J-pop star Fujii Kaze was ‘burned out’ until he came to L.A. and found a musical breakthrough

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At the outset, Fujii Kaze appears rather reserved, but as time passes and he grows more at ease, there’s a hint of Jack Sparrow in his humorous idiosyncrasies and pronounced cheekbones that lend him a slightly less flamboyant charm.

In a casual and effortless manner, his voice mirrors his laid-back attire, complemented by stylish accessories such as fashionable third-eye sunglasses and sandals. For the cover of his new album titled Kaze, he sports a lengthy headscarf casually draped over his platinum locks. The one he wore today was personally crafted by his mom.

Earlier this month, the renowned 28-year-old Japanese singer-songwriter successfully filled up the Greek Theatre for his concert, preceding the much-anticipated drop of his latest album titled “Prema”. This nine-track masterpiece marks his first full-length project since he signed with Republic Records last year.

He appears delighted to go back to a location that holds a deep bond for him, as he had resided there for five months to record and tour between late 2023 and summer 2024 in L.A. He had also visited the city approximately three years ago during a creative downturn.

He’s clearly excited about going back to a place he has a strong emotional tie to, having stayed there for five months working on music and performing from late 2023 up until the summer of 2024 in L.A. He had also spent some time in the city around three years ago during a period of creative drought.

In my own words, I’d say: “I poured my heart and soul into the lyrics and music, giving it my all. At that moment, I felt drained and weary. Yet, unexpectedly, they whisked me away to Los Angeles – a city that stirred something deep within me, igniting a fresh wave of inspiration.

Initially launching his career in his native land, Kaze – who follows the conventional Japanese practice of using family name first – gained global recognition as “Shinunoga E-wa,” a lesser-known track from his debut album “Help Ever, Hurt Never,” unexpectedly went viral on TikTok.

Since then, his YouTube video has accumulated more than 253 million views, and his songs have been streamed over 287 million times on Spotify. Previously, he made history by being the first artist to perform at NPR’s debut Tiny Desk Concerts Japan, which garnered over 21 million views. Also, his solo concert at Nissan Stadium last year attracted approximately 100,000 people across two days.

In contrast to many contemporary Japanese artists, Kaze’s fame isn’t predominantly due to connections with anime. This is according to J-pop YouTuber Kushun in a mini-documentary about the artist. He makes a comparison between Kaze’s hit “Shinunoga E-wa” and “Ue o Muite Arukō,” or “Sukiyaki” by Kyu Sakamoto, which was the only Japanese song to reach number one on the Billboard charts in 1963 in the United States.

From my perspective, you might not guess it from his humble exterior, but he cherishes personal connections deeply. He’s got this unique, ambivalent bond with social media, adoring its power for connection while also finding himself at odds with it. His ascent to fame has been powered by the Gen Z platforms, yet he remains a complex individual beyond the digital realm.

Furthermore, among the crowd, a significant number of individuals in their twenties participated, but it’s worth noting that the Greek Theater also attracted attendees reminiscent of the era when record stores were prevalent and eagerly anticipated album releases, some of whom even brought their children along.

He expressed that he has a deep affection for people of all ages, including children and his own parents, reflecting on the wide range of individuals who appreciate him.

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His father, an aspiring jazz musician, plays a significant role in inspiring him. Growing up, I had a significant age gap with my elder brother – he was thirteen years older – which meant I spent my life among individuals spanning a broad generational spectrum. Regardless of the age difference, pleasing my parents has always been important to me.

A significant part of his charm stems from his knack for blending experiences from different generations with a modern flair. His voice possesses a contemporary, calming tone that resonates with music that is both revolutionary and timeless – drawing heavily on his initial inspirations, particularly American R&B and soul, while infusing it with Japanese touches.

Meredith Edmonds, a young entertainment executive, commented after attending Kaze’s Greek Theatre performance: “I genuinely believe he’s an exceptional musician, not only because of his lyrics but also because he plays various instruments. His passion for music is evident; he’s playful, entertaining, and unapologetically authentic.

Following the launch of several individual singles, he kicked off a summer tour in 2025, performing at prestigious European jazz festivals like Montreux and North Sea, as well as a North American tour that surpassed the scale of his initial one. Moreover, he marked his first appearance at notable U.S. summer festivals during this time. Later in October, he is set to return to the U.S. for a string of shows to wrap up the American segment of his 2025 tour.

The North Sea Jazz Festival left him feeling quite daunting, as he had been particularly awestruck by Erykah Badu’s performance that he saw on YouTube. He described her as captivating, almost ethereal, and admitted to feeling a bit overwhelmed by her talent. Montreux, on the other hand, seemed more manageable but still felt like a solo event. Lollapalooza and Outside Lands, however, were energetic and inspiring for him.

As a passionate movie buff might express:

“On the thrilling festival stage, I find myself unleashing a bolder, wilder side of myself – a persona that’s more assertive than my usual demeanor. You see, these festivals offer an unusual sense of freedom for me. With an audience unacquainted with my work, I feel liberated. They could simply overlook me, which only fuels my desire to captivate their attention, to prove myself worth noticing.

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His professional journey seems almost magical, as he initially gained public recognition through YouTube piano performances filmed in his childhood home in the quaint, rural town of Satoshō, located within Okayama prefecture. One of his earliest surviving videos online showcases a prodigious 12-year-old named Kaze playing an electric piano. The only clues to the performer he would become are the sunglasses he wears and the sly half-smile he flashes.

For him, the piano has been an unwavering presence since he was just three years old. He can’t remember much without its presence. As Kaze recounted, “The musical notes on the score would darken due to all the pencil marks from my teacher…” The piano, it seems, has been with him for as long as he can recall. Although he can’t explain why it’s there, one thing is certain: He owes a great deal of gratitude to it. For without the piano, he believes, he wouldn’t be able to create music.

For many years, he’s been singing songs in English, spanning a diverse range of American and British artists such as the Carpenters and Lizzo. Yet, “Prema” signifies his initial foray into composing original English songs – a task that, being his second language, presents a notable challenge, but one he’s eagerly embraced.

This action demonstrates a significant step, earned through his renowned expertise in crafting poignant lyrics in Japanese. He delves into profound topics like mortality, various types of love, life’s deeper meanings, and expresses gratitude with his work.

He responds by saying that his lyrics haven’t been overly poetic. Instead, he describes them as straightforward, with a growing simplicity, particularly in his Japanese songs. He values this simplicity and cleanliness, as it seems to purify him during the writing process. Writing in English, he adds, clarifies his vision and feelings for him, which is something he greatly appreciates.

This year, two tracks from the album “Prema,” which means ‘universal love’ in Sanskrit, were unveiled: the lively, Jamiroquai-esque “Hāchiko,” drawing inspiration from Japanese folklore, and the lofty, yacht-rock love ballad “Love Like This.” The accompanying videos are typically visually captivating. For the first time as a romantic lead, he worked with L.A.-based director Aerin Moreno on the French Riviera-themed “Love Like This,” although he often collaborates with Mesudayuma (MESS).

In his artistic endeavors, faith consistently emerges, notably in earlier pieces such as “Hana” and “Grace.” However, when asked directly about a specific religious belief, he tends to be reticent, and his manager diplomatically steps in to steer the conversation away from delving too deeply into the topic. His new album still reflects his spiritual journey.

The song titled ‘Prema’ has a groovy, uptempo rhythm reminiscent of Michael McDonald’s style, yet it stands as one of his most heartfelt declarations. In the chorus, he sings, ‘Prema, don’t you realize you are love and God themselves?’ This song truly embodies him, as he completed it all by himself. The lyrics carry a hint of hip-hop influence, but instead of boasting in a worldly sense, he does so spiritually.

Kaze pushed himself even more in this project by collaborating with a variety of music producers: Shy Carter, Dan Wilson, Rob Bisel (who he had previously worked with), Nolan Lambroza (also known as Sir Nolan), Greg Kurstin, and Tobias Jesso Jr from Canada. His goal was to create a sound reminiscent of the 1980s to early 2000s, with Michael and Janet Jackson serving as his inspirations for the kind of impact he wanted to achieve.

An enthusiast of albums, he aimed for each track to have the potential to be a top chart single. Contributing significantly towards this goal was the renowned Korean DJ/producer known as 250, the sole producer who worked on all nine tracks. Regarding 250, who hails from Korea, Kaze stated, “I wanted to demonstrate to the world the musical might of Asia.

Upon reaching via email, the well-known producer, who is recognized for his work with the girl group New Jeans, discussed his ambitions for “Prema.” He shared that he aimed to create a feeling of continuity, a coherent storyline that seamlessly flows from the first track to the last. Their initial production took place at House of Refuge on Jeju Island, a collaborative effort where they also shared meals while brainstorming ideas.

In simpler terms, this album has a strong influence from the late ’80s, as evident in the synth-heavy “I Need U Back” with its catchy guitar riff that kicks off the song. The track “Casket Girl,” on the other hand, gives off a relaxed vibe reminiscent of a sultry Los Angeles summer evening, with its unique lyrics about a breakup.

Kaze finds that Los Angeles, with its vibrant atmosphere, inspiring weather, and supportive community, played a significant role in rejuvenating his creativity when he was feeling drained. Thus, he expresses his deep gratitude towards the city.

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2025-09-08 13:31