Akino Arai, born 新居 昭乃 on August 21, 1959, in Tokyo, is a Japanese singer-songwriter known for her extensive contributions to the anime film industry. After graduating from university, she joined Victor Music Entertainment and released her debut single "約束" ("Yakusoku") in 1986, which was used as an insert song for the anime Windaria. Her first album, 懐かしい未来 (Natsukashii Mirai), followed later that year. In 1988, Akino Arai left her agency and continued to release notable singles such as "風と鳥と空〜reincarnation〜" ("Kaze to Tori to Sora ~reincarnation~") in 1992, which was featured in the anime Record of Lodoss War. She also contributed songs to Please Save My Earth and sang "Voices" for the OVA Macross Plus, where she provided the singing voice for characters Myung Fang Lone and Sharon Apple. Her first compilation album, 空の森 (Sora no Mori), was released in 1997. Throughout her career, Akino Arai has collaborated with various artists, including Tomoko Tane, Yuri Shiratori, and Yayoi Yula. She performed at numerous conventions, music festivals, and clubs, celebrating her 20th anniversary with the compilation album sora no uta in 2005 and touring Europe in 2006. Akino Arai's work includes contributions to anime series such as Outlaw Star, Tokyo Underground, and Spice and Wolf II. In 2012, she released the albums Red Planet and Blue Planet, both of which peaked at number 3 on the Japanese chars. Little Piano Plus followed in 2016.
