Kahimi Karie

The Profile

Kahimi Karie is a Japanese singer associated with the Shibuya-kei movement. Born Mari Hiki, she became known for breathy, multilingual vocals and collaborations with key scene figures such as Cornelius and Momus. Active since the 1990s, she has released acclaimed albums across pop, electronic, and ambient-leaning styles.

Stage name of Mari Hiki; Japanese Shibuya-kei singer active since the 1990s; known for multilingual recordings (Japanese, French, English) and collaborations with Cornelius and Momus; notable releases include Larme de crocodile, Trapéziste, and It’s Here; known in Italy for the single Giapponese a Roma.

Two DeBaser reviews paint Kahimi Karie as a whispery, shape-shifting icon: minimalist purity on It’s Here and eclectic French-sung experiments on Trapéziste. One review frames her stage name as pure sound and idea; the other recalls the cult-trash hit Una Giapponese a Roma. Overall sentiment is appreciative, celebrating her subtlety and personality.