Hailing from Osaka, Ayaka has captured attention across the Japanese archipelago thanks to her slow-burning ballads—the sort of tunes that can make everyday moments feel like monumental accomplishments. She's been ever-present on Japanese music charts, and her songs have served as themes for many popular TV shows, which is appropriate, given how dramatic her skyward numbers sound. Powered by her soaring voice and a layer of strings and piano, Ayaka's music aims to inspire in any setting.