Genius and dreams

Fujii Kaze is a Japanese singer-songwriter who has often been hailed as the next Utada Hikaru. He began learning the piano at the age of three, influenced by his father. Over time, Fujii Kaze developed a distinctive style of pop music that blends both Eastern and Western influences. His talents extend beyond just songwriting—he excels in singing, playing instruments, and creating memorable melodies. He is also versatile in writing lyrics, composing in both English and various Japanese dialects, showcasing his diverse musical prowess.

On the surface, Fujii Kaze looks like a typical Japanese city boy, but in private, he is understated and naturally handsome. He has confessed to being socially anxious, yet on social media, he presents himself as a quirky and humorous artist, often interacting with his fans in an unpolished, carefree manner.

Since his secondary school days, Fujii Kaze has been recording and uploading cover songs from his home. These covers, which overlap with many of the songs on my personal playlist, are a testament to his inevitable rise in the music scene. Watching his unofficially recorded covers, I realized that his explosion was just a matter of time. His jazzy renditions, soulful vocals, impeccable rhythm control, piano skills, and joyful performances all showcase that he is a musician by nature.

Kaze’s music doesn’t revolve around traditional themes of love. Instead, he explores universal topics, touching on the broader spectrum of life’s experiences. There’s a certain contrast in his work – while he often expresses boredom or despondency, he uses negative emotions as a way to highlight positivity. Both his music and his personality exude a beautiful state of mind that resonates deeply with his listeners.

In 2021, Fujii Kaze performed two songs at the Japanese Spring Festival, breaking the tradition where debut artists are only allowed to sing one song. He appeared as casually as if he were at home, dressed in pajamas and slippers, with his hair slightly messy, reflecting his laid-back personality.

Fujii Kaze has stated that he wants his music to be catchy and relatable while incorporating elements of black music, which he admires.

死ぬのがいいわ

« Shinunoga E-Wa » (I’d Rather Die) is one of my favorite songs, and it has sold remarkably well worldwide. The song’s popularity has even surpassed that of renowned Japanese artists such as ONE OK ROCK, Yonezu Kenshi, Utada Hikaru, and Hoshino Gen. In Japan, it is currently the number one song. Fujii Kaze himself has described it as a rare and crazy song. The lyrics and melody have a distinct Showa-era flavor, yet the addition of a trap hip-hop beat makes it truly unique. This blend of old and new evokes deep emotions, especially resonating with younger audiences.

The phrase “死ぬのがいいわ” means “I’d rather die” in Japanese, traditionally expressing the deep sigh of a woman in emotional distress. The lyrics carry a sense of respect and vary in tone and gender, making it unusual for a man to perform such a song. Fujii Kaze has mentioned that growing up with his sisters made him feel less masculine, which is why he feels comfortable performing this song from a different emotional perspective. Although the song revolves around a crazy kind of love, its light and cheerful style provide a contrast that makes it both powerful and pleasant. Many fans use this song as a film soundtrack to express their love for their idols or favorite anime characters.

In a TV interview, Fujii Kaze revealed the song’s creative process: “I first came up with the melody, then wrote the lyrics to fit it.” This method allows the melody and lyrics to perfectly harmonize, which adds to the song’s emotional impact.

Here is the YouTube link for this song, live at Nippon Budokan (2020): https://youtu.be/lRVJuPI5IXI?si=Zaew0TZjaBxdDXxb

Jingke Sun