Emerging Japanese girl group kiOra has released their first single “Coco,” with the music video given a special advance screening on August 8 at the “HEAD IN THE CLOUDS Music & Arts Festival” in Los Angeles. It was then released on kiOra’s official YouTube channel. Watch the new music video here!
Built on their “Japanese heritage” concept, kiOra introduces a new musical style they call “TOKYO HYPER CITY POP,” fusing a cutting-edge hyperpop sound with the melodic charm of city pop. “Coco” is the first single to bring that style to life, and it began streaming on August 8th.
Its sound was crafted by world-class producers and songwriters: her0ism (BLACKPINK’s LISA, XG, Arashi, NEWS, etc.), Yaeji (Sampha, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, etc.), Mechatok (V8, SEVENTEEN, FKA twigs, fakemink, Bladee, etc.), Kanata Okajima (BTS, Namie Amuro, etc.), and Chelsea Warner (EXO, (G)I-DLE, KiiiKiii, etc.).
The “Coco” music video carries kiOra’s hyperpop world into a landscape of iconic Japanese imagery: tatami mats, dry rock gardens, public bathhouses, and a conveyor-belt sushi lane reimagined as a fashion runway. It is a bold visual statement of the group’s TOKYO HYPER CITY POP concept.
Music Video Director Riku Ozama commented: “By mixing familiar Japanese elements like a sushi counter with the unexpected, like a fashion runway, we aimed for iconic visuals that feel familiar yet completely fresh. To me, kiOra’s debut is like a soap bubble just as it bursts, and I hope they reach the whole world.”
Having watched the music video for the first time alongside the audience at the Head in the Clouds Los Angeles, the members of kiOra commented:
OTO:
“I loved shooting this music video, packed with everything wonderful about kiOra and Japanese culture! And it was so special to see everyone’s reactions in-person.”
KYLA:
“It was awesome to see the Coco music video on the big screen here. I can’t wait to share it with the world!”
RUKA:
“So glad we could watch our very first music video on the screen at Head in the Clouds LA, and I’m hoping it reaches even more people!”
YU:
“I was moved to have our music video played in such a wonderful place. I hope this leads to even more people around the world learning about kiOra.”
Fans in Asia will be happy to hear that kiOra’s next performance is confirmed with their first-ever show in Thailand on August 29, at the Nippon Haku Bangkok. .
Keep an eye on kiOra as they step out onto the global stage.
Digital Single “Coco” Streaming Now: https://orcd.co/kiora_coco
Upcoming Events: Nippon Haku Bangkok (Thailand)
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Venue: Queen Sirikit National Convention Center
https://nipponhaku.com/exhibition/
Riku Ozama Profile
Born in 1997, Riku Ozama is a video director based in Tokyo. He has directed music videos for many popular artists, including SixTONES (“Rebellion”), HANA (“Drop”), Tatsuya Kitani (“Hidane”), and IMP. (“BAM-BOO”). Known for his distinctive style that moves across music, fashion, and culture, he works as a multifaceted creative, handling everything from concept and videography to editing and color grading.
kiOra Profile
Derived from the Japanese word “kiyoraka”, meaning pure or clear, kiOra is a four-member girl group that embraces the beauty of growth, authenticity and continual evolution.
Unveiled at HEAD IN THE CLOUDS TOKYO 2026, the group is built around the concept of Japanese Heritage, expressing the idea that true artistry lies not in perfection, but in the courage to continue evolving. Through their music, visuals and performances, kiOra aims to share a contemporary vision of Japanese culture with audiences around the world.
For more information, follow kiOra on all Social Media: https://kiora.lnk.to/profile
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