Any other artists like Akiko?

i don't think i found anyone which sounds like akiko...yes there are notable dojin/anime artists/groups but they don't sound like her at all..too unqiue? :P

I wonder.
I mean, so far she's the only one I've known which sing songs like that. I was thinking of KOKIA or RURUTIA... I thought of Haruka Shimotsuki, but isn't Haruka's songs sound more like... what, folksongs? XD

Yes, Shikata-san is very unique! *__* Kajiura Yuki has the most similar sound, I think. But, if we were to go by music category I could list a few songs that sound Akiko-ish.

Kajiura-sensei, huh? that is possible. Kajiura-sensei is the first Japanese composer I ever adore.

their music.. are both unique. that's where they are similar, I suppose. XD

what artists would you recommend, Frisk?

i have been listening to kalafina..but still not the right feeling?

Kalafina, no, I guess. their songs are composed by Kajiura-sensei. I still think that they are different. I mean, Kajiura-sensei doesn't use so many vocal layers on her songs... I think she used choir when necessary. unlike Akiko who does the 'choir' part all by herself.

Yes, they do have quite a different feel. But, are very similar in a way.
Artist recommend:
Hatsuki Yura (Especially her album Gothika ～赤羊音戯箱～) - She has a very gothic feel. Chiaki Ishikawa, and Sound Horizon.
edit: I just realized it sounded like I was saying these artist were Akiko-like. They also have their own unique sound also although a few songs may sound Akiko-ish. A lot of Chiaki Ishikawa songs style resembles Mahoraba's and Utakata no Hana (nice melody and single vocals). Sound Horizon songs tell a story much like many Shikata's works for Ar Tonelico.

Akiko-ish Songs:
Almost the whole MESSIAH Paranoia∞Paradox OST (BL) album. At the beginning sacrifice ～傀儡～ reminds me a little of the Utau Oka songs. And, the others (not all) remind me of the instrumental songs on her Hanakisou albums.

encounter+
ユークリッド (Has a little medieval feel to it and uses back vocals)

paul dinletir
lost memories
Raks Africa (reminds me of ee wassa sos yehar a little with the opening chants)

Yuuki Mizusawa - Reminds me of songs like Haruka Naru Tabiji, Kiseki, and kinkanshoku. Although they're not as dramatic.
cascade [album](Has a very medieval and folk feeling)

Groove Addicts (Michael Nielsen and Kaveh Cohen) - These reminded me of songs like EXEC_HARMONIUS/. and METHOD_REPLEKIA/. because they're so dramatic and epic.
Wages of Sin (I love this song!)
The Covenant

That's really all I could think of. Hope it helps!

omg thanks alot! shall go try out those you recommend :P

wow, nice list. will try them out when I have the time. thanks a lot, Frisk!

I'd say Noriko Mitose is somewhat alike Akiko's folk-ish songs. I'd say RURUTIA too, but that's just a long shot. she gave me the same 'feel' as Akiko would IMO.

Try Jack or Jive:

Four Seasons
I will wait

Yuki Kajiura, ALI Project, Chiaki Ishikawa, FictionJunction, Hitomi Kuroishi...

I wouldnt say ALI PROJECT, but I guess I can see how they resembles each other. the image?

Yup, like what had been mentioned, Kuroishi Hitomi and Rurutia
I have a few other recommendations... but not sure if it's what you want~ maybe you would like to give Dargaard, Narsilion (aka Aranmanoth/ Ordo Funebris)a try~

Here are some of Narsilion's songs~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7316cVNvyO0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8KNMU18M40

Yup. ALI Project is like the "Dark Akiko"...? xD

A couple of days ago my dad asked me to download this song for him, and after listening to it I couldn't help, but be reminded of Luna piena, Contrasto, and other such songs.

Hijo de la luna
The original sung live.
Hijo de la luna (metal version)
A cover done by Stravaganzza a Spanish metal band.
Peftei to Feggari (hijo de la luna) by Eleni Dimou
The above link is of a Greek cover done by Eleni Dimou.
song.Hijode la luna (Sarah Brightman)
Sarah Brightman also does a cover of this, and it pretty much stays true to the original.

*There are a whole bunch more covers, but I have yet to listen to them, so I'm uneasy to name all of them.

That's a beautiful song Frisk~ Each version has its own unique charm. The original is beautiful. Stravaganzza's version gave a more airy and mysterious feeling while Sarah Brightman's rendition has a more feminine touch with a sense of ethereal lightness~

ENYA! =)

Some songs and music by Kuroyuri Shimai (also known as Juri et Lisa) may sound a little like Akiko.
They do a lot of Neo-classical songs.

Hoshi no Hitomi
All Things are Quite Silent
Blue Forest

The funny thing is, in the last link, Umineko no Naku Koro ni ~Rengoku~ is in the suggested videos.

call me crazy, but I keep seeing Akiko in this woman I don't even know why

Spoiler:

Oh my gosh, her voice. It's so... I don't know how to describe it in English. ^^"

it's in Sanskrit btw, that one. there's a Mandarin version but I like that one better for no apparent reason.

maybe the ethnic influences that reminds me of Shikata.

Ah, that explains the weird language. The song is not too bad, but I couldn't stand her voice, I'm sorry.