Kona Rose, born in New York, began her journey in Tokyo at the age of 4, where she spent the formative years of her life. Raised by her Japanese mother and grandfather, she navigated the challenges of being the only black girl in her Japanese community, using music as a means to find her voice and establish a personal sanctuary. Returning to the States at 15, she faced the challenge once again of being seen as an outsider. Her musical journey kicked off at 16 when she became a guest jazz vocalist at Japan's renowned Blues Alley. From performing at sports events, concert venues, and clubs in Tokyo and the US to creating her original works, Kona seamlessly fused her diverse experiences into captivating music. Currently based in Tokyo since 2020, Kona draws from her deeply rooted Japanese heritage and multicultural background to craft her upcoming EP, "MATSURI," set to release at the top of the year.