If you caught kiOra’s debut stage in Kuala Lumpur, you already know the four-piece Japanese girl group was headed somewhere big. Now their long-awaited first single is finally out — and the music video is a whole mood.
Japanese girl group kiOra just released their debut digital single, “Coco,” alongside a visually striking music video that transforms a sushi conveyor belt into a fashion runway. The track got a special advance screening on Aug. 8 at the Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival in Los Angeles before dropping on the group’s official YouTube channel.
What exactly is Tokyo Hyper City Pop?
Built on a concept of celebrating Japanese heritage, kiOra introduces a signature sound they call “Tokyo Hyper City Pop.” It fuses the fast-paced, cutting-edge energy of hyperpop with the nostalgic, melodic charm of classic city pop.
To bring that vision to life, the group worked with a lineup of world-class producers and songwriters. The team behind the track includes her0ism, who has worked with XG and LISA of BLACKPINK; Yaeji; Mechatok; Kanata Okajima; and Chelsea Warner.
From sushi counters to fashion runways
The music video translates that hyperpop energy into a dreamscape of iconic Japanese imagery. Directed by Tokyo-based filmmaker Riku Ozama, the visuals mash up traditional tatami mats, public bathhouses, and dry rock gardens with modern pop culture.
Ozama explained that he aimed to create iconic visuals that feel both familiar and completely fresh by mixing unexpected elements — noting the debut represents a bold step for the group as they aim to reach a global audience.
The members of kiOra — Oto, Kyla, Ruka, and Yu — watched the video for the first time alongside their festival audience. Oto shared that she loved filming the video because it is packed with everything wonderful about their culture, while Kyla added that seeing it on the big screen was an awesome experience. Ruka and Yu both expressed their hopes that the release will let more people around the world discover their music.
Catch them live in Asia
Pinoy music fans looking to see the group live will not have to wait long. The four-member group is set to head to Thailand for their first-ever international performance at Nippon Haku Bangkok. The event takes place on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.
You can stream “Coco” now on your favorite platform, and find more details about the venue and schedules on the Nippon Haku Bangkok official page.
