25 Years of Koda Kumi: The J-Pop Icon Marks a Milestone

I don’t know what it is about 2024 that had me retreating back into the hobbies and interests that I held so dear when I was a teenager. (Well, I do: the world is on fire, and the sweet, sweet nectar of nostalgia is a balm.)

J-Pop, of course, was a fundamental part of my upbringing. The divas that dominated the Oricon charts in the mid ’00s also ruled my Zune-turned-iPod and the covers of my school binders, remaining on heavy rotation from my childhood bedroom to my dorm room as I transitioned from crippling anxiety-addled high schooler to crippling anxiety-addled college student and beyond.

I’ve been obsessively diving deep into the comfort of their discography: from Ayumi‘s ayu-mi-x releases (I’m on a mission to secure every Ayu vinyl that’s ever been pressed, which I think might heal me), to Utada Hikaru‘s well-timed 25th anniversary campaign over the past year, to Namie Amuro‘s catalog (curiously gone missing on streaming…), to Koda Kumi‘s delightful discography, including the “12 Singles in 12 weeks” project, which I imported weekly and proudly displayed above my freshman dorm room bed. (“D.D.D.” and “Ima Sugu Hoshii” were queer awakenings for me, especially.)

(The dorm room in question.)

Earlier this month, I acquired the 7″ of Kumi’s beloved version of the Cutie Honey theme song from the insane live-action 2004 adaptation, which Avex shockingly dropped as part of an initiative for Record Store Day 2024. (There are a few still in stock – get it now.) We need more vinyl campaigns, Avex! Complete discographies! Do this!

The “Cutie Honey” acquisition was also timely, as she’s celebrating a major milestone this month: the 25th anniversary of her debut.

On December 6, 2000, our beloved Kumi arrived on the scene at the age of 18 with “Take Back,” which, quite insanely for the year 2000, sailed up the U.S. Billboard dance charts, thanks to an English version (released simply under the name “Koda”) with remixes commissioned by Avex’s New York office from Jonathan Peters and Junior Vazquez. In fact, it did comparatively better in America than it did in Japan, and they tried it again with follow-up “Trust Your Love” in 2001 with a Hex Hector remix.

The gaymer girls unfamiliar with the name Koda might actually already know her without realizing, as she did the Japanese versions of the theme song “Real Emotion” and “1000 Words” for 2003’s Final Fantasy X-2. A formative experience – and a pivotal launching pad for Koda Kumi, who truly needed a breakthrough hit.

“If this song doesn’t sell, it means that I don’t have what it takes to be an artist. If that happens, then I’ll give up with good grace,” she said of her mindset at the time while reflecting on “Real Emotion / 1000 no Kotoba” for the 10th anniversary book, Kodareki.

Luckily, it did, becoming her first single to chart within Oricon’s Top 10. And by 2005’s Secret, she officially transformed into the ero-kawaii superstar (and controversy magnet) we all know and love her to be.

To celebrate a long and vibrant career ever since, Kumi just embarked on her first-ever domestic dinner show tour, called KODA KUMI 25th Anniversary Love & Songs. I’m not entirely sure what the dinner show tour entails, but I’m picturing patrons attempting to slice through their filet mignon while Kumi writhes on their laps and performs “BUT.” I’m absolutely seething with jealousy at the thought.

In addition to the trek, she’s also released “This weekend,” the theme song for her first GEMCEREY jewelry commercial in nearly two decades. (CMs! Song tie-ins! My nostalgia cup doth overflow.)

Described in a press release as an “R&B-flavored track,” Kumi “sings of a woman’s growing feelings and expectations for her boyfriend, with lyrics that translate as ‘Maybe he’ll confess his feelings by this weekend’ and ‘Maybe something will happen this weekend.'”

The ode to longing for more out of a situationship offers a nice and chill and relaxed vibe, full of catchy melodies crafted alongside a handful of K-pop songwriters including Dan Gleyzer (BTS, NCT Dream), Tony Ferrari (NCT 127, ENHYPEN) and Sophie Curtis, who did aespa‘s incredible “Next Level.”

There’s also a documentary film out about her 2th anniversary, KODA KUMI 25th Anniversary Documentary Film ‘walk’, which was briefly shown in cinemas in December.

Here’s the logline: “Rather than the Kumi Koda we see in the spotlight on stage, the documentary focuses on the J-pop star behind the scenes, as she overcomes challenging experiences, hardships, accidents and other trials in the years following her debut. It mainly looks back on her current tour, featuring special interviews with her closest staff members and Koda herself. The story unfolds alongside tons of behind-the-scenes and live footage, making it an unmissable film.”

I’m not sure where to access the documentary after it left theaters, but I’m going to need a purchase link – and/or for a little Kuuster to snag a copy from a local theater and upload it with English subs.

And that’s not all! Kumi also held an anniversary event called CLUB KODA at Tokyo venue Kiranah Garden Toyosu earlier in the month, “filled with Kumi Koda’s visuals and music as a huge thank you to her fans.” She uploaded a short clip of where the poolside soiree went down. It looks really chic!

While I’m feeling a lot of FOMO all around with all the Kumi festivities in Japan, there’s a line at the veery end of the official press release that provides some hope that we’ve got plenty more to look forward to: “Kumi Koda’s 25th anniversary year has only just begun, and even more special announcements are on the horizon! Keep an eye out for further updates over the coming year.” And based on a teaser clip, monthly surprises await! NYC meet and greet please, Avex?

Congratulations on a milestone, Kumi!

Grab the “Cutie Honey” 7″ vinyl.

Photo credit: Avex Records

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