YAO are back with new music.
The collaborative project comprising Awich, CHICO CARLITO, ONE OK ROCK, and Paledusk released their second single, 'FOR OKINAWA', on 4 September.
Born from conversations between the members during the production process, 'FOR OKINAWA' explores Okinawa's history and culture, as well as the lasting scars of its past. Okinawa natives Awich and CHICO CARLITO shared stories about their homeland and the realities faced by those who continue to carry its history.
Their perspectives resonated with the rest of YAO, including ONE OK ROCK's Taka. The Tokyo-born musician came to share their desire for peace and determination to preserve Okinawa's cultural heritage, giving the collective a common purpose behind the track.
For 'FOR OKINAWA', Taka also challenged himself to create a melody unlike anything he had attempted before. The song brings together the members' distinct backgrounds, experiences, and roots around their shared message.
YAO takes its name and inspiration from the Japanese concept of Yaoyorozu, the belief that countless spirits exist in all things. Through the project, the four acts bring together perspectives from hip-hop, rock, mainstream, and underground music in pursuit of new forms of artistic expression.
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