KAF and Suisei Hoshimachi stand at the forefront of a new era for Japanese pop. Both exist as virtual artists, showing how one’s self can shine in a digital world. KAF uses an avatar to express her achingly human voice and feelings, while Hoshimachi stands as one of the world’s biggest “virtual YouTubers”, developing very real connections with her fans through her personality and song.
Now, they've come together on 'SWAY' to celebrate this world they’ve helped create, and point towards even more thrilling frontiers ahead. Fitting for this long-awaited collaboration, the track finds the pair singing about the new reality they represent as virtual artists.
The giddy sounds propelling the duo forward comes courtesy of Mabe Shuichi, a former member of the beloved and cryptic band Soutaiseiriron. 'SWAY' features his signature ability to craft distinctly modern melodies that nod to older Japanese pop.
The accompanying video finds the two virtual acts hanging out and dancing around the real streets of Tokyo, further blurring the lines between the online and the IRL.
KAF and Hoshimachi first performed 'SWAY' at the former’s recent sold-out Re: KAIKA concert at Makuhari Messe Event Hall, just outside of Tokyo. That show was another landmark in a busy year for the virtual singer, which saw her host a similarly grand show in Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Gymnasium back in January. On top of releasing many new collaborations and an EP, KAF will share her fourth album Fable on 25 December.
Hoshimachi also enjoyed a massive year, highlighted by her single 'BIBBIDIBA' being one of the year’s biggest J-pop hits. In 2025, she will release a new album and join KAF in becoming one of the first virtual artists to perform at the historic Nippon Budokan venue in Tokyo. KAF is also set appear as a special guest at Hoshimachi’s live show in Osaka on 10 December.
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