Mariko Goto, born on February 22, 1982 in Osaka, is a Japanese singer-songwriter and actress best known as the former vocalist and guitarist of the experimental rock band Midori. Originally from Osaka, she began her music career in 2001 with the band Usagi, later forming Midori in 2003. Known for her intense performances and genre-blending style, Goto gained cult status in Japan’s indie scene. Midori disbanded in 2010, after which she pursued solo work and various collaborative projects, ranging from free jazz to theatrical performances. In 2012, she launched her solo career with the album 299792458 under DefSTAR Records. Her artistry extended beyond music into acting, including a starring role in the 2013 drama Taberu Dake. The show's ending theme, ”sound of me"(2013), marked a high point in her crossover success, blending her raw vocal energy with emotional introspection. That same year, she released her second solo album m@u. Known for her DIY ethos and confrontational style, Goto has gone through multiple creative identities, including DJ Mariko Goto and her acoustic violence pop alias. In 2023, she released the single "Ai to Kemono" and continues to push boundaries with her bold, genre-defying work.
