CHiLi GiRL is the alter-ego and solo project of traditional performing arts musician Shinobu Kawashima. Under the theme of “Spicy and Charming”, she continues pushing the boundaries of the musical genres she delves into by adding her virtuoso shamisen playing to anything from pop and lo-fi beats to latin and jazz. Following her successful tour of Japan and shows on the west coast of the United States, we catch up with CHiLi GiRL to discuss her traditional training, her songwriting values, and her latest mini-album “CARAI”.

Born and raised in Japan, aimi is a multi-talented singer-songwriter offering a distinctive fusion of modern and classic R&B, infused with empowering messages for women. Based in Tokyo, she is now one of the most authentic R&B songstresses, proactively contributing to the evolving Japanese R&B scene. In this exclusive interview for Tokyo ON, we cover her background, her passion for promoting R&B, and her latest projects.

Otomodatchi, meaning "Friends" in Japanese, is the collaborative project of Japanese singer Amiide and American rapper Jyodan, who emerged from Tokyo's multicultural music community in 2022. Reformed from the ashes of their former supergroup CIRRRCLE, Otomodatchi continue to bring their representative combination of sharp rhymes, social commentary, emotional singing, and dope beats. Fresh from the release of their second EP “Hold On”, Royce Leong connects with Otomodatchi across three time zones to find out about their long road here and the bright future ahead.

Bold, intense, and pared to the essentials, “APORIE VIVANT” is the second full album from alternative R&B singer VivaOla, and is the purest expression of his vision of music yet. In this wide-ranging interview, we talk to VivaOla about his musical roots, the background to “APORIE VIVANT”, and his personal values through his lyrics.

Blessed with a distinctive, rich voice and having grown up as a dancer listening to 90’s hip-hop and R&B, reina is at the forefront of the nascent Japanese alternative R&B/neo-soul scene, rapidly attracting fans across all ages and cultures. We speak to reina about her unique background, her new EP “A Million More” and her reflections on her career so far.

Julia Takada is a Japanese-American singer-songwriter and freelance model associated with the creative label w.a.u, characterized by her positive yet delicate singing voice and musings on modern life. We talk to Julia about her background, her first EP “Manifest Girl”, and her zine project VIRIDIAN.

ZIN is an R&B/soul singer-songwriter based in Tokyo who also writes and produces for other artists. Through his original and intricate sound, ZIN’s tracks resonate with your deepest thoughts. Fresh off his successful tour in promotion of his landmark first album Curve, ZIN speaks candidly to Tokyo ON about the album, his background, and being true to himself.

Lil Summer is a singer-songwriter and DJ from Fukuoka with a sweet and soulful singing voice influenced by classic and modern R&B artists. She released her first EP “Rojo” in 2023 in digital and vinyl formats, and has been busy performing both at festivals in Japan and abroad. Speaking exclusively to Royce Leong of Tokyo ON, we hear about her background, the EP, and her current activities.