Japanese-British artist Hana Kuro debuts her single “Be Romantic” on February 7, blending cultural influences for a fresh J-pop sound.
Emerging Japanese-British artist Hana Kuro is set to release her debut single, “Be Romantic,” on February 7th via Handcraft Entertainment and Virgin Records. Combining the sensibilities of her British and Japanese heritage, Hana’s music redefines J-pop with its innovative sound and global appeal.
“Be Romantic” was produced by Michael Africk, a 6X Japan Gold Disc-winning producer and CEO of Handcraft Entertainment, along with pop producer Zeph Park. The track highlights Hana’s unique voice, offering a seamless blend of cultural influences and modern production.
Growing up in Southeast London and Yokosuka, Japan, Hana developed an eclectic musical taste. Her father introduced her to alternative bands like Radiohead and Gorillaz, while her teenage years were influenced by R&B and hip-hop artists such as Frank Ocean, Tyler, The Creator, and H.E.R. Despite her Western influences, Hana remained deeply connected to her Japanese roots, speaking the language fluently and immersing herself in Japanese artists like Lamp and Naoko Gushima.
Hana shares her approach to creating music: “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.”
Producer Michael Africk describes Hana as a game-changer for J-pop, noting: “It takes a special artist and the right timing to globalize a music genre. J-Pop has been waiting for Hana.”
With “Be Romantic,” Hana Kuro begins an exciting new chapter, setting the stage for her rise as a global J-pop star.
