Discover Kocchi no Kento
Kocchi no Kento has gained attention around the world. In 2019, the Japanese singer began sharing music cover videos on his YouTube channel. Five years later, his chart-topping hit, “Hai Yorokonde,” has propelled him into the spotlight.
This article answers commonly asked questions about Kocchi no Kento, from his musical journey to viral success—and his interesting family connection!
Table of Contents
Who is Kocchi no Kento?
Kocchi no Kento is a Japanese singer and songwriter. A multi-talented artist, he is also known for his skills in a capella, video production, and design.
He started his career by sharing a capella and music covers on YouTube, before transitioning to releasing original songs. His catchy hits, including the viral sensation “Hai Yorokonde,” have garnered significant attention on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Kento’s work is deeply personal, drawing from his personal experiences to craft empathetic lyrics that resonate with listeners. Through his music, he aims to offer comfort and support to those navigating the challenges of everyday life.
What is his real name?
Kocchi no Kento’s real name is Kento Sugo (菅生健人).
When did Kocchi no Kento become interested in music?
In an old YouTube video, Kento shared that his musical journey began in middle school during a cultural festival. When his class needed someone to perform a song for the end credits of a play, Kento was chosen to be in the video.
After the recording was played, the reaction from his classmates was overwhelmingly positive. He recalls, “I felt that it was okay for me to sing too, and from there, I started pursuing music.”
How did Kocchi no Kento get into a cappella?
Kocchi no Kento’s interest in a cappella was sparked by the Zenkoku Hamonep League, a popular Japanese TV show featuring a cappella competition.
He shared in an interview, “I was amazed that they were performing with just their voices, especially seeing [the popular YouTuber] Hikakin in the beatbox competition; it made me think, ‘Who are these people?!’”
Inspired by this performance style, he joined an a cappella circle in college, where they would go on to win the National A Cappella Spirits Tournament two years in a row. (He would later return as an MC for the tournament.)
His a cappella experience also led to notable opportunities, such as performing the backing chorus at the 70th annual New Year’s TV show, Kouhaku Uta Gassen, as well as the New Disney Plus Celebration Night.
Check out one of his a capella covers from his YouTube channel above.
Why did Kento pursue a music career?
Kento’s journey to a music career was far from straightforward. After college, he started working a regular office job, but the environment took a heavy toll on him. He shared in an interview that he collapsed and after, experienced a period of deep depression, almost giving up singing altogether.
“When I forced myself to sing amid that painful condition, I realized that it was good for me to be singing.”
Kocchi no Kento
The turning point came when he was asked to sing at his father’s 60th birthday party. At the celebratory event, he performed with an a cappella group–an experience which reignited his passion for music. “When I forced myself to sing amid that painful condition, I realized that it was good for me to be singing,” he shared.
From that moment, Kento returned to his passion for singing. He also took up songwriting, with messages aimed at his past self (a “reverse time capsule,” he calls it) which were intended to help others who were suffering in similar ways.
What is the meaning of the name Kocchi no Kento?
In English, the name “Kocchi no Kento” translates to “Kento over here” or “this Kento.”
In a radio appearance, Kento shared that the name originates from when he was initially balancing his musical career with his corporate job, differentiating between the two different sides of his life–referring to himself as “Atchi no Kento” (“Kento over there” or “that Kento”) for his office persona, and “Kocchi no Kento” for his artistic side.
What is Kocchi no Kento’s first song?
While Kocchi no Kento has posted covers on his YouTube channel, “Tiny” is his first original song. The track was digitally released on August 31, 2022.
The theme of “Tiny” centers around the sibling relationship, which holds a special place in Kento’s heart. In a comment on the song, Kento shares that as an immature younger brother, he can’t help but feel both jealousy and admiration towards his older brother, long before he became an adult. These emotions are ones that he cherishes to this day.
Kento shared that he couldn’t stop crying when the music video took shape, adding, “This has become a work I want to cherish as a milestone in my life.” Check out the music video above.
How did Kocchi no Kento gain recognition?
Kocchi no Kento initially started to gain recognition in Japan with his viral songs, which gained traction on TikTok and other social media platforms.
His first viral hit, “Shinuna!”, also known as “NEVER DIE!” (死ぬな！) was released on December 10, 2022. The song, coupled with the viral “Teapot Dance“, has garnered over 30 million streams on TikTok thus far, catapulting him into the spotlight.
Check out Kento’s English cover of the song on YouTube,
However, the success of “Shinuna!” was eclipsed by the international popularity of “Hai Yorokonde” (はいよろこんで). Learn more about the song below.
How did Kocchi no Kento become popular?
Kocchi no Kento gained popularity through his viral hit, “Hai Yorokonde.”
Released in May of 2024, the song not only went viral on TikTok, but also ranked in many Japanese music charts. The song climbed Spotify’s Viral 50 – Japan and Top 50 – Japan charts, as well as the BILLBOARD JAPAN HOT 100 chart. It also reached the top of the Billboard JAPAN Heatseekers Songs chart.
“Hai Yorokonde” has also achieved international recognition. The song climbed to the top of the Spotify’s Viral 50 charts in South Kore and Taiwan. It also #2 spot on the BILLBOARD JAPAN Global Japan Songs excl. Japan chart, which features the biggest Japanese hits outside of the country.
Check out the English version of the song on YouTube.
With over 75 million views, the popular music video, claimed the #1 spot on YouTube’s Top 100 Music Videos in Japan. Internationally, it also secured a spot on YouTube’s Top 100 Music Videos Global chart.
You can out the music video above, or his performance of the hit song below on the popular YouTube channel, The First Take.
What is the meaning of Kocchi no Kento’s “Hai Yorokonde”?
“Hai Yorokonde” can be translated to English as “Yes, with pleasure.” Despite its light-hearted and playful sound, the song carries a deeper meaning, connected to Kento’s own experiences.
In the music video’s description, Kento shares, “I created this to get into the habit of sending out a SOS every day. It’s a very tough thing, but I believe that taking a step forward, remembering the bad things, and crying loudly enough for people around to notice, is a good job.
Accompanied by the popular “Giri Giri Dance,” the song features various hidden messages, sparking extensive analysis on social media.
One notable detail is the signal and phrase heard in the intro and throughout the song: “・・・ ー ー ー ・・・” (dot-dot-dot dash-dash-dash dot-dot-dot), which resembles the SOS in Morse code.
Additionally, the foreign-sounding words in the intro, when played in reverse, reveal the message “結局はね 優しささえあればいいとは思うんです” (“Ultimately, I think all you need is kindness.”)
Various interpretations, whether confirmed or speculative, have further contributed to the song’s viral power and popularity.
What is Kocchi no Kento’s first anime song?
“Kekka Orai” (けっかおーらい) is the opening theme song for My Hero Academia: Vigilantes. This marks Kocchi no Kento’s first anime opening and collaboration with an anime series.
“I’ve always loved the original work and have been reading it for a long time,” Kento stated in his official comment. When it was confirmed that he would be composing the song, he shared, “I was filled with gratitude for being chosen.”
Kento expressed how fortunate he feels to “walk alongside the protagonist, Koichi Haimawari.” He described “Kekka Orai” as a song he takes great confidence in.
Is Kocchi no Kento related to Suda Masaki?
Kocchi no Kento is the younger brother of famous actor and artist Suda Masaki, whom he is very close to.
Kento has commonly expressed how he is a huge fan of his brother (including in his About section on YouTube). He has also shared that his brother’s music has influenced him as an artist.
Follow Kocchi no Kento
As Kocchi no Kento’s popularity grows internationally, he’s expressed his happiness at the global reception. From adding subtitles to creating an English versions of his hit songs, he’s made efforts to engage with his global fans.
Follow his exciting journey through the links below.
Check out other artist profiles and articles on utatune.
