Kikuo is a pioneering Japanese electronic artist and globally popular Vocaloid music producer. Known for his boundary-breaking approach, Kikuo has been captivating audiences with his innovative use of Vocaloid technology and experimental music since he began sharing his original works online in 2003. Embracing the singing-synthesizer software Vocaloid and its avatar Hatsune Miku in 2010, Kikuo quickly stood out for his genre-blurring sound, unique melody layering, and the juxtaposition of bright music with often cryptic lyrics. He also pushed the artistic capabilities of Vocaloid to the edge, revealing new ways that synthesized voices could be deployed in 21st century music.
Kikuo stands as one of the most popular and influential Vocaloid music producers today. In Japan, he has helped shape a new generation of artists, both in online spaces and younger creators stepping up into the J-pop mainstream. Internationally, he’s one of the most listened-to names in this style, with his song “Aishite Aishite Aishite” being the first Vocaloid track to ever surpass 100 million streams on Spotify. Kikuo's international acclaim continues to grow, making him a standout figure in the global music scene.
