KUALA LUMPUR Aug 3, 2026 – Emerging Japanese girl group kiOra marked a major milestone on Saturday, 1 August 2026, with their first-ever overseas performance as the opening act at CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2026 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur.
During the show, the four-member group announced that the official music video for their highly anticipated debut single “Coco” will premiere worldwide on Saturday, 8 August 2026, coinciding with the song’s digital release.
Performing before an enthusiastic local audience, kiOra delivered an energetic set that introduced their signature “Tokyo Hyper City Pop” sound to Malaysian fans for the first time. Following the performance, members shared their excitement:
OTO said: “Getting to perform kiOra’s first song ‘Coco’ and sing it together with everyone was amazing! Jom jumpa lagi!”
KYLA added: “Thank you to everyone who came today! It was the best. The ‘Coco’ MV is coming out soon, so please get ready to watch and rewatch! Can’t wait to meet again.”
YU said: “I was energized by today’s CENTRAL performance. I’ll keep doing my best to share our first single ‘Coco’ with even more people around the world!”
kiOra first gained attention after being unveiled at the HEAD IN THE CLOUDS Music & Arts Festival in Tokyo 2026, hosted by 88rising at Makuhari Messe. The group champions “Tokyo Hyper City Pop,” a fusion of hyperpop’s energetic, futuristic edge with the bright, melodic charm of classic city pop.
Derived from the Japanese word “kiyoraka,” meaning pure or clear, the four members embrace the beauty of growth, authenticity and continual evolution. Built around the concept of Japanese Heritage, kiOra expresses the idea that true artistry lies not in perfection but in the courage to keep evolving. Through their music, visuals and performances, they aim to share a contemporary vision of Japanese culture with audiences around the world.
The title “Coco” draws on the phrase “in my core,” combined with the Japanese “ima coco” (“here and now”). The track is presented as an anthem about locating one’s authentic self in the present moment and finding the courage to move forward even before feeling fully ready.
The core of the sound was shaped by an international team of producers and songwriters: her0ism, Yaeji, Mechatok and Kanata Okajima. her0ism, involved with the project from its inception, is known for writing with BLACKPINK’s LISA, XG, Arashi and NEWS. Globally acclaimed artist, producer and DJ Yaeji has collaborated with Sampha, Charli XCX and Dua Lipa, and delivered a notable remix of Hikaru Utada’s “Mine or Yours.” Berlin- and London-based Mechatok, a leading figure in the hyperpop scene, has credits with V8 (SEVENTEEN), FKA twigs, fakemink and Bladee. Kanata Okajima, one of Japan’s foremost songwriters, has written hits for BTS, Namie Amuro and more.
Los Angeles-based songwriter Chelsea Warner (EXO, (G)I-DLE, KiiiKiii) later joined the team. The track was recorded at StudioBeat3, founded by multi-platinum engineer IRKO (whose credits include The Weeknd), with vocal production handled by renowned vocal director Ashley Alish. The cross-border collaboration from Japan, Korea, Europe and the US underpins the new global pop sound the group is introducing.
To mark the release, fans attending the HEAD IN THE CLOUDS Music & Arts Festival at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Los Angeles, will be among the first in the world to experience an exclusive advance screening of the “Coco” music video on 8 August, ahead of its global premiere. (kiOra had been scheduled to perform at the Los Angeles festival on the same day, but the appearance was canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.)
Digital single “Coco” is set for worldwide release on Saturday, 8 August 2026. Fans can pre-add or pre-save the track now at https://orcd.co/kiora_coco.
Keep an eye on kiOra as the group continues its global journey under the banner of Tokyo Hyper City Pop.
#kiOra #TokyoHyperCityPop
Photo credit: Masato Yokoyama (CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2026 in Kuala Lumpur)
Video credit: MMT inc.
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