Miliyah Kato


Miho Katō, better known by her stage name of Miliyah Kato is a Japanese pop and urban singer-songwriter from Toyota, Aichi, Japan. They sales in Japan, both physical, digital and ringtones are 12.6 million copies.

History

In 2001, when she was 13 years old, she passed a Sony audition. She began writing music and lyrics from the age of 14. Before her official debut she sang support vocals for other musicians and performed in commercials. Katō made her debut with the release of the single "Never Let Go/Yozora" and released her debut album Rose the next year. She is influenced by hip hop and R&B music, especially artists Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige. Her music also makes frequent use of sampling. Katō herself has said that her music uses hip hop and R&B as a base, and aims for a middle ground which is neither overly pop nor overly hardcore. Katō graduated from the Meiji Gakuin University in Tokyo. She grew up in a single-parent household, with her mother and brother. Her father operated a gem store before his death.
At the time of her debut in 2004 she was called the "post-Utada Hikaru", referring to the two artists' similarities, from their lyrics to their shared "high school girl charisma". Around the time of her debut, the fact that she was still actually in high school was often emphasized. From participating in making the visuals for her CD jackets to producing her own fashion brand, she also has some influence in visual and fashion areas. Those who are influenced by her music, fashion and acts are called "Miliyers".

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Remix albums

Extended plays

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Promotional singles

Other charted songs

Video albums

Guest appearances