This summer marks a significant milestone for the emerging group as kiOra joins the lineup for HEAD IN THE CLOUDS Music & Arts Festival Los Angeles 2026 on August 8 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The appearance represents the group's first major opportunity to introduce their music and artistic identity to a global audience. 

Their busy schedule also includes appearances at the NYLON JAPAN 22nd Anniversary Party, as the opening act for NAMICS presents TGC NIIGATA 2026 by TOKYO GIRLS COLLECTION, and at CENTRAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL 2026 in Kuala Lumpur.

In our interview with kiOra, the members discuss the meaning behind the group's philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection and growth, their experiences training across Japan, Los Angeles, and Seoul, the artists who have inspired them, and what it means to bring their vision of Japanese heritage to audiences around the world.

As they prepare for a pivotal summer ahead, OTO, KYLA, RUKA, and YU reflect on their journey so far and share their hopes for the future of kiOra.

How would you introduce the group and what makes kiOra unique?

YU: kiOra is a four-member Japanese group that celebrates our Japanese heritage while aiming to share our music with the world. What makes us unique is that we're constantly growing. We're still unfinished, but we believe there's beauty in that process, and that's one of our greatest strengths.

KYLA: kiOra is a group that's always evolving. As each of us gains new experiences and takes on new challenges, we hope to create a story that can only exist in this moment and share our journey with everyone. We want to be a group that reveals something new every time people see us. Growing together with our fans while creating lasting memories and stories is also something that I hope makes us special.

The name "kiOra" has been described as embracing beauty in imperfection and growth. What does the group's name personally mean to each of you?

KYLA: I always work hard and practice with the goal of becoming the best version of myself. But I've realized that it's impossible to ever reach that ideal 100%. That's why I believe the journey of chasing that ideal is what truly matters.

Because I have a vision of who I want to become, I'm also able to recognize my own imperfections, and each time I do, it motivates me to keep growing. To me, the determination to keep improving is the most beautiful thing of all.

That's what the name "kiOra" means to me. It’s not about becoming perfect, but finding beauty in continued growth while pursuing your dreams.

OTO: Because there is no final, completed version of ourselves, I believe we can continue growing without limits. We truly believe there's value in that journey, and I hope everyone enjoys watching the four of us continue to change and evolve together.

If you had to describe each member in just three words, what would they be?

【KYLA】

OTO: Big sister, captivating aura, dependable

RUKA: Class representative, cool beauty, multifaceted

YU: Sunshine, funny, full of surprises

【OTO】

KYLA: Easygoing, strong, radiant

RUKA: Naturally quirky, big eyes, calm

YU: Bright, funny, beautiful voice

【RUKA】

OTO: Big sister, long black hair, alluring

KYLA: Free-spirited, easygoing, energetic

YU: Funny, beautiful singing voice, sunshine

【YU】

OTO: Big sister, kind, alluring

KYLA: Powerful, free-spirited, rapper

RUKA: Intelligent, composed, elegant

You've trained in Japan, Los Angeles, and Seoul. How did those different experiences shape your approach to performing and making music?

RUKA: In Los Angeles, we recorded our debut song. The recording process felt very different from what I had experienced in Japan, and it was my first time working that way. I learned a lot about controlling and expressing my voice.

In Seoul, we trained as a group and learned what it takes to perform together, both in dance and vocals.

In Japan, we've studied not only singing and dancing, but also Pilates, acting and many other disciplines. Those experiences have been essential to developing our performances. Pilates taught me how to use my body more effectively and create cleaner lines, while acting expanded my range of facial expressions and emotional expression on stage.

KYLA: We had the opportunity to train with incredible coaches in Tokyo, Los Angeles and Seoul. They’ve helped develop artists performing on the global stage. The biggest lesson I learned wasn't just about improving my skills, but about how to express myself.

Compared to artists performing internationally, I used to hold myself back and hesitate to fully express who I was. I lacked confidence. But our teachers told us, "If you don't express yourself boldly—even to the point where it feels like too much—your emotions won't reach people, and you won't be able to move them."

They also told us, "It's better to go all out and fail than to hold back and regret it."

That's a lesson I still carry with me today. Thanks to those
experiences, I've learned to break out of my shell and express myself confidently through both dance and vocals.

Who are some artists or groups that have inspired you growing up?

KYLA: The artist who has inspired me the most is Ariana Grande. When I was little, my parents often played Western music at home, and that's how I discovered her. I used to imitate her music videos and practice singing her songs.

Beyond her performances, I've also been inspired by her compassion, her strength in overcoming challenges and the way she carries herself with confidence. Sometimes, while chasing my own dreams, I forget to take care of myself. But whenever I look at Ariana Grande, she reminds me that loving yourself first is what allows you to truly love others. That's why I'll always deeply respect her.

OTO: E-girls, Ariana Grande, MAMAMOO and Fujii Kaze

RUKA:  Perfume. I still remember the first concert I ever attended with my family when I was little. I was amazed by their sharp choreography and incredible music, and it left a lasting impression on me.

YU: Namie Amuro and Olivia Rodrigo.

You first introduced yourselves at Head in The Clouds Tokyo, and now you're performing at Head in The Clouds Los Angeles. How does it feel to take that next step and perform in the United States?

RUKA: Last year, while watching so many amazing artists perform, I promised myself that the next time I came back, I would be the one standing on that stage. I'm so grateful that I've been able to make that dream a reality.

This is an incredible opportunity to introduce kiOra's music to so many new people. Of course I'm nervous, but more than anything, I want to enjoy every moment and give it everything I have.

YU: I hope lots of people will discover who we are and enjoy this moment together with us. Performing outside Japan also gives us the chance to share our concept of Japanese heritage with audiences around the world. I hope our performance inspires people not only to become interested in kiOra, but also in Japanese culture itself.

What are you most excited to experience during your first major promotional activities in the United States?

OTO: Performing at Head in The Clouds is what I'm looking forward to the most! Honestly, I can't wait.

RUKA: Definitely performing at Head In The Clouds. It'll be our first time performing at an overseas festival, so I want to leave with no regrets. I hope it's a performance that I'll always remember as something I truly enjoyed, and one that everyone watching enjoys just as much.

What do you hope audiences feel after watching a kiOra performance?

KYLA: I hope people experience something fresh and exciting through our uniquely Japanese sounds and expressions in our music. I also hope they enjoy the world that only kiOra can create and leave thinking, "I want to see them again."

OTO: I hope our performances leave people feeling even a little more positive and hopeful. And through us, I also hope they'll come to love Japanese music even more.

What are some goals you hope to achieve as a group over the next year?

KYLA: Our biggest goal is for as many people as possible to discover kiOra and become fans of our music. Right now we're fortunate to perform alongside so many amazing artists, but one year from now, I hope there will be more people saying, "I want to go because it's a kiOra concert." My dream is for us to hold our own solo live show, and we'll continue growing by making every performance count.

YU: I want more people to discover who we are and hear our music. Through our songs, I hope we become artists who can bring people together, help them have fun, and give them a more positive outlook.

What message would you like to share with fans who are discovering kiOra for the very first time?

KYLA: Nice to meet you, and thank you so much for discovering kiOra. I hope we can create unforgettable memories and an incredible story together from here on. We'll do our very best so that one day you'll be glad you became a fan of kiOra. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to sharing this journey with you.

OTO: Hello everyone! If you've discovered kiOra today, I think it must be fate. I hope you'll stay with us and watch us grow. And I hope our music brings you comfort!

RUKA: Thank you so much for discovering kiOra! I hope you'll follow our journey, watch us grow, and continue cheering us on. We can't wait to share what's ahead with you!

What message would you like to share with fans who are discovering kiOra for the very first time?

YU: Hello, we're kiOra! We hope you'll listen to our music, get to know us, and enjoy everything we have to offer. We give our all to share the joy of music and show as many people as possible what makes kiOra special.

Follow kiOra

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Grab tickets to Head in the Clouds here!