2024.11.27 UP
KAF
Tokyo, Japan — KAF and Suisei Hoshimachi stand at the forefront of a new era for Japanese pop. The two 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. They come together on “SWAY” to celebrate this world they’ve helped create, and point towards even more thrilling frontiers ahead.
Listen To “SWAY” Here
Watch The Video For “SWAY” Here
Fitting for this long-awaited collaboration, “SWAY” finds KAF and Hoshimachi singing about the new reality they represent as virtual artists. The swift sounds propelling the duo forward comes courtesy of Mabe Shuichi, a former member of the beloved and cryptic band Soutaiseiriron, and “SWAY” features his signature ability to craft melodies nodding to older Japanese pop but being distinctly of now in how it is constructed. The pace of the music matches the feeling of excitement KAF and Hoshimachi relay as they mark this moment in virtual artistry, dashing ahead giddily towards whatever is next.
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 prior’s recent sold-out “Re: KAIKA” concert on Sunday, November 3 at Makuhari Messe Event Hall, just outside of Tokyo. That show arrived near the end of 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 December 25, 2024.
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 will appear as a special guest at Hoshimachi’s December 10 live show in Osaka.
ABOUT KAF:
Debuting in 2018, KAF uses an anime-style avatar to present herself to the world, while creating music centered around her versatile and powerful voice. She’s become one of the most prominent virtual singer’s in Japan, with her original songs and covers earning millions of views. She’s performed at some of the country’s most celebrated venues, including a sold-out night at the historic Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. In March 2023, she released her third full-length album, further showing her artistic growth and ability to capture the complexities of growing up in 21st century Japan.
Visit KAF’s official website, YouTube, Instagram or Twitter
ABOUT KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO:
Founded in 2019, Tokyo KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO is a creative agency and management company at the cutting-edge of technology and entertainment. The group counts a variety of forward-thinking artists as part of its roster, including many virtual singers blurring the lines between the digital and real world.