​imase

imase, a Japanese singer-songwriter born on November 9, 2000, in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, has quickly risen to prominence in the music industry with his self-taught skills and viral hits. Despite having no formal musical training, Imase began his musical journey in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by other artists creating songs on TikTok. With a keen interest in music and a determination to learn, he spent a year practicing and composing, utilizing online tutorials to master the basics of songwriting and production.

In 2021, Imase started sharing his music on various social media platforms, catching the attention of listeners with his unique sound and relatable lyrics. His early work, produced entirely in his bedroom, showcased his raw talent and creativity. By the end of that year, he signed a contract with Universal Music Japan’s Virgin Music label, marking his official debut with the single “Have a Nice Day.” This debut single was a reflection of his experiences and emotions during the pandemic, resonating with many and setting the stage for his future success.

His follow-up single, “Touhikou,” became a significant hit, reaching number one on the TikTok Hot Song Weekly Ranking on Billboard Japan. The song’s success on TikTok was a testament to Imase’s ability to connect with a wide audience through the platform, where his music videos often went viral. This early success earned him the nickname “monster rookie,” highlighting his rapid rise in the music industry.

In 2022, Imase released “Night Dancer,” a single that propelled him to international fame. The song not only became a viral sensation on TikTok, accumulating over a billion views, but also achieved a historic milestone by entering the Melon 100 chart in South Korea. This made him the first Japanese artist to accomplish such a feat, significantly increasing his visibility and fan base in South Korea.

Imase’s music caught the attention of established artists and industry professionals. Junji Ishiwatari, a former member of the alternative rock band Supercar, described Imase’s rise to stardom as “a true event that is stranger than fiction.” His distinctive style and ability to produce compelling music in a short amount of time have made him a notable figure in the J-Pop scene.

In addition to his solo work, Imase has collaborated with other artists, further showcasing his versatility and talent. In 2023, he produced the songs “Jewelry” and “Dresscode” for the K-pop group Le Sserafim, expanding his influence in the Asian music market. His debut EP, “Pop Cube,” released in 2022 by Universal Music Japan, solidified his position as a rising star in the industry.

Imase’s social media presence has been instrumental in his success. With nearly one million followers on TikTok, 419K subscribers on YouTube, 252K followers on Instagram, and 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, he has built a substantial online following. His engaging content and frequent interaction with fans have helped him maintain a strong connection with his audience.

Despite his rapid ascent, Imase remains dedicated to his craft, continuously working on new music and projects. His journey from a self-taught musician to a celebrated artist in just a few years is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the power of social media in today’s music industry. With his innovative approach and growing fan base, Imase is poised to make a lasting impact on the global music scene.