Primed to make waves around the globe this year, acclaimed Japanese singer, songwriter, Fujii Kaze shares a brand-new single entitled 'Hachikō'. It heralds the arrival of his anxiously awaited third full-length studio album, Prema, out September 5.
About the release, Kaze said, “It all started with a bit of playfulness. Tobias Jesso Jr. suggested we try a song with Japanese in it. He said "What was the name of that dog at Shibuya?" and I said, "uh...Hachiko?". And Sir Nolan made the beat on the spot. Years later, I watched the movie The Tale of Hachikō to finish the song. The melody and lyrics came naturally after that."
"I had never written a song to a beat before, so it was a whole new experience for me. Finally, I worked with producer 250 to further refine it. Hachiko, a loyal dog, waited for his deceased owner for 10 years at the station every day, and they finally got to see each other in heaven. Rather than focusing on the tragic sides of the story, the song highlights its joy and peace. This song is about the power of loyalty and, it seems also about my fans who have been patiently waiting for my third album. Ha!”
Expanding his sound once more, 'Hachikō' laces primarily English lyrics with Japanese phrases, bringing bilingual energy to the tune. Neon keys accent the stomp of a head-nodding drumbeat, while bassline struts across the path of a disco-ready track. Buoyed by shimmering synths, it culminates on a gloriously catchy chorus, “You've been patiently waiting for me.” It has all the makings of an international banger.
The upcoming album contains nine songs including 'Hachikō'.
- 'Casket Girl'
- 'I Need U Back'
- 'Hachikō'
- 'Love Like This'
- 'Prema'
- 'It Ain't Over'
- 'You'
- 'Okay, Goodbye'
- 'Forever Young'
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