Introduction to Yoasobi
The popularity of J-Pop in the USA has been on the rise, and acts like Yoasobi have successfully built a fan base. Yoasobi, a Japanese duo consisting of producer Ayase and singer-songwriter Ikura, has toured the United States, performing at large crowds at Coachella and Lollapalooza. They recently returned to LA for Matsuri’25, a concert that brought Japanese acts to the global stage, where they performed alongside Ado and Atarashii Gakko!.
Unique Concept and Global Appeal
Yoasobi’s popularity can be attributed to their unique concept of creating music based on novels. The duo’s music process involves reading the original story, thinking about how to turn it into a song, and then creating the melody, orchestra, and lyrics. When asked if they address anything specifically for a global audience, Ayase replied that their originality in turning novels into music is a major draw, especially with the rise of anime and manga in overseas markets.
Creative Process and Inspiration
Ayase explained that their creative process involves entering other people’s shoes, which helps them become more personally creative. He stated that while he tells his own experiences through the songs, he also shares the perspectives of the protagonists in the texts. This merging of ideas and thoughts from different people creates a chemical reaction that inspires their music. Ikura added that performing in the USA, especially at festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza, has been an extremely fun experience, showing them the potential that J-Pop has for the future.
Performing in the USA
Yoasobi’s performances in the USA have been well-received, with the duo noting that the audience’s engagement has been unparalleled. Ikura mentioned that their show at Matsuri’25 in LA was a wonderful experience, with all the J-Pop artists coming together to deliver music to the world. Ayase hopes that this is not just a one-time event but rather a continuous effort to create great music for the world.
Artist Perception and Future Goals
When asked how they hope to be seen as artists, Ikura replied that it’s easy to comment on how they want to be perceived, but it’s another thing when considering how people actually see them. Ayase added that their motto is to keep a sense of playfulness, as implied by the name "Yoasobi," which means "play" in Japanese. They want to create things that they enjoy and have fun with, while also pushing the boundaries of what has never been done before in J-Pop. Their goal is to continue to challenge their predecessors and create new experiences for their audience.
