tiny desk concerts JAPAN

"New" Traditional Japanese Music: Piano, Shamisen, and Electronic Sounds Since debuting with her 1976 album JAPANESE GIRL, Yano Akiko has been a trailblazer in blending Japanese culture with her unique musical style, including collaborations with Yellow Magic Orchestra. Agatsuma Hiromitsu, a renowned shamisen virtuoso, has been redefining "tradition and innovation" through performances that transcend genres and borders. The two artists come together for yano et agatsuma and take on tiny desk concerts JAPAN! Joined by Fukasawa Hideyuki on synthesizer, the trio introduces the world to a new type of Japanese music rooted in folk traditions and classic melodies.

QUBIT, carrying on the spirit of Yellow Magic Orchestra, joins tiny desk concerts JAPAN! This 5-piece band has been celebrated for their innovative sound, topping the J-POP/Kayokyoku category in a major Japanese music magazine's 2023 rankings. They bring their signature electronic sound to NHK's Shibuya office, exciting the audience with a dynamic and organic experimental performance.

Ozawa Kenji, a huge fan of the original tiny desk, joins the Japan edition with a lineup as unique as his sound: drums playing the iconic SP1200 live, bass alternating between keyboard and bass, vibraphone, timpani, tubular bells and harp. The 30-minute, non-stop performance delivers nine beloved tracks in a one-take session that filled the NHK office with a roller coaster of emotions—from tension and warmth to even tears. Watch and be a part of an exciting and authentic musical experience—a special live music document—only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN.

Since forming in 1996, the legendary band QURULI has held a unique place in the Japanese music scene with their versatile sound. This time, the band has prepared an exciting collaboration with Italian musicians, including Daniele Sepe, an iconic artist from Naples whom QURULI's Kishida Shigeru has admired for 20 years. Alongside Daniele and his ensemble, QURULI put together a special arrangement to perform at NHK's Shibuya office. Don't miss a one-of-a-kind musical showcase featuring a massive 16-member band—the largest ever for tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

ROTH BART BARON, the globally acclaimed folk rock band helmed by Mifune Masaya, is based in Tokyo and Berlin and renowned for their distinct sound. The group brings a one-of-a-kind performance to tiny desk concerts JAPAN with a supporting band and arrangements prepared just for NHK's Shibuya office. Get ready for a raw, emotional and truly original musical experience you won't find anywhere else!

Legendary B'z vocalist Inaba Koshi—who has sold over 80 million CDs in Japan—takes on the tiny desk! After releasing his first solo album in ten years and completing a nationwide tour this summer, the singer brings his powerhouse band to NHK's Shibuya office in Tokyo for an intimate performance and breathes new life into his iconic music. One of Japan's unique vocal talents and a fan of NPR's original tiny desk, Inaba Koshi has crafted special arrangements exclusively for this show. Tune in and experience a truly original musical performance unlike any other, only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

The dynamic sister duo CHARAN-PO-RANTAN celebrates 15 years as a group as they take on the tiny desk! Street performer and accordionist Koharu and her younger sister Momo (still in high school at the time) formed the group in 2009 and have dazzled audiences with an eclectic mix of Balkan music, chanson and more. This time, Momo's energetic vocals and Koharu's dynamic accordion are joined by a banjo ukulele and a sushi tub drums for an exhilarating performance. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind musical journey on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

Following KIRINJI and Ohzora Kimishima Ensemble, next up on the tiny desk is yama! The masked and enigmatic singer debuted in 2020 with the hit song Haru wo Tsugeru. Influenced by Vocaloid music, yama's clear and soulful voice quickly captivated Japan's digital-native generation. Having found popularity by posting cover songs online, the prodigy of Japanese internet culture brings their unique sound to NHK's Shibuya office. With a special ensemble of eight musicians and backup singers, yama delivers a breathtaking live performance with exclusive arrangements for the tiny desk. Join us for an "unparalleled and original" musical performance on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

Following up KIRINJI's performance at Shibuya's NHK offices is singer-songwriter and guitarist: Ohzora Kimishima. Kimishima brings a special ensemble he formed with friends that features Shuta Nishida (Gt), Kazuki Arai (Ba) and Shun Ishiwaka (Dr), as well as guest vocalists ermhoi and Kuro 〈TAMTAM〉. The Ohzora Kimishima Ensemble brings a fresh breath to Kimishima's music crafted just for tiny desk. Experience an unparalleled and original musical performance exclusively on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

The tiny desk welcomes KIRINJI, Horigome Takaki's solo project he originally formed in 1996 with his brother Yasuyuki. In recent years, the world has fallen in love with Japanese city pop, and KIRINJI is riding that wave with its complex and unique urban sounds. Watch as KIRINJI breathes new life into its highly acclaimed music with an enticing performance.

In the corner of a busy office at the NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo, a staffer rearranged books, vinyl records and tchotchkes on a bright red shelving unit. The production crew double-checked equipment settings and made small adjustments to the lighting. Another worker added a few more posters to the tall white file cabinets. Cameras were set and microphones were ready because Fujii Kaze and his band had just rehearsed the night before. Everyone in the room — including a few of us from NPR that were there to help — was eager and excited because the very first performance for Tiny Desk Concerts JAPAN was about to start.

Kajiura Yuki, the composer whose music has captivated audiences around the world, arrives at tiny desk concerts JAPAN. Iconic songs that have defined some of the most beloved anime series are reborn in the intimate setting of tiny desk. Joining Kajiura's expansive and cinematic musical world are LiSA, YUUKA, and the vocalists of FictionJunction projects. LiSA performs Homura, the theme song from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba-The Movie: Mugen Train, in a special arrangement featuring only Kajiura on piano. Also appearing is YUUKA, performing Akatsuki no Kuruma, the beloved insert song from MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED with vocalists KAORI, YURIKO KAIDA, Joelle, LINO LEIA, and EMIKO. The performance also features Sokyu no Fanfare (Sword Art Online), Allelujah (The Garden of Sinners: Future Gospel). These iconic songs that have captivated fans worldwide come together in one extraordinary performance—brought to life in the uniquely intimate atmosphere of tiny desk.

One of Tokyo's most talked-about emerging trios, CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN, comes to tiny desk. Drawing inspiration from traditional music around the world, the group blends global folk elements with electronics and contemporary beats. Their sound captures the spirit of different places and cultures, reshaping them into vibrant, border-crossing pop. This special edition takes place at the trending "Geidai Room" of the Tokyo University of the Arts. The performance also features special guest artists: Tabla virtuoso U-zhaan, Ghanaian percussionist Nii Tete Boye, and singer from Amami Ōshima, Hajime Chitose. From the rhythms of India and the energy of Africa to the island songs of Amami Ōshima, diverse musical traditions converge in one unforgettable concert. The room may be classroom-sized, but the sound is world-class. Join CHO CO PA CO CHO CO QUIN QUIN on a special musical journey at tiny desk.

Horigome Yasuyuki , formerly of the acclaimed band KIRINJI, appears on tiny desk concerts JAPAN Joined by guest vocalist Toki Asako, he performs Aliens, a timeless masterpiece in J-POP history. Featuring a pedal steel guitar, this tiny desk original band arrangement beautifully enhances the lyrical richness and depth of his music. In the intimate setting of the NHK office, the meticulous ensemble and the duo's harmonizing vocals shed new light on the classic track's enduring appeal.

The unit formed by Okamura Yasuyuki and Saito Kazuyoshi makes its debut in the intimate "tiny desk" space inside the NHK office. For this special session, they perform a one-take live set with a unique lineup of a full band and a quartet configuration. At arm's length, the exchange between their vocals and guitars unfolds in real time, filling the room as pure, unfiltered sound. Within the limited space, a simple yet powerful ensemble resonates. Okamura's distinctive melodies intertwine with Saito's blues-inflected guitar, creating a vivid blend of spontaneity and warmth rarely experienced in large-scale live productions. Rather than presenting a polished show, this tiny desk captures the very moments in which rock is formed—shared directly in the room with the audience. The tension and energy that can only be felt at this close range are delivered just as they are.

Miura Daichi appears on tiny desk concerts JAPAN Known for his remarkable vocal ability and expressive performance style, Miura Daichi makes his debut in the intimate "tiny desk" space inside the NHK office. For this special session, he is joined by an 18-member gospel choir in a rare and powerful ensemble. In the limited space of tiny desk, the choir's overwhelming harmonies blend with Miura's fluid, soaring vocals, creating a one-of-a-kind performance that embodies the pure power of song. The uplifting energy of gospel and the subtle, breath-like nuances of Miura's singing come together to form a luxurious musical experience unique to tiny desk concerts JAPAN. At this extraordinary close distance, viewers will encounter Miura Daichi in a way they have never seen—or heard—before.

This tiny desk concerts JAPAN features producer and beatmaker STUTS, a leading figure in Japan's hip-hop scene. The MPC virtuoso served as the opening act for MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN, and his commercial tie-up 99 Steps (feat. Kohjiya, Hana Hope) has garnered a lot of attention. This time, STUTS curates a genre-fluid band that spans jazz, classical, and pop, featuring strings, and invites singers and rappers he collaborates with to the stage. His signature approach of reshaping songs through musical dialogue with diverse artists unfolds in real time, capturing the breadth and vitality of the Japanese music scene. All eight tracks feature program-exclusive arrangements, highlighting tiny desk concerts JAPAN's largest ensemble so far. From the tactile feel of STUTS' MPC to the subtle nuances of string instruments, layered vocal textures, and the actual breaths, watch and become immersed in a performance made for the tiny desk.

Two uncompromising artists driven by raw impulse step up to the tiny desk. AiNA THE END, once a member of the instrument-free punk band BiSH and now a solo performer, wields a husky, powerful voice that feels less like singing and more like a cry from deep within the soul. She's joined by Mukai Shutoku, a living legend of Japanese rock whose explosive shifts from whispered poetry to primal screams have defined his work with bands like NUMBER GIRL and ZAZEN BOYS for more than three decades. His unique style has become its very own genre. This time, these two forces of nature bring raw vocals, live instruments, and a special collaboration to the tiny desk. What kind of musical sparks will fly? Don't miss your chance to experience this once-in-a- lifetime performance with your own eyes and ears.

For decades, singer-songwriter Moriyama Naotaro has touched the hearts of listeners with his unique voice and poetic lyricism. Now, he makes his debut on tiny desk concerts JAPAN. True to his reputation as a rare folk singer in today's Japanese music scene, Moriyama revives his most beloved songs with intimate arrangements for the tiny desk. Joined by fiddle, banjo, and mandolin, his performance exudes a breeze of country charm, effortlessly shifting from lively, foot-tapping tunes to his unforgettable ballad Natsuno Owari, a song filled with poignant beauty. Embrace the lingering glow of summer while enjoying the music of Moriyama Naotaro.

From tiny desk to the world! Tiny Desk Concerts JAPAN has brought the unique talents of Japanese artists to global audiences over 14 episodes. This special showcase features six standout performances: ASKA delivering timeless hits; Inaba Koshi with a heartfelt, high-energy set; Ozawa Kenji & Schadaraparr in a bold, nonstop 30-minute take; QURULI’s signature sound powered by a 16-member ensemble; CHARAN-PO-RANTAN’s dazzling accordion, powerhouse vocals, and playful spirit; and CHANMINA breaking boundaries with a candid set at the University of Tokyo. In 29 minutes, experience the diversity, energy, and creativity at the heart of Japan’s music scene—don’t miss it!

For the first time, tiny desk concerts JAPAN leaves the NHK office and heads to school. This special edition, titled tiny desk concerts JAPAN in schools, is set at The University of Tokyo in front of actual students. Kicking off this exciting new chapter is CHANMINA, a trilingual rapper and singer-songwriter born in South Korea and raised in Japan. Fluent in Japanese, Korean, and English, she has captivated audiences with bold lyrics and genre-blending sounds since her debut in 2017. CHANMINA's music often explores themes like gender and beauty standards, establishing her as one of the most distinctive voices in today's music scene. What kind of session will unfold between CHANMINA and the students? Don't miss this "original and exceptional" musical experience, only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

Ishikawa Sayuri, the queen of Japanese soul music enka, graces tiny desk concerts JAPAN! Marking her 53rd year in music and holding a record-setting 47 appearances on NHK's Kouhaku Uta Gassen. A true icon of Japanese music, she performs her timeless hits and a stunning rendition of the American folk classic The House Of The Rising Sun, which drew global attention in Wim Wenders' film PERFECT DAYS. Reimagined with a unique tiny desk arrangement, her powerful voice will be shared with the world. Joining her is the acclaimed piano trio fox capture plan, known for scoring numerous hit drama series. Together, they breathe new life into traditional Japanese children's songs and Ishikawa's own classics, creating a one-of-a-kind musical collaboration that bridges generations and genres. Don't miss this unforgettable session—a bold, emotional, and original live music experience—only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN.

ASKA, a legendary figure in Japanese music with a career spanning over four decades, brings his unmistakable voice and a powerhouse nine-piece band to deliver an unforgettable live performance—intimate, raw, and deeply moving. He's not just a Japanese icon—ASKA has been winning hearts across Asia with recent concerts in Malaysia, Taiwan, and beyond. Now, he's ready to reach the world. ASKA's setlist? Pure fire. Every song is a fan favorite, including massive CHAGE & ASKA hits like SAY YES—a cultural anthem—and solo classics like HAJIMARIWA ITSUMO AME (It Always Starts With Rain). These songs shaped the soundtrack of the '90s in Japan and across Asia, and now they're getting a fresh, deeply personal arrangement just for tiny desk concerts JAPAN. Filmed in the heart of Tokyo at NHK's Shibuya office, this is more than a concert—it's a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Don't miss this intimate, soulful journey through the golden era of J-pop—reimagined for the world stage.