KOKIA is the stage name of Japanese singer-songwriter 吉田亜紀子, born in 1976 in Kichijōji, Tokyo. She is known for expressive vocals and a style that moves between pop, folk, J-pop, anime songs, and game music, with releases associated with Pony Canyon and a catalog that connects mainstream Japanese music with media soundtracks.
Her work has included songs for eight different anime and game soundtracks, and one of her best-known tracks is "Arigatou...", which became especially popular in Hong Kong and Taiwan before being covered by Sammi Cheng. In Japan, her biggest hit was the single "The Power of Smile / Remember the Kiss", which reached No. 15 on the Oricon charts. KOKIA also drew attention on national television for holding a long operatic note for a little over 29 seconds, a performance that highlighted the vocal control and range that have defined her career.
