Kaf (花譜, stylized as KAF) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and virtual YouTuber represented by Kamitsubaki Studio. She is active on YouTube where she uploads original songs as well as covers of J-Pop and Vocaloid songs.
Kaf's avatar was created by the character designer Palow,[3] who continues to oversee updates to her costumes and new designs. For her first 3 albums she worked with Vocaloid Producer Iori Kanzaki as the primary composer.[4] In 2021 she started a side project to her solo work entitled "Suite" in which she would work with artists across various genres. In 2022 she became the first VTuber to perform at the Nippon Budokan.[5]
She is also a member of the virtual singer group V.W.P -Virtual Witch Phenomenon- alongside other members of the Kamitsubaki Studio label, Phenomenon Record. She provided the voice model for CeVIO AI Song's voicebank KAFU, released in July 2021.
History
2017–2018: discovery and early career
When KAF was 13 years old, around 2017, she would upload cover songs to a karaoke app which caught the attention of Japanese producer Piedpiper.[6][7] Due to her location and age it took some time for him to connect with her, but their first recording session together surprised the managers and engineers who were present.[8]: 86
Kaf opened her YouTube channel on October 17, 2018,[9] and uploaded her first video (a short clip of her humming the melody to her future release Hinadori (雛鳥, "Chicks")) on October 18. That December she uploaded her first original song Ito (糸, "Intertwined")[4] which ranked 3rd in the J-Pop and 9th in the overall charts on ITunes.[10] On December 31 she would make her live performance debut with her participation in the New Year's Eve VR singing contest event "Count0".[11] Her performance of Ito (糸, "Intertwined") as the final act of the event would contribute to a sizable increase in her following.[12]
On February 1, 2019 Kaf announced a temporary hiatus to focus on her high school entrance exams.[13] She ended the hiatus on March 20, 2019[14] and released the new song Hinadori (雛鳥, "Chicks").[4]
2019–2022: Fukakai era
On May 15, 2019 she released her first EP, Hana to Shinzō (花と心臓, "Flower & Heart"), followed shortly after with the opening of a Campfire crowdfunding campaign to raise money for her first one-man live. The campaign would raise more than 40 million yen from over 4000 backers, surpassing the 5 million yen goal[15] The concert, titled Fukakai, was held on August 1 at LIQUIDROOM Ebisu and available to watch live at select movie theaters and karaoke shops.[16]
Her song Yoru ga Furiyamu Mae ni (夜が降り止む前に, "Before The Night Falls") was selected as the theme for the movie Hot Gimmick: Girl Meets Boy,[17] released on June 28, 2019. Kaf's first full-length album, Kansoku (観測, "Observation"), was released on September 11, 2019. The album was released in 2 formats, designated α and β with their own original artowork and bonus items in special packaging,[18] a trend which would continue for her following albums. A remix album titled Kansoku γ (観測γ, "Observation ɣ") was released in December featuring contributions from other members of Kamitsubaki Studio and several guest remixers.
On March 14, 2020 Kaf released a YouTube video debuting a new outfit and hairstyle to represent a new period in her career.[19] The follow up to her first one-man live, Fukakai (Re), was held on March 23, 2020 and adjusted to take place in an empty venue while livestreamed on 4 platforms including Niconico Live and YouTube Live for a fee as a result of Covid-19.[20] In April her song Answer (アンサー) was used as the 11th ending theme to the TV anime series Black Clover.[6] That same month she participated in the ZONe Energy IMMERSIVE SONG PROJECT with the song ABnormal (危ノーマル). Both songs would later be released on her 2nd EP and 2nd album.
On July 22, 2020 her 2nd EP, titled Hana to Kaitou (花と解答, "Flower & Answer"), was released. The title for this EP was decided in consultation with her producer, Iori Kanzaki, with the hope that the listener would be able to feel the "answer" in the various meanings of the songs.[6] Kaf stated that during the recording of Flower & Answer she could feel her personal growth as a result of starting voice training, noting that she felt her voice had changed and that she better grasps how to control its tone and resonance.[6] On September 23, 2020 she would release a collaboration song with Kizuna AI titled Karisome (かりそめ, "Transient") as part of a joint single titled Ai to Hana (愛と花, "Love & Flower"). Her second full-length album, Mahō (魔法, "Magic"), was released on November 25, 2020 with a remix album to follow in December 2021.
Kaf's 3rd one-man live show, titled Fukakai 2 Q2, was held on March 13, 2021 at the virtual venue PANDORA. This concert was broadcast for free on YouTube Live,[21] and during the show the group V.W.P -Virtual Witch Phenomenon- was announced with Kaf as a member.[22] In May 2021 she provided an insert song for the anime film Pompo: The Cinéphile, titled Tatoeba (例えば, "For Example").[23]
After a delay due to survey feedback in late 2020, the CeVIO AI voicebank KAFU was released using Kaf as the voice model was released on July 7, 2021.[24] On October 18, 2021 Kaf celebrated her third anniversary. To commemorate the event she announced and started the Kumikyoku (組曲, "Suite") project on October 27 of the same year.[25] The project was stated to culminate with 15 songs created in collaboration with major label artists from the Japanese music industry, released over an extended period of time.[26]
On March 26, 2022 a special one-man live was held to commemorate her high school graduation.[27] On the same day she announced she would begin hosting her own radio program, titled Panpa ka KAFi R (ぱんぱかカフぃR), which broadcasts on InterFM.[28] On August 24, 2022 Kaf held her 3rd one-man live concert, Fukakai 3 (Mad), at the Nippon Budokan marking the first time a VTuber had performed at the venue.[5] In September 2022 she opened her membership driven YouTube channel, focused on monthly livestreams where she interacts with her fans in real time. In October 2022 the MAISONdes collaboration song Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous feat. Kaf, Tsumiki (トウキョウ・シャンディ・ランデヴ feat. 花譜, ツミキ) was released as the ending theme to the Urusei Yatsura (2022 TV series), and would amass more than 100 million plays across streaming services. In 2022 Kaf was also selected as one of Forbes Japan 30 Under 30 in the entertainment category.[29]
2023–present: departure of Iori Kanzaki and expanded activities
On March 8, 2023 Kaf's 3rd full-length album, Kyoso (狂想, "Crazy For You"), was released. This album would be the final time Iori Kanzaki would act as Kaf's primary composer.[30] In August she would participate in YouTube Music Weekend alongside other Japanese artists, with promotions featuring her prominently appearing in New York City's Times Square.[31] On November 1, 2023 an official English language Kaf information X account was launched[32] alongside her first English language interview.[33][34]
January 3, 2024 marked the end of the Kumikyoku (組曲, "Suite") series with its 15th release, Ai no Mama (愛のまま, "Still in Love") with Shigeru Kishida.[35] On January 14, 2024 Kaf held her 4th one-man live "Kaika" as part of the 2-day "Kamitsubaki Yoyogi Wars" event at Yoyogi National Gymnasium.[36] During the event she announced a new singer-songwriter project under the name Kaika and performed the first songs from this project.[37] Her 4th album, being called Guuwa (寓話, "Fable"), was also announced alongside a second series of Kumikyoku (組曲, "Suite") songs, and the upcoming release of her 3rd remix album, Kyoso γ (狂想γ, "Crazy For You ɣ").[38][39]
On February 28, 2024 Kaf kicked off Kumikyoku 2 (組曲 2, "Suite Round 2") with the new single and music video Gimme Gimme Tōhikō feat. #KTchan (Prod. peko) (ギミギミ逃避行 feat.#KTちゃん(Prod. peko), "Gimi Gimi Flight feat. #KT-chan (Prod. peko)").[40] On April 24, 2024 the first single from the Kaika project, titled Kaika (かいか), along with a music video that features footage of her performance at Yoyogi National Gymnasium earlier in the year.[41] In May Kaf began a series of weekly English Q&A videos on X called "Kaf's Worldwide Observations"[42] as a means to communicate with her international fans.[43] Also in May, she released her first new song since the departure of Kanzaki Iori, Gestalt (ゲシュタルト) produced by Jazzin' Park.[44][45]
On June 21, 2024 Kaf's YouTube reached 1 million subscribers, which she celebrated by holding a livestream event to catch the occurrence live while interacting with fans.[46] On August 8, 2024 the first trailer for a new anime series called Kamitsubaki City Under Construction was released, which will feature Kaf's debut as a voice actor playing a character based on herself. The series is scheduled to release in 2025.[47]
On October 12, 2024 Kaf announced her 4th album Guuwa (寓話, "Fable") to be released on December 25, 2024. Simultaneously, she announced her first English-language release Answer (English Ver.) self-covering her 2020 release of the same title, releasing on October 23, 2024.[48] On November 3, 2024, Kaf performed a revamped version of her 4th one-man live under the title "Re: Kaika" at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan.[49] During the event, Kaf announced two new releases in the Kumikyoku 2 (組曲 2, "Suite Round 2") series, collaborating with Hoshimachi Suisei and Moe Shop.[50][51]
Numa ni Hamatte Kite Mita "Nummer Sonic 2021 ~Tōtoki Seishun Revenge" (沼にハマってきいてみた「ヌマーソニック2021 ～尊き青春リベンジ～」, Wading into The Swamp "Nummer Sonic 2021 ~Revenge of Our Precious Youth")[75]
^ ab"バーチャルシンガー花譜、そのキャラクターデザインの誕生秘話。パーカーに宿る"怪物"の意味" [The story behind the creation of the character design for the virtual singer Kaf. The meaning of the "monster" that dwells inside the hoodie]. TVer Plus (in Japanese). January 1, 2021. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
^ abc"花譜、ひとりの少女が世界規模のVシンガーになるまでの成長譚 プロデューサーの言葉と振り返る3年の軌跡" [Kaf, the story of a girl's growth into a world-famous V-Singer: Words from the producer and a look back at her 3-year journey]. Real Sound (in Japanese). October 22, 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
^ abcd"次世代型バーチャルシンガー・花譜が放つ音楽とは――2nd E.P.「花と解答」から紐解く" [What is the music released by the next generation virtual singer KAF—from her 2nd E.P. “Flower & Answer"]. Fanplus Music (in Japanese). August 7, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
^"15歳のバーチャルシンガー・花譜に急接近。彼女は今、何を思うのか。17の質問で迫る特別メールインタビュー!" [We get up close and personal with 15-year old singer Kaf. What is she thinking now? A special 17 question email interview!]. Rockin'on (in Japanese). November 5, 2019. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
^"中学生でバーチャルシンガーに。花譜が経験した「わたしの拡張」とは？PIEDPIPER×佐久間洋司" [Becoming a Virtual Singer in Junior High School. What is the “expansion of me” experienced by KAF? PIEDPIPER x Yoji Sakuma]. CINRA (in Japanese). January 30, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
^"花譜"3つの初恋"を儚い歌声で彩るバーチャルシンガー" [KAF's "3 First Loves" – A Virtual Singer that colors with her voice]. Natalie Music (in Japanese). July 3, 2019. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
^"花譜 #52「深化」" [Kaf #52 "Deepening"]. YouTube (in Japanese). March 14, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2024.
^ ab"花譜 1st ONE-MAN LIVE「不可解（再）」コロナウィルスの影響で公演中止となったライブを無観客ライブ配信へ" [Kaf 1st One-Man Live "Fukakai (Re)" Live Performance Canceled Due to the Coronavirus Will Be Livestreamed Without an Audience]. Guidoor Media (in Japanese). March 23, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
^ ab"花譜 2nd ONE-MAN LIVE「不可解弐Q2」全編無料配信決定！" [KAF 2nd ONE-MAN LIVE “FUKAKAI 2 Q2” will be distributed for free in its entirety!]. MoguLive (in Japanese). February 12, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
^"花譜ライブシリーズ『不可解』や新ユニットV.W.Pの根幹にある"創作への情熱" ＜KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO＞統合Pインタビュー" [The “Passion for Creation” that lies at the root of the KAF Live Series “FUKAKAI” and the new unit V.W.P. ＜KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO＞Interview with Producer]. Real Sound (in Japanese). June 10, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
^"バーチャルシンガー花譜の音楽的同位体「可不(KAFU)」7/7発売開始" [Virtual singer Kaf's musical isotope "Kafu" will be released on July 7th]. Ototoy (in Japanese). July 6, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
^"リアルのアーティスト&コンポーザーを中心としたコラボレーション企画「組曲」始動。" [Start of "Kumikyoku", a collaboration project featuring real artists & composers]. Kamitsubaki Studio (in Japanese). October 27, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
^"花譜3周年記念の10大プロジェクト始動！第1弾でGLIM SPANKY、大森靖子、佐倉綾音ら15組とコラボ" [10 major projects to celebrate Kaf's 3rd anniversary have begun! The first project will feature collaborations with 15 artists including Glim Spanky, Seiko Oomori, and Ayane Sakura]. Natalie Music (in Japanese). October 18, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
^ ab"Vシンガー花譜、高校卒業記念スペシャル配信ライブを開催 初の冠ラジオ番組決定＆3rdワンマンライブも発表" [V-singer Kaf to hold a special live stream to commemorate her high school graduation. First radio show and 3rd one-man live concert announced.]. Panora (in Japanese). March 26, 2022. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
^"【2022年4月新番組】『ぱんぱかカフぃR（上京編）』" [[New Program for April 2022] "Panpa ka KAFi R (Kamikyo version)"]. InterFM (in Japanese). March 26, 2022. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
^"花譜、東京ゲゲゲイとのコラボ曲 「メイドインあたし」配信リリース 3rdアルバム『狂想』も同日発売" [Kaf releases collaboration song with Tokyo Gegegay "Made in Atashi", and releases 3rd album "Kyoso" on the same day]. Real Sound (in Japanese). March 8, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
^"「神椿代々木決戦二〇二四」ありがとうございました" [Thank You “KAMITSUBAKI YOYOGI WARS 2024”!]. Note (in Japanese). January 15, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
^"花譜、バーチャルシンガーソングライター"廻花"始動 4thワンマン『怪歌』で8つの新情報を公開" [KAF Launches Singer-Songwriter Project "KAIKA" – 8 Announcements From KAF's 4th One-Man Live Show]. Real Sound (in Japanese). January 14, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
^"TVアニメ『神椿市建設中。』ティザーPV｜二〇二五年放送開始！" [TV anime "Kamitsubaki City Under Construction" teaser PV Broadcast starts in 2025!]. YouTube (in Japanese). August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
^"花譜ワンマンライブ「不可解」1万字レポート なぜ彼女はVTuberライブの特異点となれたのか？" [10,000-word report on KAF's one-man live “FUKAKAI” How did she become the singularity of VTuber live performances?]. Panora (in Japanese). August 5, 2019. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
^"VRイベント「FAVRIC」 ニコニコプレミアム限定で全編視聴が可能に" [VR event “FAVRIC” Full-length viewing available exclusively on Nico Nico Premium.]. MoguLive (in Japanese). September 25, 2019. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
^"花譜 カバー曲ライブ「アイスクリームライブ」開催日決定！ YouTubeで配信" [KAF Announces Dates for "I SCREAM LIVE" Cover Live Show, Streaming on YouTube]. MoguLive (in Japanese). June 11, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
^"花譜ワンマンライブ「不可解弐 REBUILDING」1万字レポート 激動のコロナ禍に花咲いた魔法のライブ" [Report on KAF's one-man live “FUKAKAI 2 REBUILDING” A magical live performance that blossomed in the turbulent Corona Pandemic]. Panora (in Japanese). June 20, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
^"カンザキイオリ、"不器用な男"の生涯をステージで表現した初ライブ" [Iori Kanzaki's first live performance expresses the life of a “clumsy man” on stage.]. Natalie Music (in Japanese). July 27, 2021. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
^"【花譜】STREAMING COVER LIVE「アイスクリームライブ2」開催！" [[Kaf] Streaming Cover Live "I Scream Live 2" To Be Held!]. Kamitsubaki News (in Japanese). January 18, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
^"BS日テレ、キズナアイがMCの特別番組『のとく番～アイは世界を繋ぐ～2019』を12月1日に放送" [BS Nippon TV will broadcast a special program hosted by Kizuna AI called "Notokuban ~Ai Connect The World~ 2019" on December 1st]. VRon Web Media (in Japanese). November 1, 2019. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
^ abcdefghij"花譜のTV出演情報" [Kaf's TV Appearance Information]. Oricon (in Japanese). January 2024. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
