Following the success of matsuri ’25 earlier in March, which featured powerhouse artists Ado, Atarashii Gakko! and YOASOBI, ennichi ’25 Japanese Music Experience LA affirms that Japanese music continues to successfully climb in popularity in the United States. While matsuri ’25 showcased a wide range of styles, ennichi ’25 placed emphasis on hip-hop and dance pop, highlighting the diversity within contemporary Japanese music.
The event combined two key programs: ennichi ’25 Japanese Music Experience LA, which offered audiences an immersive introduction to the richness of Japanese music, and the ennichi ’25 Japanese Music Industry Mixer, designed to showcase the potential of Japan’s music business to industry professionals in the United States. Through these two complementary approaches, the project aims to enhance the global recognition of Japanese music and promote its sustainable growth.
On December 1, the day before the concert, CEIPA × TOYOTA GROUP “MUSIC WAY PROJECT,” in collaboration with JETRO Los Angeles, hosted the ennichi ’25 Japanese Music Industry Mixer, a conference geared towards connecting Japanese and U.S. music industry members. The event took place at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles with a major Hollywood film premiere happening next door, creating a quintessential Los Angeles backdrop.
Welcome remarks were delivered by President Yuko Kaifu of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. Key speeches were then given by Commissioner Shunichi Tokura of the Agency for Cultural Affairs who is also a renowned composer and producer, Executive Vice President Akiko Okumura of JETRO, and Shunsuke Muramatsu, Representative Director and Group CEO of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), who concurrently serves as Business CEO of Sony Group, Chairman of the Japan Culture and Entertainment Industry Promotion Association (CEIPA), and President of the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). Commissioner Tokura highlighted the importance of international coordination in bringing Japanese creative talent to global audiences. He also noted that the word “ennichi” carries the meaning of “destiny,” referring to encounters that are meant to happen, and expressed hope that the networking at the event would lead to meaningful future developments.
(L-R) Jeff Miyahara (Music Producer & Executive), ⭐Taku Takahashi (DJ, Producer, and m-flo) Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (Artist), Peyote Beats (Producer, ever.y inc.) Photo by YURI HASEGAWA
Executive Vice President Akiko Okumura of JETRO followed, emphasizing the large fan base that Japanese music and anime already have overseas, particularly in the United States. She expressed hope that the event would deepen American audiences’ familiarity and connection with Japanese pop culture. CEIPA Chairman Shunsuke Muramatsu then closed the remarks by stating that their project began with the belief that music has the power to connect people around the world. He noted that leaders and innovators shaping the future of music, technology, and creativity were gathered together in one place and encouraged attendees to explore new ideas and partnerships.
The panel discussion that followed was moderated by Jeff Miyahara, a music producer well versed in the Japanese, Korean, and U.S. music industries. Panelists included Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, ⭐Taku Takahashi from m-flo, and Peyote Beats (ever.y inc.), each bringing their own perspective on building careers across borders. Their conversation centered on finding opportunities in the American market, overcoming cultural and linguistic barriers, and developing sustainable international careers.
⭐Taku Takahashi spoke about his experience DJing at Anime Expo, the largest Japanese pop culture event in the United States, and shared how the opportunity opened his eyes to the strong potential for Japanese music in the American market. He noted that many people in the U.S. discover Japanese music through anime, dramas, or games, and explained that performing at these events showed him just how much enthusiasm local audiences already have. He emphasized that there are far more opportunities than many in Japan realize, and that his experiences made him confident in the possibilities for Japanese music abroad.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu reflected on her 2012 debut music video, which was released in full on YouTube despite the fact that Japanese labels rarely posted complete videos at the time. She recalled worrying that fans might stop buying CDs, but the global response became the catalyst for her world tour.
Peyote Beats, who has recently become so immersed in Japanese music that he joked he is even “obsessed with enka,” spoke about the natural creative exchange that occurs when working with J-Pop artists. He explained that Japanese and American musical influences blend organically during collaboration and that both sides inspire each other. However, he also pointed out that language barriers remain a significant challenge for global expansion.
The December 2 live event, ennichi ’25 Japanese Music Experience LA, was held in the industrial warehouse style venue Aurora Warehouse and featured performances from Awich, f5ve, JP THE WAVY, and PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE. The surrounding area was transformed into a festival-inspired space, complete with yo-yo fishing, yakitori, and takoyaki stalls, and other traditional ennichi elements that created an immersive environment. Before the concert began, a taiko performance and tuna-cutting show energized the crowd.
Opening the night was the girl group f5ve, who won over the audience with upbeat lyrics and catchy pop melodies. Their strong performance and fluent English during the MC segments kept the atmosphere bright. Midway through the set, the room came together during their viral track “Firetruck.” Toward the end of their performance, PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE member TSURUGI made a surprise appearance during “Underground,” joining f5ve for a perfectly synchronized dance that lifted the excitement. In total, they delivered twelve songs that showcased their rising momentum.
JP THE WAVY followed with a standout set that highlighted his talent as both a rapper and a music producer. He has expanded his creative reach through collaborations with leading contemporary artist Takashi Murakami and through his strong influence as a fashion icon. His sharp delivery, charismatic verses, and the scale of his impact were immediately apparent, leaving a strong impression on the crowd. As the set neared its end, he performed his remix of “Tokyo Drift,” a track instantly recognizable to many American listeners and deeply associated with the image of Tokyo in U.S. pop culture. The crowd erupted the moment the familiar beat dropped, elevating the energy even further.
Awich then took the stage, instantly drawing the audience in with the power and emotional depth that have made her one of the most important voices in Japanese hip hop. After gaining international recognition through her 2023 appearance at the Coachella Festival, she delivered a deeply expressive and dynamic performance. In her MC, she spoke candidly about her Okinawan background, her “love and hate” feelings toward America, and the grief of losing her husband. “I struggled for two years after he passed,” she said. “But I chose to rise again through music. If I am doing this, I want to be number one, and I made it happen.” Her words received an overwhelming response from the audience. The energy surged even further when Lupe Fiasco, known for topping the U.S. album charts and for his appreciation of Japanese pop culture, appeared as a surprise guest to perform “Wax On Wax Off.”
Closing the night was PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE, the final act of the event. Fresh off their successful first U.S. tour across six cities this past February, their set moved at full speed from the opening track “SWISH DAT” into “Spark It Up,” raising the energy in the venue. Each of the seven members showcased individuality in vocals, dance, and fashion, giving the performance a vivid sense of variety. Fans in Los Angeles were especially excited to witness their global viral hit “Just Like Dat feat. JP THE WAVY,” which has accumulated more than 300 million views on TikTok. With songs that were visually striking, vocally polished, and built for movement, the group delivered a powerful finale with “TALK TO ME NICE.”
With the goal of fostering globally successful artists originating from Japan, this event marks the starting point of a broader initiative to elevate Japanese music into a new global standard. Additional live events are planned to be held in various regions around the world as the project continues to expand.
For more, visit ennichi.info
