"Kira Kira" (キラキラ, lit. Glitter) is a song written and recorded by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Ai featuring Japanese comedian and actress Naomi Watanabe. It was released to radio on July 6, 2017, and later as a digital single on August 1, 2017. It served as a single from the deluxe version of Ai's eleventh studio album, Wa to Yo.[1]
Upon its release, "Kira Kira" debuted and peaked at number 19 on the BillboardJapan Hot 100. The song was nominated for the Grand Prix award and won the Excellent works Award at the 59th Japan Records Awards.[2]
Background and release
An excerpt of "Kira Kira" served as the theme song for the Japanese drama Kanna-san!.[3] In July 2017, the full version of the song was sent to Japanese J-Wave radio station.[4] Watanabe revealed to J-Wave it was her first full-scale studio recording.[4]
A music video for Kira Kira was released on August 31, 2017.
Ai and Watanabe performed "Kira Kira" at the "25th Tokyo Girls Collection".[6] Ai performed the song with Watanabe at the 68th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.[7]
Music video
Directed by Studio Moross' founder Aries Moross, Ai and Watanabe are seen singing behind a green screen with various animations.[8]