#Japan #Tokyo #Kazuki Kato #Voice of Youth Japan #Outcast

Kazuki Kato Sings for Voice of Youth Japan's 7th Anniversary

In a heartfelt initiative, Kazuki Kato, a distinguished singer, actor, and voice artist, has been entrusted with singing the anniversary song 'Outcast' for the 7th anniversary of 'Voice of Youth Japan' (VoYJ). This song signifies a vision for inclusivity and represents the struggles faced by marginalized individuals.

The Essence of 'Voice of Youth Japan'

Established in 2018 by students from the University of Tokyo, VoYJ operates as a youth-driven platform aimed at connecting young voices to global issues, while partnering with organizations like the United Nations. In an era marked by the ease of online communication, this platform strives to provide a safe space for youth from diverse backgrounds — encompassing various genders, disabilities, and races — to share their stories and connect on common grounds.

The VoYJ Song Project is an integral part of this initiative, where artists from different fields contribute their voices to convey emotions that words alone might fail to express. Past anniversary songs have included 'Hill' by Yoshiko Yasuda and 'Find the Friend in Me' by Matthew Morrison, further solidifying the platform's commitment to musical expression.

A Song for Change: 'Outcast'

This year's song, 'Outcast,' was released on December 10, coinciding with the United Nations’ Human Rights Day, focusing on the theme of 'diversity'. The term 'Outcast' encapsulates those who feel isolated or marginalized. With roots tracing back over 30 years to a young individual's reflections, this song carries a timeless message that resonates with anyone feeling forlorn or struggling in society.

Kazuki Kato’s warm and compassionate voice seeks to reach those who have lived through these sentiments, providing a sense of solidarity and comfort. The music video, featuring active participation from University of Tokyo students, aims to bring visibility to varied experiences and amplify the voices of young individuals everywhere.

A Collaborative Effort Towards Understanding

Alongside the release of 'Outcast', VoYJ will also publish interviews addressing the themes of 'difference' with executives from UN agencies. This endeavor underscores the organization’s goal to enhance the understanding of diverse challenges faced by today’s youth.

Kato, reflecting on his emotions upon hearing the song for the first time, mentioned, “It’s a soft, warm tune, but its poignant message grips my heart. It made me reflect on how, unintentionally, I may have hurt someone through my words and actions.” He hopes the song serves as a catalyst for change in the hearts of listeners and becomes a source of comfort for many.

Voices of Gratitude

Satoho Hagino, a representative of VoYJ, expressed her heartfelt gratitude toward everyone who contributed to the platform over the years. She remarked, “In the past seven years, we’ve seen students grow from middle school to university-level leaders. The differences among us should be celebrated as they allow us to learn from one another.”

Haruemi Enomoto, another joint representative from the University of Tokyo, shared her thoughts about Kato’s contribution, stating, “Kazuki's voice shines a light on emotions and memories we often keep hidden, encapsulating both painful and cherished experiences.” Such sentiments emphasize the communal power of music to heal and connect individuals through shared understanding.

Future Endeavors

As VoYJ continues its mission of fostering artistic initiatives tackling major global issues like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the organization remains committed to inspiring youth contributions and global engagement through cultural expression.

To watch the music video for 'Outcast', visit Voice of Youth Japan's YouTube Channel.

For inquiries about this song, you can contact the Voice of Youth Japan at voiceofyouth.jp/asking.