Kaori Kozai, born on February 28, 1967, in Tokushima Prefecture, is a prolific Japanese enka singer known for her deep, resonant voice and expressive performances that have captivated audiences for over three decades. She began her music career in the 1980s and quickly established herself within the genre, a style of Japanese music that blends traditional and modern sentimental balladry. Kozai's singing journey was marked by early success, which led to her lasting acclaim in the enka music scene.

Celebrating her 35th year in the industry, Kaori Kozai released the commemorative album "35周年ベストアルバム〜澪標〜" showcasing her enduring talent and the depth of her musical repertoire. The title "澪標" or "Mio-tsukushi" refers to channel buoys or markers used to guide ships, symbolically alluding to how her music has guided listeners through the years. Her works, including the raw emotional power of "恋街しぐれ" and the touching nostalgia of "契り酒," resonate with the timeless themes of love, longing, and the human experience. With a discography that includes "口紅模様" and "香西かおり全曲集2019," Kozai remains a beloved figure in enka, appealing to a wide range of fans and renewing their love for traditional Japanese music with each release.