Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama's career is marked by critical acclaim and cultural impact rather than a shelf full of trophies. Her debut album Sawayama was named one of the best albums of 2020 by numerous publications, and its success helped her break into the mainstream. Her sophomore album Hold the Girl made history by debuting at number three on the UK charts, the highest placement ever for a Japanese artist.She has also been recognized for her advocacy, particularly for LGBTQ+ rights, and was named one of Vogue Japan's "Women of the Year" in 2019. Her ability to blend genres and challenge norms has made her a critical darling, even if awards have been slower to follow.