J-pop singer-songwriter MONONOKE, a 19-year-old hailing from Akashi City in Hyogo Prefecture, is set to make their major debut under Victor Entertainment with their upcoming single ‘Tokyo Journey’, scheduled for release on November 29th.
This new single follows the successful independent release of MONONOKE’s debut album, ‘Supply/Demand’, earlier this year. Notably, the album was initially self-produced at the age of 17, later refined by recording engineer Masashi Uramoto, renowned for his work with Japan’s top artists, including Sakanaction, Plenty, and Eve.
MONONOKE is part of the next generation of teenage artists, standing out with their fully hands on approach to their musical identity, handling all aspects of their music production, from songwriting and composition to arrangement and art direction.
‘Tokyo Journey’, produced in collaboration with sound producer ESME MORI, aims to express the distinctive impatience and anxiety experienced during adolescence. The single premiered for the first time on the November 21st episode of Kiss FM KOBE’s ‘Wave!!!!’, coinciding with a live appearance by MONONOKE.
“When I first set foot in Tokyo, I was struck by the waves of people around me and the swiftness of time, feeling as if I were being engulfed. Before I knew it, in the midst of transitioning into adulthood, I realised I had to forge my own personal life. This situation only intensified my impatience and anxiety, and I found myself living each day in a constant state of flux. If this song can become a catalyst for momentarily shedding away everything one has, I believe it would be wonderful.”
MONONOKE
MONONOKE
Tokyo Journey
Release Date: 29/11/2023
Label: Victor Entertainment
Listen on: Spotify