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.