Beni

Beni Arashiro (安良城 紅) is a Japanese R&B singer, who debuted in 2004 under the Avex Trax label.

She was initially best known for her 2004 single "Here Alone," though later singles after her move to Universal (such as "Mō Ichi do..." with Dohzi-T, "Mō Nido to..." and "Kiss Kiss Kiss") have surpassed this initial hit.

Born in Okinawa, she moved to San Diego, California and then Yokohama.

Her mother is Japanese and her father is American of European descent.

She was influenced by Namie Amuro, Alicia Keys and her father's favorite singer Janet Jackson.

She graduated from Nile C. Kinnick High School in Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan.

She majored in Sociology at Sophia University.

From a young age she wanted to become a singer and because of her musical parents she took up piano.

Because her parents were living overseas she was traveling between Japan and America a lot which exposed her to both Japanese as well as overseas music.

When she was in Japan she participated in the Kokuminteki Bishōjo Contest the largest talent contest.

She made it all the way to the finals.

This was quite special since she had no formal training.

When her demotape was seen by Avex Trax they were so impressed by her clear voice, natural beauty, and English pronunciation that they decided to sign her to the label and prepare her for a debut.

She became a member of Bishōjo Club 31.

Beni was the first from the group to pursue a solo career while being active as a member of the group.

Her first solo single named "Harmony" was released on June 9, 2004.

The song "Harmony" was a theme song for the Japanese drama Reikan Bus Guide Jikenbo.

Her second single named "Infinite..." showcased a different side of Beni.

The song had a more R&B tune and Beni showed dance skills in the music video.

The song "Infinite..."

was also an intro song for the music TV program Count Down TV in October 2004.

Her third single, released November 25, was "Here Alone" from which the leading song was the ending song for the popular Japanese drama Kurokawa no Techo.

Although the single wasn't a hit, the song itself was a hit.

A few months after "Here Alone", an album named Beni and single named "Miracle" were released on February 9, 2005.

Although the single charted low, the album was well received because of the variations in music styles and vocal range.

Two months later, on February 22, 2006 (a year after debut album Beni), her second album named Girl 2 Lady was released.

The album was promoted by the 2nd KOSE VISEE CM song "FLASH" which was a digital release.

The album however reached the No. 87 spot on the Oricon.

Shortly after the release, she started playing in an Andrew Lloyd Webber play named The Beautiful Game in Japan.

In 2008, Arashiro left Avex Trax and transferred to Nayutawave Records under Universal Music Japan where she started to perform as simply Beni (stylized as BENI).

After her album release, she won at the 19th Japan Gold Disc Awards the title "New Artist of the Year".

Because of her popularity, she got a contract with KOSE to promote KOSE's new VISE line of makeup.

In the first official CM her new single song was promoted named "Hikari no Kazu dake Glamorous".

The single also included a cover of Christina Milian's "Call Me, Beep Me!" which is the theme song for Disney's popular animated series, Kim Possible.

The music video was not only promoted in the US, but also in 68 counties worldwide.

However the single charted at the No. 40 place on the Oricon chart.

She also became the face of Glico confectionery.

Nearly 6 months later, her 6th single "Cherish" was released.

The leading song "Cherish" served as theme song for NTV's Ongaku Senshi MUSIC FIGHTER and POWER PLAY.

The B-side song named "Goal" was used as the third ending theme song for Eyeshield 21.