Japanese pop icon Koda Kumi has unveiled a fresh beauty campaign in collaboration with Maquia magazine, reflecting the look that keeps her shining—bold, glamorous, and forever youthful. The feature—“The Reason She Still Shines”—is part of Maquia’s popular “Make Up” section, which explores celebrity beauty secrets.

What It Includes ?
A detailed breakdown of Koda Kumi’s signature glam look, particularly the “gal makeup” she insists will remain part of her style forever. She speaks about what she considers essentials—bold eye makeup, radiant skin, and how certain elements of her style define her identity.

Exclusive visuals showing her beauty routine, makeup products, and stylistic preferences that reflect her current aesthetic at 42.

Her message resonates with fans who admire her consistency, confidence, and willingness to stay true to her personal style over decades.

Check the translated interview and pictures

In celebration of her 25th anniversary, Koda Kumi has teamed up with Shibuya 109 to launch a dazzling pop-up campaign running from September 23 to October 5, 2025, at both Shibuya 109 Shibuya and Shibuya 109 Abeno locations. The collaboration blends fashion, music, and fan experience in an immersive tribute to her legacy.

What Fans Can Expect ?

• Pop-Up Store & Limited Merch: A dedicated Koda Kumi 25th Anniversary × Shibuya 109 pop-up shop will offer exclusive merchandise featuring new campaign visuals, from poster art to apparel.


• Photo Exhibits & Costume Displays: Visitors will be able to view former concert photos and costume exhibits, diving deep into 25 years of Kumi’s stage evolution.


• “VR Special Live” Experience: Shibuya 109 Shibuya’s 8F BUTTERLY will host an exclusive VR live performance showcasing Koda Kumi’s past concert sequences—reimagined for the anniversary.


• Limited-Edition Food & Sticker Giveaways: The BUTTERLY café will serve Kumi-inspired menu items and distribute collectible stickers, while a chance to win signed posters and polaroids will be available via a purchase-based lottery.

Why It Matters
This campaign not only acts as a celebration of Koda Kumi’s long-standing career but also highlights the enduring link between J-Pop culture and fashion, rooted in the youth-forward and trend-setting legacy of Shibuya 109. By combining nostalgic fan appeal with modern interactive experiences, the event reflects how Kumi has consistently evolved with the times while honoring her core aesthetic and musical identity.

Kuuchan appeared on the September 13th episode of Jinsei Saikō Restaurant (The Best Restaurant of Life), a popular talk show on TBS that invites celebrities to take viewers through defining moments of their personal and professional lives. This time, the 25th anniversary star shared intimate stories about her childhood, musical path, and the creative impulses that continue to guide her.

Embracing Roots and Family

Kumi reflected on her early experiences growing up in Kyoto, recalling the influence of her mother—a koto instructor—and her grandfather, a shakuhachi player. She described how these traditional musical roots shaped her artistic identity, along with her childhood practice of Japanese dance.

She joked about her Kansai dialect, noting she’s lived in Tokyo for over two decades, but her accent remains a core part of her persona:

“I’m originally from Kansai — it’s been over 24 years since I moved, but you can’t take away the Kansai from me!”

The 20th Anniversary Show That Almost Wasn’t

When asked about the challenges she faced during her 20th anniversary year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Koda Kumi revealed that while many artists canceled their tours, she pressed on with new ideas:

“I thought, ‘In times like this, I really want to show the power of entertainment,’ so I held my arena tour—even though it was risky. At times I wondered, ‘Why am I so unlucky?’ But I still wanted to thank people through music.”

She spoke about developing new music at home during lockdown, recording a full album via remote sessions and strengthening her resolve for live performance in the future. ([natalie.mu][2])

Creative Sparks from Unexpected Places

Notably, Kumi opened up about how watching *WrestleMania* with her husband inspired the fast-paced, crowd-driven track “CUBE,” turning a spontaneous fan moment into a musical concept. Her creative process, she said, often begins with bursts of inspiration—whether it’s the beat or the lyrics, which then evolve through collaboration and intuition. ([natalie.mu][2])

What Resonated with Fans

The episode struck a chord with viewers and fans, especially when Kumi discussed her motivation to create music that reflects not just experience, but emotional truth. She described her songwriting as a way of speaking things she might not otherwise say:

“Even if the words don’t come out of my mouth directly, I can say them in a song—through music, I have another self that expresses what I couldn’t say before.”

Looking Ahead: Leading With Purpose

Throughout the interview, Koda Kumi emphasized her role as both artist and leader of her “project”—one where remaining true to her inner core guides her collaborations, stage decisions, and personal growth. She reflected on how a stable team environment has allowed her to take artistic risks and grow creatively:

“If I bent on my core values, I think the team would lose direction. That’s why every time I’m asked, I try to say, ‘This is what feels like Koda Kumi… I want to do this.’”

With her 25th-anniversary arena tour on the horizon, these moments of reflection demonstrate how Kumi is intent on creating a meaningful, multifaceted legacy—one rooted in music, emotional honesty, and connection with her audience.

This weekend, Koda Kumi brought her trademark energy and charm to Fuji TV’s long-running music program Music Fair. The singer treated audiences to a lively summer-inspired performance, sharing the stage with legendary artist Misato Watanabe.

The setlist included:
「サマータイム ブルース」 (Summertime Blues) (feat. Misato Watanabe) – A vibrant seasonal opener.
“My Revolution” (feat. Misato Watanabe) – A heartfelt duet with Watanabe, blending Koda’s powerful vocals with the timeless hit.
“ChaO!” – Closing on a high note, the two artists delivered an electrifying performance of Kumi’s own track, full of joy and playful charisma.

In addition to the music, Koda Kumi dazzled viewers with her outfit, perfectly balancing elegance and summer freshness, further highlighting the celebratory spirit of this collaboration. The chemistry between Kumi and Watanabe created a memorable TV moment, underlining Koda’s versatility and enduring presence in Japan’s pop scene.

With her recent live tour and upcoming projects, appearances like this one on Music Fair show how Koda Kumi continues to reinvent herself while paying tribute to iconic voices in Japanese music.

Check all there

J-Pop superstar Koda Kumi is set to return for a highly anticipated “Love & Songs” Dinner Show tour spanning 2025 into 2026. The announcement follows the emotional reception of her inaugural dinner shows in late 2024, promising an elevated and immersive musical experience.

A Night to Remember
Building on last year’s success, the upcoming, premium dinner performances will feature live band accompaniment, refined production, and intimate settings designed to highlight Kumi’s vocal prowess and emotional connection with fans.

Fan Club Priority Access
Exclusive pre-sale: Tickets go on sale exclusively through her fan club, “Koda-Gumi,” starting Monday, August 25 at 12:00 PM (noon) JST.
Limited availability: As space is limited, fan members are encouraged to act quickly to secure their seats. Joining Koda-Gumi before the sale period allows access to ticket purchases ahead of the general public.

Why This Matters
A rare and personal live experience — combining exquisite meal service with a live, storytelling-style performance.

Follow-up to her first-ever nationwide dinner show tour in 2024, which sold out quickly and raised the standards for her 25th-anniversary special events.

Koda Kumi brought stadium-level energy to the 44th Meiji Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival on August 16, delivering a tight, crowd-pleasing set just as 10,000 fireworks painted the Tokyo sky. The annual event combines live music with one of the capital’s biggest summer hanabi displays—this year launching between 19:30–20:30 across the Jingu complex.

Setlist
め組のひと (Megumi no Hito)
Butterfly
ChaO!
愛のうた (Ai no Uta)
Vroom
Poppin’ love cocktail
キューティーハニー (Cutie Honey)

The mix balanced early-era signatures (“Butterfly,” “愛のうた”) with recent crowd movers (“ChaO!,” “Vroom”), landing perfectly with a festival audience that spans casual listeners to longtime fans.

Stage look
Koda Kumi also shared her stage outfit from the night on Instagram—giving fans a closer look at her festival styling via her official account.

About Jingu Hanabi
Billed as a charity fireworks festival for Tōhoku and Kyushu disaster relief, Jingu Hanabi is a rare urban display staged inside the Yamanote Line and pairs live concerts with a synchronized pyrotechnic show across Jingu Stadium and Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. This year’s edition again promised roughly 10,000 shells and a 19:30 launch, with contingency for weather.

Check all there !

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.

As she embarks on her 25th anniversary year, Koda Kumi unveils a poignant, interview shedding light on the mindset behind her latest Summer EP De-CODE, and the soulful evolution that continues to define her artistry.
Bold, Brave, and Authentic

In the conversation, Koda Kumi reflects on her fearless approach to creativity. She describes her mentality as: “not afraid to De-CODE"—a philosophy that guides both her music and personal growth. (Paraphrased from interview)
A Tribute to Connection

Speaking candidly about her bond with fans and collaborators, she expresses deep gratitude for those who've supported her through highs and lows. She credits her success to the emotional strength shared within her creative team—built through decades of trust and empathy.
The Power of Shared Passion

She also touches on the power of music as a universal language of emotion. Whether through uplifting anthems or tender ballads, Koda Kumi aims to invoke genuine warmth in listeners, saying she wants her music to feel “like a heartfelt embrace”.

This intimate interview provides a rare glimpse into the heart and soul behind the De-CODE project—highlighting Koda Kumi’s drive to evolve, empathize, and remain authentic to herself and her audience.

Read the full interview on Billboard Japan

Fresh from the pages of MAQUIA (Aug 7), Koda Kumi reveals the mindful habits, daily self-checks, and beauty rituals that keep her looking and feeling her best at 42. From Chanel-scented skincare to at-home core engagement, her philosophy is simple: nurture, don’t punish.

The feature arrives just days after the release of her highly anticipated book “My Confidence, My Style” — a personal collection of life lessons, style inspiration, and never-before-seen photos.

“Beauty grows from daily care and self-love,” she shares — a message that runs through both the interview and the book.