Dazzling lights, flamboyant outfits, flashy dancing, and smile that could melt wax.

For years this formula has been used to produce successful female stars in the Japanese pop scene. After all, who wouldn't die from Koda Kumi's sexiness, Otsuka Ai's cuteness, or BoA's bangin' dance moves. After all, of us, including myself, are guilty for saying such lines as “Amuro Namie looks so hot in her new video,” or “I can't get enough of Ito Yuna's smile.” The aforementioned formula has definitely proved very successful over the years, “manufacturing” the image of the female pop star that we know today.

But can there be a female artist who doesn't have to rely on shakin' what their mama gave them for a chance to be heard? An artist who doesn't have to wear glossy make up and colorful dresses on stage to attract fans' attentions? For fifteen years strong, Miss Asada Kaori has been proving that “manufactured” pop stars aren't dominant in the pop scene, strumming her guitar and melting hearts as Bonnie Pink.

So who is Bonnie Pink? Wait...you mean you haven't heard of her? Ah, so she's one of those names who you swear you've heard before, but don't know where. Indeed, she was that girl who sang theme songs for different anime series' such as Rurouni Kenshin, Gantz, and Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor. She was also that girl who you saw and heard in the film Memories of Matsuko. Does the name ring a bell yet? Cleverly, she has a song called “Ring a Bell” on the soundtrack of the video game Tales of Vesperia. And how could we forget, she was that girl on the M-Flo Loves song “Love Song”. Right about now, her image should be slowly coming through to your mind. It's an image of a girl who does not wear a skimpy dress, but a simple outfit that sweet, everyday girls would wear. However, her soothing sweet voice is all that is needed to capture your attention even if you are not watching.

Bonnie Pink was born in 1973 in Kyoto, Japan. Yes folks, that means she will be 37 years old this year. Now, you might be thinking 'Oh man...I don't want to listen to an obaasan's music.' But just wait and give her a listen. Her voice hits you hard enough (or soft enough, depending on how you look at it) to make you question if that number marked as her age is real or not. As for me, the image I have in mind every time I listen to Bonnie Pink's voice is...well there are a couple, actually. When she serenades me with her ballads, it's like a flame burning in a fireplace; its embracing warmth envelopes me and makes me forget about the storm outside. When she rocks her toe-tappers, it becomes the cool spring wind; the kind I roll my windows down to welcome on those long drives.

Since her childhood days, Bonnie Pink has been fascinated with English music (she speaks fluently, folks!). She has often said that she listened to more English music than Japanese. Even the first record she purchased with her own money was Prince's “Purple Rain.” Other artists she would rock to were The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, U2, James Taylor...definitely a lot to mention! Her love for overseas music has taken her to collaborate with producers all over the world, from New York's Mitchell Froom to Sweden's Tore Johanssen. Hell, she even collaborated with Sir George Martin! Now, how many other Japanese pop artists can say that they they worked with legends who produced talents like The Cardigans and The Beatles?

A more recent collaboration would be with UK R&B artist Craig David. David, who at the time was releasing his Greatest Hits CD, was so impressed by Bonnie Pink's music that he proposed a duet, re-recording his hit single “All The Way.” It was because of this collaboration that Craig David was inspired to, for every country his CD would be released in, include a duet with a selected artist of that country as a bonus track. Oooo imagine the fan's outbursts when they heard that their favorites Crystal Kay or Utada Hikaru were not chosen for this special opportunity. But those fans of mainstream manufactured starlets just did not know. Even listening to the track now, Bonnie Pink's easy-going vocals sync beautifully to David's, backed by the gentle head-bobbing mood set by the music.

Growing up singing in choir and playing piano, in addition to guitar, Bonnie Pink shares her music with us in ways other pop stars do not.

Does she rely on good looks and a kawaii smile?

I think not. Come to think of it, she seldom smiles in her music videos. If anything, other than her calm, mellow face, her smiles are real subtle and not as bright as other J-pop starlets. But indeed, her music does the smiling on her behalf.

Does she rely on hot back-up dancers?

Nope. But believe me when I say that you might be the one who ends up dancing, whether it be with your feet or your heart.

Does she rely on scandalous clothing or super-colorful outfits?

Definitely not. She's the quiet girl next door. The supportive oneesan. The sweet girl you can fall in love with.

Most of all, her modesty shines through her music. Bonnie Pink has said that her aim as an artist is not to be famous or to make a name for herself, but to enjoy and share her music to the world. Since her debut, she has held the 'down-to-earth' look without bending to the demand of the current trends.

If I had the extremely hard job of choosing a favorite CD of Bonnie Pink's, it would be Present, released in early 2003. “Tonight, the Night” was the only single from this CD, but the album represents perfectly who Bonnie Pink is. It is also the album that introduced me to Bonnie Pink. Upon hearing it, I was baffled that there was a Japanese artist whose name did not rhyme with Otada Fukaru that used (good) English in their work. With downtempo tracks like “Need You” and “Present”, to uplifting ones like “Chronic Vertigo” and “Wildflower”, her music has an amazing ability to tap into listeners' senses of happiness and sadness and use them to mentally create beautiful paintings.

Jazz. Blues. Rock. Pop. Blend them together and splash some Pink on top. Not exactly belonging to one of those genres, yet all belonging to her. A Japanese artist who has already made more accomplishments internationally that many Japanese pop stars can only dream about. At the same time, she has a modest attitude and creates music solely for the love of it. That is Bonnie Pink.

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Bonnie Pink's live performance of "Tonight's the Night" in Okinawa:

Bonnie Pink's "A Perfect Sky" MV:

Bonnie Pink's "Anything for you" MV:

Bonnie Pink's "Love Song" collaboration with M-flo MV:

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