aile (el)
Singer/Songwriter
Born in Gifu, Japan. She made her major debut with BMG JAPAN in 2002, releasing two albums and three singles.
In 2004, she moved to the United States alone. She immersed herself in Black music and culture in Harlem, NY,
and later studied Jazz vocals—including scat—and music theory at a music college in Los Angeles.
During this time, she collaborated with various musicians through demo production and jam sessions,
while actively developing her original compositions and deepening her musical identity.
In 2015, health issues and pregnancy led her to step away from music.
In 2021, she was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer with lymph node metastasis.
After undergoing a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation—and continuing hormone therapy—
she spent her treatment period reflecting deeply on the meaning of life and the power of music.
Wishing to become a source of hope for those facing hardship, she returned to the stage in June of the following year,
beginning with her appearance at the Rising Japan Music Fest.
Since then, she has performed the national anthems of both Japan and the United States at numerous official events,
including Cedars-Sinai, Coming of Age ceremonies, Utah Nihon Matsuri, Grassroots Judo Winter Nationals,
and breast cancer charity judo tournaments.
Released in October 2024, “Inochi wo Kasanete,” a song dedicated to a young man who passed away from ALS,
was selected as the official theme song of Japan Film Festival 2025, where she performed it live at the festival’s Welcome Party.
In August 2025, she held her first solo concert in ten years, “My Calling”, to great success.
In November 2025, she received Fiscal Sponsorship approval from Fractured Atlas,
a major U.S. nonprofit supporting the arts—recognition of the cultural and social value of her work.
Beginning December 2025, she will serve as an instructor for “GiNX,” an online educational project
supporting children in her hometown of Gifu.
She continues to sing with the hope that her music may gently accompany someone’s heart and carry her voice into the future.
Currently writing essays on note.com
