Koda Kumi is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame in the early 2000s and continues to captivate audiences with her music and style. Born on November 13, 1982, in Kyoto, Japan, Koda began her career as a model and then transitioned to music after signing with Avex Trax in 2000.
As one of the most popular and respected singers in Japan, Koda has released numerous albums and singles that have topped the charts and won her many awards. Her music is a fusion of pop, R&B, and dance, with catchy hooks and memorable lyrics that connect with fans around the world.
In addition to her music career, Koda has also acted in movies, TV dramas, and stage productions, showcasing her versatility and talent in various forms of entertainment. She is also known for her unique fashion sense, often making bold and daring fashion statements that inspire fans and critics alike.
Today, Koda Kumi is not only a musical icon but also an inspiration to many, having overcome personal struggles and setbacks along the way. As we delve into her comprehensive biography, we will explore her life, achievements, and net worth, as well as uncover some of the lesser-known facts and anecdotes that make Koda Kumi the beloved artist she is today.
Koda Kumi: A Comprehensive Biography
Early Life and Career
Koda Kumi, born on November 13, 1982, in Kyoto, Japan, is a successful Japanese singer, songwriter, dancer, and occasional actress. She began her career at the age of 12 in the entertainment industry, participating in several talent contests.
After finishing high school, Kumi moved to Tokyo to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. In 2000, she signed with Rhythm Zone, a subsidiary of Avex Group, and released her debut single "Take Back."
Rise to Fame
Koda Kumi gained popularity in the early 2000s, thanks to her unique voice and daring style. Her music, a mix of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, appealed to a broad audience, and she quickly became a household name in Japan.
Kumi's breakthrough moment came in 2005 when she released her album "Secret." The album sold over a million copies and featured several hit singles, including "Butterfly" and "Cherry Girl."
Personal Life
Koda Kumi is married to Kenji03, the lead singer of the Japanese rock band BACK-ON. They tied the knot in August 2011 and have two children together.
Despite her busy schedule, Koda Kumi is an avid supporter of various charitable causes, including animal welfare, children's education, and disaster relief efforts.
Net Worth and Achievements
Koda Kumi has an estimated net worth of $40 million, making her one of the wealthiest Japanese musicians in history.
Throughout her career, Kumi has won numerous awards, including Best Pop Video at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan and Best Female Artist at the Japan Record Awards.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Koda Kumi was born on November 13, 1982, in Kyoto, Japan. Her parents were musicians, and she was exposed to music from a young age. Kumi's childhood was spent moving frequently, as her parents toured internationally.
Kumi was encouraged to pursue her own musical career and began taking singing and dancing lessons as a teenager. She auditioned for various talent agencies and landed a contract with Avex Trax in 1999.
Her debut single, "Take Back," was released in December 2000 when she was just 18 years old. Despite the single's commercial success, Kumi faced criticism for her unpolished vocals and lack of stage presence.
Kumi continued to work hard and improve her skills, releasing multiple singles and albums over the next few years. She finally achieved mainstream success in 2005 with her album "Black Cherry," which sold over 1 million copies in Japan.
Rise to Popularity and Career Milestones
Koda Kumi is one of the most recognized and successful J-Pop artists in Japan. She started her career as a teen model and made her music debut in 2000 with the single "Take Back." She gained mainstream success with her single "Real Emotion/1000 no Kotoba" in 2003, which was the theme song for the popular video game, Final Fantasy X-2.
In 2005, Koda released her fourth album, "Secret" which debuted at number one on the Oricon charts, becoming her first album to achieve this feat. Later that year, she had her first concert tour, "Best First Things," which sold out in minutes. The tour was a massive success, featuring a live band and sophisticated stage productions, showcasing Koda's charisma and vocal ability.
Koda made history in 2006 by becoming the first female artist to hold a concert at Tokyo Dome, the largest indoor arena in Japan. The concert was part of her "Black Cherry" tour and attracted an audience of over 50,000 people.
Throughout her career, Koda has released numerous hit singles and albums, and has won multiple awards including the Best Female Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan. She has also collaborated with other popular artists such as Fergie, Tohoshinki, and m-flo.
Today, Koda Kumi remains an influential figure in the J-Pop industry, having sold over 15 million records in Japan and overseas. She continues to release new music and tour regularly, proving that she is not just a pop star, but a bona fide icon.
Personal Life, Age, Height, and Figure
Koda Kumi was born on November 13, 1982, making her currently 38 years old. She was raised in Kyoto, Japan, but moved to Tokyo at the age of 17 to pursue her career in the music industry.
Koda Kumi is known for her petite figure, standing at just 5'1" (156cm) tall and weighing approximately 95lbs (43kg). Her figure is often described as curvy, with a bust-waist-hip ratio of 32-23-33 inches (81-58-84 cm), which she maintains through a rigorous diet and exercise routine.
Outside of her career, Koda Kumi leads a relatively private personal life. She married her longtime boyfriend, Kenji03 of the band Back-On, in 2011 and the couple has two children together. Koda Kumi has spoken publicly about her struggles with infertility and undergoing multiple fertility treatments before conceiving her first child.
Despite her busy schedule, Koda Kumi prioritizes her personal health and wellness. She follows a strict skincare routine and practices yoga and pilates to maintain her physical and mental well-being.
Net Worth and Business Ventures
Koda Kumi's talent goes beyond music, as she has also ventured into multiple businesses throughout her career. Her entrepreneurial spirit has helped her accumulate an impressive net worth estimated to be around $25 million USD.
One of Koda Kumi's most successful business ventures is her line of lingerie, "EATME". Launched in 2005, the brand has become popular with women who desire stylish and comfortable lingerie that enhances their confidence and self-esteem.
In addition to "EATME", Koda Kumi has also launched a jewelry line called "Pinky Jones". The brand features designs that are inspired by Koda Kumi's personal style, and has been well-received by fashion-conscious individuals.
Aside from her own businesses, Koda Kumi has also collaborated with several other brands, including cosmetics company Kose and electronics giant Panasonic. These collaborations have helped solidify her position as a successful businesswoman in addition to her established music career.
FAQ
Who is Koda Kumi?
Koda Kumi is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and dancer. She debuted in 2000 with the single "Take Back". Since then, she has released numerous albums and singles and is considered one of the most successful female solo artists in Japan.
What is Koda Kumi's age?
Koda Kumi was born on November 13, 1982, which makes her 38 years old as of 2020.
What is Koda Kumi's height?
Koda Kumi's height is 5'2" (157 cm).
What is Koda Kumi's net worth?
Koda Kumi's net worth is estimated to be around $25 million as of 2020. She has earned her wealth through album sales, concerts, and various endorsements.
What is Koda Kumi's figure?
Koda Kumi's figure is often described as curvy and voluptuous. She has been open about her struggles with her weight and body image, but embraces her curves and promotes body positivity.