Kiora Introduces ‘Tokyo Hyper City Pop’ with Debut Single ‘Coco’

The Japanese girl group premiered the song’s music video at Head in the Clouds Los Angeles ahead of its first performance in Thailand.

Japanese girl group kiOra has officially released its debut single, “Coco,” introducing global listeners to a genre the four-member act calls “Tokyo Hyper City Pop.”

The music video received a special advance screening during the Head in the Clouds Music & Arts Festival in Los Angeles on August 8, 2026. It was later released through kiOra’s official YouTube channel, while the single became available on streaming platforms worldwide.

Built around the group’s Japanese heritage, “Coco” combines the energetic and experimental sound of hyperpop with the melodic character of city pop.

Japanese culture meets hyperpop

The “Coco” music video brings this musical identity to life through contemporary interpretations of familiar Japanese imagery.

Tatami mats, dry rock gardens, public bathhouses and a conveyor-belt sushi lane appear throughout the video. One scene transforms the sushi lane into a fashion runway, reflecting kiOra’s approach to presenting Japanese culture through a modern pop lens.

Music video director Riku Ozama said the production aimed to combine familiar cultural elements with unexpected visual ideas.

“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,” Ozama said.

He described kiOra’s debut as being like “a soap bubble just as it bursts” and expressed hope that the group would reach audiences around the world.

International collaborators shape ‘Coco’

The debut single was created with a team of producers and songwriters whose previous credits include releases by internationally recognized performers.

The collaborators include her0ism, Yaeji, Mechatok, Kanata Okajima and Chelsea Warner. Collectively, their credits span artists such as BLACKPINK’s LISA, XG, Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, BTS, Namie Amuro, SEVENTEEN, FKA twigs, EXO and (G)I-DLE.

Their involvement gives “Coco” an international pop foundation while allowing kiOra’s Japanese cultural identity to remain at the center of the song.

A milestone shared with fans

Members OTO, KYLA, RUKA and YU watched the music video alongside the audience at Head in the Clouds Los Angeles.

OTO said the production captured both the character of kiOra and the beauty of Japanese culture.

“I loved shooting this music video, packed with everything wonderful about kiOra and Japanese culture,” she said. “And it was so special to see everyone’s reactions in person.”

KYLA described seeing the video on the festival’s big screen as an exciting experience, while RUKA expressed hope that the group’s first music video would reach more people.

YU said the screening was an emotional milestone for the group.

“I was moved to have our music video played in such a wonderful place,” she said. “I hope this leads to even more people around the world learning about kiOra.”

kiOra heads to Thailand

Following the Los Angeles premiere, kiOra will make its first appearance in Thailand at Nippon Haku Bangkok on August 29, 2026.

The event will be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.

Derived from the Japanese word kiyoraka, which means pure or clear, kiOra is a four-member girl group built around growth, authenticity and continuous evolution.

The group was introduced at Head in the Clouds Tokyo 2026 and aims to share a contemporary vision of Japanese culture through music, visuals and live performances.

“Coco” is now available on streaming platforms worldwide. Fans can also follow kiOra through the group’s official social media hub.