I actually been in listen to Kumiko since Secret,but still that was Feburary 2005.I've known of her since '03 though,1000 no kotoba and real Emotion of course.I had a problem with her voice at one point,but it didn't take be long to realize that she not forcing it to sound that way for her image.I felt Koda near enough credit when Affection came out.But considering that "Affection" hit the chart in what was a great year for Avex already,it wasn't gonna get much hype.She was a new artist,Do as Infinity was kickin' ass with Deep Forest and Namie dropped two new singles within "Affection" charting which didn't help it at all.But having said that doesn't mean she didn't have a fanbase by time "Grow with me" was out."Affection" wasn't actually a debut either,she did "The meaning of Peace" with BoA for 9/11 already.I'd figured that would have set he off well enough but nope.I think it's the whole R&B thing with Japan.I don't know too many artists in J-R&B that have more than one #1 singles.You may thing ppl just started liking Koda but it's really the media just starting to spotlight Koko.Her voice my be not as expecting to you if you haven't heaard her talk naturally.It's arguabley the sexiest thing you can possibly hear.And yes it's enough to make be spell that word that bad.I actually find Hikki's voice to be almost as sexy but is techinally a better singer.I rather not compare,I look to each of them for different stylings.