The Genesis of Onshoku Kenbi: Where Beauty Meets Melody
Born from the prestigious ‘BEST OF MISS’ platform, ‘Onshoku Kenbi’ (meaning ‘sound and beauty combined’) is more than just a vocal group; it’s a multifaceted sound and visual creative team. This project aims to transcend genre boundaries by fusing ‘music x beauty x storytelling,’ delivering fresh artistic expressions both domestically and internationally. The vocal team, officially launched in June 2025, is spearheaded by two exceptional vocalists who rose through the ranks of BEST OF MISS: Kaya Tsuruda and Shion Aoyagi.
“Shining Planet”: A Dual-Language Journey to Self-Discovery
Their debut single, ‘Shining Planet,’ is an ambitious work that portrays an ‘identical worldview’ across its Japanese and English renditions. It is crafted to inspire ‘everyone who believes in their own light and steps out into the world.’ The Japanese version offers delicate emotional expression and lyricism, while the English version focuses on a global scale and universality, truly embodying Onshoku Kenbi’s vision of ‘music that connects with the world.’ The track features a dramatic composition that evokes cinematic imagery, grounded in classical vocal techniques while maintaining a catchy pop sensibility. This is the first chapter of their “world-standard vocal project.”
Meet the Voices Behind Onshoku Kenbi
Kaya Tsuruda
Kaya Tsuruda, a graduate of Tokyo College of Music’s opera program, brings a rich background in musical theater and opera. Her multifaceted talents extend to acting and modeling, notably as Miss Universe Japan 2024 Kanagawa representative. Tsuruda shares her excitement: “This is Onshoku Kenbi’s memorable first release! I composed this song myself for the Miss Planet competition, envisioning the strong, beautiful, and dignified figures of the girls shining brightly on stage. Please listen to both the Japanese and English versions; you’ll find subtle differences in the melodies. I hope this song helps you shine in your everyday life, as if it were your own stage!”
Shion Aoyagi
Shion Aoyagi, currently studying at Tokyo College of Music, achieved global recognition as the Lady Universe 2024 World Grand Prix winner. Her career began early, gaining attention from a TV documentary about her Annie 2013 audition. Aoyagi’s powerful expressive range is evident in her roles, including playing the male lead in the musical ‘The Star.’ Aoyagi expresses her gratitude: “I am so happy and grateful to have reached this memorable first release as Onshoku Kenbi. ‘Shining Planet’ is a sparkling song where you can feel the thoughts and dreams of each person shining like a star. I hope this song encourages everyone who listens to realize their own brilliance and take a positive step forward. I wish for this song, filled with many emotions, to reach your hearts and gently support you.”
BEST OF MISS: A Gateway to Global Pageants
BEST OF MISS is Japan’s premier unified beauty pageant platform, serving as a significant gateway for selecting national representatives for several global competitions, including the prestigious Miss Universe Japan, Miss Planet Japan, and Miss University Japan. This platform is renowned for evaluating women comprehensively on their beauty, intellect, social awareness, communication skills, and human potential, aiming to select representatives who can truly thrive on the world stage. It’s often referred to as a ‘life-changing pageant’ due to its intensive training in walking, public speaking, and self-branding, fostering not just external beauty but also internal growth and social contribution.
Release Information
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Artist Name: Onshoku Kenbi (Onshoku Kenbi) by BEST OF MISS
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Titles:
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『シャイニングプラネット 〜日本語ver〜』
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『Shining Planet 〜English ver〜』
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Release Date: January 18, 2026 (Sunday)
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Distribution Platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, LINE MUSIC, Amazon Music, and more
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Format: Digital single (simultaneous release)
The Future of Kawaii Culture Abroad
The launch of ‘Onshoku Kenbi’ and their globally-minded single ‘Shining Planet’ marks an exciting evolution in how Japanese entertainment, particularly the ‘Kawaii’ aesthetic and its associated pursuit of beauty and self-expression, is presented to the international stage. By merging the rigorous standards of beauty pageants with high-caliber musical artistry and dual-language releases, Onshoku Kenbi is not only showcasing exceptional talent but also redefining the scope of Japanese idol and vocal projects. This initiative promises to open new avenues for cultural exchange, allowing a broader audience to experience the depth and versatility of Japanese female artists, potentially inspiring a new wave of global admiration for Japan’s unique blend of beauty, music, and aspiration.
