#Japan #Hiroshima #City Pop #HIMA #Sweet Inspiration

Hima's New Single: A City Pop Revival

Hima, the promising artist from Hiroshima, has made waves in the music industry with her unique smoky voice, leading the contemporary City Pop scene. Today, she released her first single titled 'Sweet Inspiration—Fushigi na Chikara', captivating listeners around the globe. This single marks a significant moment in her burgeoning career as it precedes her inaugural original album titled 'Route U', set to drop on November 19.

A Nod to City Pop Classics

Hima's single is a Japanese cover of 'Sweet Inspiration', originally released in 1984 by famed artist Hiroshi Sato on his album 'SAILING BLASTER'. It was later updated in 1985 for a compilation album named 'THIS BOY'. This reinterpretation has been brought to life through a collaborative effort with lyricist Masaki Yui, who is renowned for her contributions to various artists including Masayuki Suzuki and Anri. The arrangement was crafted by Ryuugo Iino, a former member of FLYING KIDS, alongside guitarist Fumihiro Maruyama. Their combined talents result in a refreshing take on a classic, breathing new life into the City Pop genre.

Upcoming Album 'Route U'

Hima has not just announced her single; she has also revealed further details regarding her debut album, 'Route U'. This highly anticipated album will feature four original tracks co-written by Hima, along with re-recordings of three fan-favorite songs: 'Rain Song', 'Futari no Yume no Kousaten', and 'Gomen ne'. The latter is a Japanese cover of a song by Korean singer-songwriter Saevom.

The album's cover art designed by Chao!—known for his work in the music industry, including the music video for Anri's 'Remember Summer Days'—reflects the significant growth and artistic journey Hima underwent while living in Tokyo. This acclaimed artist, who left her hometown at a young age to pursue her dreams, comments on how the five years spent honing her craft and learning from established artists and creators have helped her evolve from a passionate girl who loved singing to the artist she is today.

A Celebration of Release

To celebrate the release of 'Sweet Inspiration', Hima will host a live event on YouTube at 9 PM JST today, which includes a premiere of the lyric video for her new single. The buzz surrounding her upcoming album is only expected to grow as fans anticipate her unique musical perspective that blends nostalgia with contemporary flair.

Comments from Hima and Masaki Yui

Hima has expressed her gratitude for collaborating with Masaki Yui, revealing that their relationship blossomed over shared meals and conversations about their musical roots, interests, and inspirations. Yui recalls the first time they met three years ago and was immediately captivated by Hima’s enchanting voice. Her motivation to pen the new Japanese lyrics came from the deep connection she felt through Hima’s performance.

Concert Plans

As part of her promotional activities, Hima has scheduled solo performances in Hiroshima and Tokyo in December, coinciding with the release of 'Route U'. This serves as a testament to the strong undercurrent of City Pop culture that has found a renewed audience through Hima's artistry.

Fans can stay up to date on Hima's musical journey through her official website and various social media platforms. She continues to attract listeners with her heartfelt performances and songwriting skills, promising to enchant even more in the years to come.

For more details on the single and album, visit Linkcore and Official Site.