Legendary Japanese musician, producer, and composer Haruomi Hosono has marked his 79th birthday with the release of his new single, 'Note of Mothership', offering the first glimpse into his forthcoming album, Yours Sincerely.
Due 11 September via Ghostly International, Yours Sincerely will be Hosono's 23rd studio album and his first collection of new material in more than seven years. The release continues a career that has spanned over five decades, with the pioneering artist remaining one of Japan's most influential musical figures through his work as a founding member of Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra, as well as his extensive solo catalogue.
Accompanying the single is a visualiser centred on Dr. Tanuki, a raccoon dog character who quietly observes living organisms through microscopes and magnifying glasses. The understated visuals mirror the reflective spirit of the song, which explores Hosono's long-standing fascination with the maternal force that embraces the Earth and humanity.
Speaking about the inspiration behind 'Note of Mothership', Hosono shared that he has spent the past several years contemplating the idea of a universal maternal presence. He explained that experiences such as natural disasters and global pandemics led him to reflect on compassion, empathy, and the dormant instincts that connect people beyond the individual.
The themes continue throughout Yours Sincerely, an album shaped over two years and inspired by Hosono's search for an English word that could capture Japanese concepts such as omoiyari, jihi, and boseiai. Rather than settling on "compassion", he ultimately chose the familiar sign-off "Sincerely" as the album's title, believing it best conveyed the warmth and sincerity he hoped to express.
Following the album's release, Hosono will embark on The Yours Sincerely Tour across North America, including headline performances at New York's Radio City Music Hall and Los Angeles' Greek Theatre—his first US shows in seven years—with Toro y Moi joining as support.
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