As Koda Kumi celebrates 25 years in the spotlight, she opens up to Rolling Stone Japan about how her passion for music is deeply rooted in her personal life, family bonds, and unwavering team spirit. From her latest Summer EP De-CODE to her upcoming arena tour, Kumi shares how she’s evolving with both gratitude and intention.

On her connection to Asia:
“My husband, Hi-yunk, is originally from Taipei — I’ve been covered in local news when we got married 12 years ago, so I feel a sense of warmth and familiarity from people there.”
And she notes how “quality ballads with emotional melodies” resonate strongly in Taiwan and China — sometimes even more so than her usual upbeat singles.

Reflecting on the 20th anniversary during the pandemic:
“While other artists had to cancel tours, I wanted to show entertainment’s power — so I held an arena tour with strict social distancing. At the time, I wondered, ‘Why am I so unlucky?’ But now, for the 25th year, I want this anniversary to be about expressing gratitude. We’re doing fanclub events again, a dinner show, and things we’ve never done before.”

On the impact of lockdown on music creation:
“That time influenced me so much. I’m not someone who rests much, so it felt strange. At home, I played games with my child and discovered pro wrestling through my husband and son — I didn’t know about it at all. Eventually I thought, ‘I need to join in — or I’ll be left behind!’”

Why This Interview Is Unmissable:
- Intimate insight into Koda Kumi’s mindset amid her 25th anniversary year.
- Personal moments — from family dynamics to discovering pro wrestling — that humanize her artistry.
- Artistic evolution — embracing new experiences and gratitude as she celebrates a milestone with fresh energy.


Discover the full interview and gain deeper access into the heart behind the superstar’s journey: “Koda Kumi Speaks on a ‘Real’ 25th Anniversary” on Rolling Stone Japan translation.