A popular male singer-songwriter in Japanese music

NIGHT DANCERimase

【imase】NIGHT DANCER（MV）

Imase is an up-and-coming R&B singer-songwriter who began producing music self-taught.

His sound is defined by a vocal style that skillfully switches between a rich low chest voice and a soaring falsetto.

He made his major debut in December 2021 and achieved a massive hit on TikTok with over 500 million total views.

His total plays on social media have surpassed 1.1 billion, and he has even charted in the TOP 100 on Korea’s platform MelOn, earning popularity that crosses borders.

In December 2023, he won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards—an achievement reached in just three years since starting his music career.

In 2024, he embarked on an Asia tour, with tickets selling out instantly.

With catchy melodies and solid chops as a track maker, he’s a highly recommended artist for those looking to discover new music through social media.

Bunny GirlAKASAKI

[AKASAKI] Bunny Girl (Lyric Video)

AKASAKI, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter from Aichi Prefecture, is gaining attention as a high school artist.

Known for lyrics that resonate with listeners of his generation and addictive melodies, he has been winning popularity.

Debuting in April 2024, he focuses his activities on TikTok and is known for producing music using digital audio workstations.

His videos posted on social media have racked up explosive view counts, further establishing his presence as a talented young artist.

He was selected as the Monthly Artist for October 2024 in Buzz Tracker, a joint artist support program by TikTok and Spotify, and was also the only artist chosen for Shibuya Trend Research’s “High School Trend Top 10.” With his clear-toned voice and delicate vocal expression, expectations are high for him to bring a fresh breeze to the contemporary J-pop scene.

ADVISEARARE

ARARE – ADVISE (unofficial)

First, I want you to listen to this without saying anything.

Doesn’t that vaguely nostalgic sound and twinge of guilt make your chest tighten? An anthem I want to dedicate to every adult.

Despite the gentle voice, the message has real backbone—you won’t be able to help but feel your heart tremble.

Drink, drink, paradiseCHOP STICK

CHOP STICK / Drink, Drink Paradise

If you master this song, any slip-ups at a drinking party should be forgiven! His tracks—he’s known for the color yellow—are mostly dance tunes that make you want to move and lift your spirits no matter which one you listen to.

One thing I want to emphasize is that you’ll definitely get his appeal more if you go see him live.

Because I’ll be yours aloneGACKT

GACKT - Because I’ll Be Yours Alone

It was released in 2016 as GACKT’s 47th single.

The song was used as the opening theme for the UHF anime Anime no Me series TRICKSTER: From Edogawa Ranpo’s The Boy Detectives.

It’s a ballad that starts with GACKT’s a cappella vocals, and it was the only single GACKT released in 2016.

MY DREAMHISATOMI

HISATOMI / MY DREAM (STEP UP RIDDIM) 【MV】

Once you hear this sweet, sweet voice, no explanation will be necessary.

Entranced by it, countless artists keep sending love calls his way.

Even artists in the R&B scene are asking him to feature.

I want you to listen to his own tracks as well as the songs by the many artists from different genres he’s involved with.

You’ll appreciate HISATOMI even more.

contrarianJ-REXXX feat. RAM HEAD, APOLLO, Kotobuki-kun, THUNDER, TRIGGER, TOP RUNNER

Contrarian / J-REXXX feat. RAM HEAD, APOLLO, Kotobuki-kun, THUNDER, TRIGGER (KYO Tora)

A cheeky music video and a track bursting with the artists’ free-spirited, distinctive color.

Once you hear it, it’s so addictive you’ll feel brainwashed and want to play it over and over.

The pre- and post-scenes in the MV are strangely rewatchable once they hit your sweet spot.

A top-tier song crafted by the Osaka reggae collective and J-REXX.