Check Out Chizuko’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chizuko.

Hi Chizuko, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
**Chizuko** is a Bay Area–born R&B/J-Pop artist, actress, singer, songwriter, pianist, vocal producer, and dancer whose work blends raw emotion, real-life experiences, and striking performances. With over 14 years in the entertainment industry, her sound fuses the depth of R&B with elements of pop and hip-hop, shaped by her African American and Japanese roots and her formal training at Oakland School for the Arts, CalArts (BFA in Vocal Performance), and Millennium Dance Complex.

Before music became her primary focus, Chizuko began her journey as a **competitive dancer and cheerleader**, developing a love for performance from an early age. At 12, she discovered her desire to become a singer after being inspired by shows and artists she grew up watching, including *Hannah Montana* and *The Cheetah Girls*. She began singing in church and serving in ministry, where she continued developing her voice and discovered the power of using music as a form of expression and connection. Chizuko knew Gos

Her passion for the arts eventually led her to **Oakland School for the Arts**, a middle and high school dedicated to developing young creatives. While there, she continued expanding her artistry and joined the school’s a cappella team. She later attended **CalArts**, earning a BFA in Vocal Performance and further developing her skills as a vocalist and performer.

As Chizuko continued creating, she began consistently sharing her music and performances across Instagram and social media. Her online presence eventually caught the attention of entertainment industry professionals, networks, and artists, leading to her **first sync placement on a Snapchat series**. That opportunity became a turning point, opening the door for her to write, record, and create music for television, streaming platforms, and digital media.

Her music has since been featured in television shows including *Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard* (theme song), *Love & Hip Hop Miami*, *Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls*, *The Jennifer Hudson Show*, *OWN’s Family & Fiancé*, and Netflix’s *Siesta Key: Miami*. She has opened for Michael Minelli and Chris Travis on tour, collaborated with major artists including Kehlani and Coldplay, and contributed as a songwriter to Jordin Sparks’ #1 album *No Restrictions*, which received Grammy consideration. Chizuko has also performed at New York and Los Angeles Fashion Weeks.

Expanding her artistry into theater and film, Chizuko has appeared in projects including *Love & Circumstances* and *S.T.U.D.*, as well as starring in the lead role of “Melody” in the film *Mid City Dreamers*. She has also had the opportunity to work under the direction of Justin Charles, Chuck Penland, and Dr. Venus.

Beyond her work as an artist, Chizuko is a skilled educator and community advocate. She founded **Chi to the Streets**, an initiative dedicated to uplifting underserved communities through music, mentorship, and performance opportunities.

At the heart of Chizuko’s artistry is a belief that music, dance, and acting are more than entertainment—they are ways to tell stories, connect with people, and remind others that their dreams are possible. What began with a young girl watching her favorite performers on television has grown into a multidimensional career built around creativity, perseverance, and the courage to keep pursuing the dream.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been far from easy. I’ve experienced broken promises, misplaced trust, and moments when others tried to convince me to become someone I wasn’t. Losing some of my family members like my Obaachan (Grandma) and my cousin who also was a rapper (C Profit) & more along the way and I pray I’m making them proud in heaven because I feel like they should’ve been here with me. Those experiences ultimately strengthened my sense of identity and taught me to stand firmly in who I am, both as an artist and as a person.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My name is **Chizuko**, and I’m a Black and Japanese R&B/J-Pop artist, actress, singer, songwriter, dancer, and pianist. My artistry is rooted in music, dance, and acting, allowing me to express myself through multiple forms of storytelling. I also read music and sing in both English and Japanese, which gives me the opportunity to celebrate and share both sides of my heritage with audiences around the world.

One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to represent my cultures through my music and create something that allows people to experience both my Black and Japanese influences. I’m also incredibly proud of my songwriting contribution to **Jordin Sparks’ #1 album, *No Restrictions***—an experience that was truly unforgettable and meaningful to me as a songwriter and artist.

I’m especially excited about my upcoming project, ** *Inner Chi* **, where I bring together English and Japanese within the worlds of R&B and pop. The project is deeply personal and tells the story of a young woman who navigates trials, tribulations, and experiences that challenge her sense of identity. Along the way, she loses her confidence, but ultimately finds her way back to herself.

*Inner Chi* represents that journey of rediscovering who you are after life has tried to convince you otherwise. Through my music, I want to encourage people to reclaim their confidence, trust God, embrace their individuality, and rediscover their own sense of self-worth. At its core, *Inner Chi* is about finding your inner strength and having the courage to become fully yourself.

The reason I sing in Japanese is because of my **Obaachan, my grandmother**. She was the first person to introduce me to enka music, and she and my Auntie Reko would teach me songs like *Sakura Sakura*. Some of my earliest memories of connecting with my Japanese culture came from those moments with them. Before my Obaachan passed away from dementia, she told me to always stay true to who I am, continue singing, and keep learning Japanese. Those words have stayed with me throughout my journey, and now I have a full album that brings together both languages I speak, English and Japanese. Being able to honor her memory and the culture she introduced me to through my music is incredibly special to me.

My mom has been a huge part of my journey and has supported me every step of the way. We’ve even built a company together called **TalentHub Online**, where I’m an ambassador. TalentHub Online is a platform that helps creatives build their professional profiles, websites, and merch stores while connecting them with opportunities to showcase and grow their talents. Being able to create something with my mom that not only supports my career but also gives other creatives opportunities is something I’m really proud of.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My Favorite Childhood memory is when my Obaachan (Grandma) and I were together before she passed and she was teaching me how to make origami.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chizukomusic.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chizukomusic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chizukomusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Chizukomusic
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/chizuko/1500879596

Image Credits
Daniel Sinoca, – red outfit
Clifton Alexander, – Black leather and gold outfit near silver lights
Toshi Romata, Long hair red flower to the side black and sliver outfits
Maddison Flóra, – Yellow Outfit
Reach LA, – first photo looking up white outfit
Seth Gordon and mr.rubbersole – Gold and white outfit with kimono