

In her primary school yearbook, Kumi wrote “I want to be a singer when I grow up”. The road was set. The first time she auditioned was during her 3rd grade year of primary school. While attending Kyoto Seika High School, Kumi auditioned with another now popular musical ideal Maki Goto for the 3rd Generation of the Japanese pop group Morning Musume. But she was not selected. In 2000, Kumi won the “Avex Dream 2000” audition held by Avex Trax and was signed to Rhythm Zone, the urban style sub-label of Avex.