Rising J-Pop Star Hana Kuro to Release Debut Single “Be Romantic”
Japanese-British artist Hana Kuro announces her debut single “Be Romantic,” out February 7. Discover her unique approach to J-pop.
Hana Kuro, the Japanese-British artist bringing fresh energy to J-pop, is set to release her debut single, “Be Romantic,” on February 7th. Released via Handcraft Entertainment and Virgin Records, the track showcases Hana’s distinctive blend of cultural influences and innovative sound.
Produced by Michael Africk, a multi-platinum songwriter and 6X Japan Gold Disc winner, along with Zeph Park, “Be Romantic” merges Hana’s captivating voice with a polished, modern J-pop aesthetic.
Raised in Southeast London and Yokosuka, Japan, Hana grew up navigating two cultures, shaping her versatile musical style. From her father, she discovered electronic music and alternative rock from artists like Radiohead and Gorillaz. During high school, she explored R&B and hip-hop, drawing inspiration from artists like Frank Ocean, H.E.R., and Tyler, The Creator. At the same time, Hana stayed connected to her Japanese roots, listening to artists such as Lamp and Naoko Gushima.
Describing her musical journey, Hana explains: “Everything is always a combination of things that I like. I’m half-Japanese, but I was also brought up in the UK surrounded by Western culture. I’m a very open-minded person, and I try to fuse together different elements. Musically, I’m experimenting and fusing everything together in my own way. I can’t wait to share this song and journey ahead with my fans and followers.”
Michael Africk calls Hana the perfect artist to bring J-pop to the global stage, saying: “J-Pop has been waiting for Hana. As soon as I met her, I knew I had found someone very special.”
With “Be Romantic,” Hana Kuro is ready to redefine J-pop for audiences worldwide and embark on an exciting musical journey.