Can Fujii Kaze, one of Japan’s top artists, break into the American mainstream?
Fujii Kaze (藤井風) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and pianist.
With his unique musical sensibility and authentic personality, he has earned admiration from young people and a wide range of generations alike.
Early Life
Born in 1997 in a rural town in Okayama Prefecture, Fujii Kaze began playing piano under the influence of his father. Exposed to a wide variety of genres—from classical to pop and jazz—he developed a remarkable musical talent.
During his middle and high school years, he began uploading piano cover videos on YouTube. His exceptional playing and singing quickly gained attention, and those early videos remain available on his official YouTube channel today, even after his rise to stardom.
Debut and Rise to Fame
In 2020, he made his major debut with the album HELP EVER HURT NEVER, which ranked high on the Oricon charts and brought him nationwide recognition.
In 2022, his second album LOVE ALL SERVE ALL followed, showcasing his unique sound that blends soul, jazz, and R&B beyond the boundaries of J-POP.
By 2023, his cumulative streams on Spotify surpassed 300 million. His track Shinunoga E-Wa went viral worldwide and in 2024 was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In recognition, Republic Records presented him with a custom gold disc plaque.
Personality and Popularity
Kaze’s appeal is not just in his music but also in his natural character.
His humorous talk in Okayama dialect and his warm, down-to-earth presence on social media have won over fans.
In Japan, he is rapidly becoming known as a “national artist,” loved across generations—from teenagers to adults.
International Recognition
Thanks to platforms like Spotify and YouTube, his music is reaching fans across the globe.
Songs with English lyrics and his distinctive melodies have resonated with listeners in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., steadily expanding his international fanbase.
Record Label and U.S. Breakthrough
In 2024, Fujii Kaze signed with Republic Records. His next album, Prema, is set to release on September 5, 2025, marking a major step in his international career.
As a piano lover myself, it was inevitable that I would be drawn to his artistry. The more I explore his music, the more I find it fascinating.
Spirituality and Worldview
Much of Fujii Kaze’s music contains deeply spiritual elements at its core.
While he has not spoken openly about following a specific religion, his lyrics often reflect perspectives of the higher self, an inner voice, or the true self.
Interestingly, for listeners unaware of this, many of his songs can also be interpreted as being about romantic relationships. This duality in interpretation demonstrates his lyrical brilliance.
Themes such as “letting go” or “releasing attachment,” reminiscent of Buddhist philosophy, also frequently appear.
I believe his success is not only due to his musical genius but also because his songs are rooted in themes of love and soul. Through his music, he seems to share inner peace and happiness with the world.
Can He Stand Among American Stars?
Now signed with Republic Records, Kaze has completed a full English-language album aimed at the U.S. and global market.
I don’t believe his goal is simply to compete with top American stars, but the fact that his music is reaching more listeners is unquestionably a positive development.
In Asia, his popularity is already undeniable. As a Japanese fan, I would love to see him one day nominated for a Grammy Award.
Historically, Japanese pop artists who gained global recognition often did so through anime theme songs, appealing largely to niche subcultures. Fujii Kaze, however, stands apart—he is building a worldwide fanbase purely on his own artistry. He truly has the potential to enter the global mainstream.
Recently, he performed as the opening act for Billie Eilish’s concert in Japan. While this role was more about promotion than being a headliner, his performance drew widespread praise.
If you haven’t listened to Fujii Kaze yet, I highly recommend checking out his music.
By the way, his name “Kaze” means Wind in Japanese.