Something happened to J-pop in 1998. Along came two singers, Misia and UA, to blow away preconceptions of the disposable J-pop aidoru with their four-octave, soulful voices and strong persona.

Hailing from Fukuoka in Kyushu, Misia (pronounced "Miisha") came out of nowhere in 1998 with her debut Mother Father Brother Sister. Boasting an impressive vocal range and a commanding presence which belied her petite, 40kg physique, Misia was everywhere that year on the strengths of the singles "Never Gonna Cry" and "Tsutsumikomu You Ni."

The 22-year-old Misia also played astutely to the desires of young Japanese teenagers for stronger role models than the J-pop world had been supplying. In a testament to her appeal, Mother Father Brother Sister went on to sell over two million copies.

Staying in the limelight, Misia released mini-album The Glory Day later in 1998, and followed it with Love Is The Message in 1999, and Everything in 2000.

Hikaru Utada came along in 1999 to steal the limelight, but in many ways Misia had set the template for the new generation of R&B-influenced young Japanese singers. J-pop would never be the same again.

Misia plays the Nihon Budokan on November 29-30. See listings for details.