Ado[α] (born October 24, 2002) is a Japanese singer. In 2020, at the age of 17, she made her debut with the digital single titled "Usseewa", which peaked at number 1 onBillboard Japan Hot 100,[4]Oricon Digital Singles Chart, and the Oricon Streaming Chart.[5] The song reached 100 million plays onBillboard Japan within 17 weeks of charting, which was the sixth fastest in history and made her the youngest to achieve the milestone as a solo singer.[6][7][8] In 2022, her song "New Genesis" was used as the theme song for the anime filmOne Piece Film: Red and toppedApple Music's Global Top 100 charts.
She is represented by the artist management companyCloud Nine [ja].[9]
Ado was born on October 24, 2002, inTokyo, Japan.[9][8]
In 2014, Ado took an interest in music after software for the video-sharing websiteNiconico was released on theNintendo 3DS. She began watching videos on the small screen of the handheld game console, and was impressed bycover singers on Niconico who sang without showing their faces.[11]
In 2017, Ado began singing as anutaite (an internet cover singer) on Niconico, beginning with uploading a video of herself singing a cover of "Kimi no Taion" on January 10, 2017.[12] OnNippon TV, she said that during the time she was anutaite singer, she covered her closet in soundproofing material that she bought online and recorded in, as seen in the cover art to herUtattemita Album.[13]
In 2019, she featured in Kujira's digital single "Kinmokusei", which was released on December 23, 2019.[14] A couple months later, she featured as a vocalist in a digital single "Shikabanēze" byJon-Yakitory, which was released on March 29, 2020.[15] In May 2020, she participated inPony Canyon's compilation albumPalette4. She recorded two songs for the album, "Call Boy" by Syudou and "Taema Naku Ai iro" by Shishi Shishi.[16]
On October 15, 2020, Ado announced that she would make her debut withUniversal Music Japan sublabelVirgin Music.[17] On October 23, the day before her 18th birthday, she released her debut single "Usseewa" written byVocaloid producer Syudou.[6] The music video, released on her YouTube channel, reached 5 million views by November 14.[18] On December 10, 2020, "Usseewa" ranked number 1 onSpotify Viral 50 Japan. On December 24, she released her second single "Readymade" written by Vocaloid producer Surii, as a digital release.[19]
By January 23, 2021, "Usseewa" had reached 40 million views on YouTube,[20] and on February 3, 2021, it ranked number 1 on bothOricon Digital Singles Chart and Oricon Streaming Chart.[5] On February 14, she released her third single, "Gira Gira", written by Vocaloid producer teniwoha, as a digital release.[21] Four days later on February 18, the number of subscribers on her YouTube channel exceeded 1 million.[22] On March 15, 2021, "Usseewa" reached number one on theBillboard Japan Hot 100,[4][23] and on March 20, the music video on YouTube reached 100 million views, 148 days after its release.[7] On March 29, "Usseewa" reached 100 million plays on theBillboard Japan Streaming Songs chart after 17 weeks from its initial debut, which was the sixth fastest in history and the youngest for a solo singer.[6][8] On April 27, 2021, Ado released her fourth single "Odo", which was used in an NHK show aboutVocaloid producers.[24]
On June 11, 2021, she was chosen as the second Japanese female artist for "YouTube's Artist on the Rise".[25] On June 14, 2021, she released her fifth single, "Yoru no Pierrot". Her sixth single "Aitakute" was released on August 12.
In October, Ado announced her debut studio album,Kyōgen. Released on January 26, 2022,Kyōgen sold over 140,000 physical copies in its first week, a first for a female artist sinceSuperfly's 2008self titled debut album.[26][27] Debuting at number one on both theBillboard Japan Hot Albums chart and the Oricon Albums chart, Ado become the first woman to have a debut album peak at number one on its first week on Japanese charts sinceMiwa's 2011 studio album,Guitarissimo.[26]
On June 8, 2022, the cast for the Japanese animated filmOne Piece Film: Red was revealed. Amongst the cast, Ado was revealed as the singing voice actress for the character Uta whileKaori Nazuka reprised her role for Uta's non-singing parts. On the same day, Ado released "New Genesis", the image song for the film. "New Genesis" was a commercial success on various charts, peaking at number one on the Japan Hot 100 and number 20 on theBillboard Global 200.[28][29] On Apple Music, Ado became the first artist to have a Japanese song top their Global Top 100 chart.[30] She released another song, "I'm Invincible" two weeks later, which eventually peaked at number two on the Japan Hot 100 and number three on the Oricon Combined Singles chart.[31][32] In August, Ado released the soundtrack albumUta's Songs: One Piece Film Red. The album later became a global success on various charts.[33] On Japanese charts, Ado become the first artist to occupy the top three rankings of theBillboard Japan Hot 100 with "New Genesis", "I'm Invincible" and "Backlight" respectively. She later broke her own record, having five songs from the album chart in the top 5 of the Japan Hot 100.[34] On the Oricon charts, Ado became the first artist in Oricon history to have five songs chart in the top 5 of the Streaming chart.[35] Following this, Ado signed withGeffen Records to distribute the album worldwide.[36]
Near the end of 2022, Ado released the singles "Rebellion" and "Missing". From December 2022 to January 2023, she embarked on her first tour in Japan, the Mirage tour.[37] From June 2023 to September 2023, Ado embarked on her second tour, Mars, which lasted for 14 shows in 11 different locations across Japan.[38] On August 3, 2023, Ado was featured on the Japanese version of "Unforgiven" byLe Sserafim andNile Rodgers.[39] In September 2023, Ado released "Show", commissioned byUniversal Studios Japan to promote their Halloween event,Halloween Horror Nights. "Show" became a commercial success, becoming her third number-one single. In October 2023, she released "Kura Kura" which was used as the opening theme of thesecond season of anime adaptation ofSpy × Family.[40] Ado announced her first world tour, "Wish", on her 21st birthday; it lasted from February to April 2024.
On April 27 and 28, 2024, Ado held two solo live performances called "Shinzou (心臓,shinzou)" at theJapan National Stadium, becoming the first solo female artist to do so.[41]
On June 26, 2024, the idol groupPhantom Siita, which Ado produced, made their debut with the single "Otomodachi".[42]
In July 2024, Ado released her second studio album,Zanmu. Preceded by 14 singles, the album debuted at number one on both the Oricon andBillboard Japan charts.Zanmu became Ado's fourth consecutive number one album on the Japan Hot Albums chart and her second number one album on the Oricon Albums chart.
In October 2024, Ado announced her second world tour, theHibana World Tour, taking place from April to August 2025 across multiple continents.[43]
In February 2025, it was announced that Ado would take part in the tribute compilation albumMeikyo: Tribute to Akina Nakamori, which includes her cover of Nakamori's 1984's single "Jukkai (1984)".[45] In addition, she was also appointed as a brand ambassador forGeorgia Coffee. Her song "Bouquet for Me" was featured as the commercial theme song, and she also participated in the commercial as the narrator.[46]
In July 2025, Ado was ranked as the most-streamed Japanese artist outside of Japan in Spotify's mid-year rankings, with nearly 80% of her streams coming from outside of Japan. It marked the first time she topped the category, endingYoasobi's four-year streak in the position.[47]
On July 10, Ado announced that she will be having her first-ever dome tour, Yodaka, to wrap up her 5th debut anniversary with shows in Japan big cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.[48]
On July 28, Ado announced that she would provide the theme song forThe Silent Service: The Great Sea Battle of the Arctic Ocean, "The Story of the Wind and I", with lyrics byHiroji Miyamoto and arrangement byMafumafu.[49]
In a press release on August 25, Ado's staff revealed she would provide the theme song for the Japanese original net animation reboot ofCat's Eye, "Magic", with lyrics and music by Vocaloid producer Tsumiki.[50] She will also provide the ending theme, a cover ofAnri's "Cat's Eye", which was originally used as the first opening theme of the 1983 anime adaptation.
Ado's earliest musical influence was Vocaloid music, which she discovered during her early childhood.[51][52] CitingHatsune Miku as her biggest influence,[53] she discussed withNME that "Vocaloid really is who I am. It's all of me."[54] In an interview withCollider, Ado cited American rock bandKiss and British rock bandQueen as one of her early influences.[55]
Ado's discography spans J-pop, rock, dance and electronic genres.The First Times reported her being able to "sing a wide range of genres, from rock, electronic, ballads and hip-hop".[56] Described as anutaite artist,[57] Ado's debut album,Kyōgen, primarily has been described by journalists as a J-pop and rock record with "electro numbers".[58] Kylie Northover ofThe Sydney Morning Herald detailed Ado's debut single "Usseewa" as a "punk-influenced song".[59] Northover noted that "Part of Ado's appeal is that she traverses the musical gamut from punk vitriol to softly sung balladry – sometimes in one song."[59] On her soundtrack albumUta's Songs: One Piece Film Red, Ado explored synth-pop sounds with "New Genesis",[60] while on "Fleeting Lullaby", she explored rapping.[61]
Having not shared any personal information of herself, little is known about Ado. In a 2024 interview withThe Guardian, Ado explained her decision to not show her face is tied with the Vocaloid scene and for more focus on her artistry.[52]
^Sources for chart positions are as follows:"Usseewa",[83] "Readymade",[83] "Gira Gira",[84] "Odo",[85] "Yoru no Pierrot",[86] "Aitakute",[87] "Asura-chan",[88] "Eien no Akuruhi",[89] "I'm Invincible",[90] "New Genesis" + "Backlight" + "Fleeting Lullaby",[91] "I'm Invincible",[90] "Rebellion",[92] "Missing",[93] "I'm a Controversy",[94] "Ibara",[95] "Himawari",[96] "Show" and "Dignity",[97] "Kura Kura",[98] "All Night Radio",[99] "Unravel",[100] "Chocolat Cadabra",[101] "Value",[102] "Mirror",[103] "Rule",[104] "Shoka",[105] "Sakura Biyori and Time Machine",[106] "Episode X",[107] "Elf",[108] "Bouquet for Me",[109] "The Story of the Wind and I",[110] "Magic"[111]
^"Mirror" did not enter the Oricon Combined Singles chart, but peaked at number 8 on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart.[144]
^"Rule" did not enter the Oricon Combined Singles chart, but peaked at number 12 on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart.[146]
^"Episode X" did not enter the Oricon Combined Singles chart, but peaked at number 3 on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart.[148]
^Sources for chart positions are as follows:"Kokoro to iu Na no Fukakai",[151] "Senbonzakura",[152] "Buriki no Dance",[153] "Rockstar",[154] "Charles",[155] "Cat's Eye"[156]
^"Senbonzakura" did not enter the Oricon Combined Singles chart, but peaked at number 11 on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart.[159]
^Sources for chart positions are as follows:"Tot Musica" + "The World's Continuation" + "Where the Wind Blows" + "Binks' Sake",[170]
^"Domestic de Violence" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 64 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[171]
^"Fireworks" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 63 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[171]
^"Kagakushu" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 98 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[171]
^"Motherland" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 76 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[171]
^"Crime and Punishment" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 41 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[176]
^"Dried Flowers" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 19 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[176]
^"God-ish" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 47 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[176]
^"God-ish" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 27 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[176]
^"Kazari ja Nai no yo Namida wa" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 40 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[176]
^"Villain" did not enter theBillboard Japan Hot 100 chart, but peaked at number 98 on theBillboard Japan Download Songs chart.[176]
^ab"Ado、「うっせぇわ」MV&ストリーミング再生回数W1億回を5ヵ月で突破 LINEスタンプも配信(CDジャーナル)" [Ado breaks through with "Usseewa" music video & streaming plays exceed 100 million in 5 months LINE stamps are also distributed (CD journal)].Yahoo! News (in Japanese). Archived fromthe original on November 30, 2021. RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^abc"Ado「うっせぇわ」すっげえわ!サブスク再生1億回突破 世代超えた社会現象に" [Ado "Usseewa"! exceeded 100 million plays and becomes social phenomena beyond generations].The Microsoft Network. RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^"「うっせぇわ」特設ページ" [Usseewa special page].Universal Music Japan (in Japanese). RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^Ado (January 10, 2017)."【初投稿】君の体温 歌ってみた【Adovance】" [[First upload] I sang "Kimi no taion" [Adovance]].Niconico. RetrievedMarch 3, 2021.
^"放送内容 | バズリズム02 | 日本テレビ" [Broadcast contents | Buzz Rhythm 02 |Nippon TV]. February 13, 2021. Archived fromthe original on February 13, 2021. RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^"くじら、「金木犀 (feat. Ado)」を配信開始" [Kujira's "Kinmokusei (feat. Ado)" now available].THE MAGAZINE (in Japanese). RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^"Ado迎えたjon-YAKITORY「シカバネーゼ」バイラル好調 "やり場のない心情"を描いた現代のミクスチャーロック" [jon-YAKITORY welcomed Ado in "Shikabanese" Viral strong performance Modern mixture rock depicting "unfocused emotions"].Real Sound (in Japanese). June 16, 2020. RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^"Ado、17歳最後の日にメジャーデビュー" [Ado, music debut on last day of age 17.].BARKS (in Japanese). October 15, 2020. RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^編集部."18歳シンガーAdo、デビュー曲「うっせぇわ」500万再生突破" [17-year-old singer ado, debut song "Usseewa" exceeds 5 million views].MusicVoice (in Japanese). Archived fromthe original on December 17, 2020. RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^編集部."女子高生シンガーAdo、新曲「レディメイド」12月24日にリリース" [High school girl singer Ado, new song "Readymade" released on December 24].MusicVoice (in Japanese). Archived fromthe original on December 19, 2020. RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^""てにをは"が手掛ける 新曲「ギラギラ」を2月14日"バレンタインデー"に配信リリース!" [New song "Gira Gira", digitally released on Valentine's day February 14, aided by Teniwoha].Universal Music Japan (in Japanese). February 8, 2021. RetrievedApril 2, 2021.
^"B'zがAdoに楽曲提供、コラボ曲「DIGNITY」が「沈黙の艦隊」主題歌に" [B'z provides music to Ado, collaboration song "DIGNITY" becomes theme song for "Chinmoku no Kantai"].Barks (in Japanese). July 20, 2023. RetrievedSeptember 10, 2023.
^"Adoの歌ってみた「unravel」が今夜ついに、「オールナイトニッポン」でフル尺オンエア" [Ado's Utattemita cover of "Unravel" will finally be aired in full length tonight on "All Night Nippon"].Music Natalie (in Japanese). November 13, 2023. RetrievedNovember 15, 2023.
^"Ado"歌ってみた"アルバムより日向電工「ブリキノダンス」先行配信決定、MV公開も" [Hyuga Denko's "Buriki no Dance" from Ado's "Utattemita" album will be distributed in advance, and the MV will also be released].Natalie Music (in Japanese). November 27, 2023. RetrievedNovember 29, 2023.
^"Adoの新曲「ロックスター」MV公開、「ベストアドバム」の全曲クロスフェード動画も（動画あり）" [Ado's new song "ROCKSTAR" music video released, plus cross-fade videos of all the songs on "Best Adobum"].Natalie (in Japanese). RetrievedApril 10, 2025.
^"「レコード大賞」各賞発表!リーダーズ、ミセス、Ado、NewJeans、JO1、ビーファら大賞候補に" [Japan Record Awards awards announced! Leaders, Mrs. Green Apple, Ado, NewJeans, JO1, Beefa and others are nominated for the grand prize.].Natalie Music (in Japanese). November 22, 2023. RetrievedDecember 13, 2023.
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