Despite the setbacks, Hitoto was a top student, and was admitted to the prestigious Keio University, where she joined an a capella group called K.O.E. ("koe" is the Japanese word for voice), performing on the streets of Tokyo and honing her vocal chops.
Hitoto began to write and perform with other artists shortly thereafter and in October 2002 released her debut single "Morai Naki" to an enthusiatic reaction from the marketplace.
Despite her age, Hitoto's writing style and vocal delivery were exceptionally mature, and immediately won her a range of fans much wider than the typical J-pop idol.
