Kobayashi, Akiko

Kobayashi Akiko, born in Tokyo, Japan, also known by her alias Holi, is a Japanese singer, songwriter, composer and arranger.

Kobayashi collaborated with Brian Eno and U2 on their 1995 project, the Passengers. Her smash hit debut song, Koi ni Ochite: Fall in Love from 1985s popular show "Kinyoubi no Tsumatachi e" made her famous in Japan. The song was also used as an insert song in the anime Crayon Shin-chan.

She first began singing at age 15 and writing, later, songs for other artists that became big hits at home and abroad making her famous. She studied at the University of Tokyo. Her first proper job in the music industry was as a secretary at a music publishing company, which she got through a professor from university. She debuted as a writer in 1984, writing the song "Moon Eyes" for folk duo Bread & Butter. Then, in 1985, she released her debut single Koi ni Ochite: Fall in Love. The song became an instant hit, and earned Kobayashi a nomination for best newcomer at the 27th Japan Record Awards. Staff that worked on the recording began to compare Kobayashi's voice to that of Karen Carpenter, lead singer of The Carpenters, and suggested she approach Richard Carpenter. After hearing her demo tape, and enjoying the melody and vocals, Richard announced that her album "City of Angels" would be released in 1988.

In 1991, Kobayashi relocated to the United Kingdom and released an album under the name "holi". Soon after, she released a cover album of The Carpenters' songs. In 2001, she married a British accountant.

Not to be confused with the voice actress/songstress Kobayashi Akiko she shares her name with.

(Source: AniDB)