Formed by classmates for a cultural festival at Yokohama Kishine High School, “SPECIAL OTHERS,” affectionately known as “SpeAza,” stands as a unique instrumental quartet in the Japanese music scene. Since their inception in 1995, they have continuously captivated fans with their distinctive sound. Celebrating their 15th anniversary of their major debut in 2021, they have released an impressive 24 albums over the years. Additionally, under the moniker SPECIAL OTHERS ACOUSTIC, they’ve expanded their musical repertoire with two more releases.

Each member’s middle name was bestowed upon them by the legend of Afrobeat, Mr. Tony Allen, as follows:

Yuma “REMI” Serizawa (Keyboards)
Yuya “SEGUN” Matayoshi (Bass)
Ryota “TOYIN” Miyahara (Drums)
Takeshi “DAYO” Yanagishita (Guitar)

Highlights of their illustrious career include a major debut with Victor in 2006 and their first solo concert at the Nippon Budokan in 2013. In 2014, they embarked on projects under the SPECIAL OTHERS ACOUSTIC banner, and in 2022, they released the album “Anniversary.”

Led by the modern-day vaudevillian, Gentle Kubota, the 21-piece big band, GENTLE FOREST JAZZ BAND, has been redefining entertainment since its formation in 2005. They infuse danceable swing jazz with contemporary flair, offering a fresh take on entertainment. Their exhilarating and humor-filled live performances, featuring a 17-piece instrumental ensemble and the vocal trio “Gentle Forest Sisters,” continue to captivate audiences. With appearances at jazz festivals, collaborations with comedians, and contributions to films and commercials, they are recognized as one of the most sought-after big bands in Japan today.

Gentle Kubota (Leader, Trombone)

Born in Tokyo in 1978, Kubota discovered the trombone at Wako University after training as a gardener. While having experience as an Optician, he formed the Gentle Forest Jazz Band in 2005. He now wears many hats, including trombonist, emcee, narrator, and actor.

Hailing from the vibrant jazz scene of Japan, the “Shinji Mori Trio” stands out as a musical force to be reckoned with. At the heart of this dynamic ensemble is Shinji Mori, celebrated for his impeccable drumming finesse, having served a remarkable seven years with the Sadao Watanabe Quartet. Flanking him is the piano virtuoso, Kotaro Tsukahara, whose keys dance with both precision and passion, and Junichi Furusato, whose bass lines provide a deep, resonant foundation. Their collective experience, both domestically and on international stages, ensures that every performance is a masterclass in jazz. Attendees of their events are consistently treated to a genuine sonic experience, as the trio crafts a musical narrative that’s both captivating and deeply rooted in jazz tradition.

Hailing from Tokyo’s vibrant Shibuya district, the multinational band “ALI” has been turning heads with their unique crossover musical style. The band’s name, “ALI,” stands for “Alien Liberty International,” reflecting the diverse national backgrounds of its members. At the heart of the band is their lead vocalist and leader, LEO. With him at the helm, the band masterfully blends roots music like FUNK, SOUL, JAZZ, and LATIN with elements of HIPHOP, ROCK, and SKA to create a sound that’s truly their own.

In 2021, they achieved significant recognition at the U.S.-based Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Their tracks “Wild Side” for the TV anime “BEASTARS” and “LOST IN PARADISE feat. AKLO” for the TV anime “Jujutsu Kaisen” won Best Opening and Best Ending awards, respectively, marking a remarkable double crown achievement at the awards.

With their rich diversity and musical prowess, “ALI” is a band poised for even greater success in music scenes both domestically and internationally.

Born in Okinawa, BENI is a singer-songwriter with a diverse cultural background, as her heritage encompasses American and Japanese origins. Surrounded by diverse music from a young age, she honed her musical instincts in this rich environment. Coupled with her relentless dedication post-debut, she has established herself as a powerhouse artist with an exceptional vocal prowess.

BENI’s talents are not only recognized in Japan but also acknowledged on the international stage. She has notably collaborated with global music icons such as Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige, and Sergio Mendes.

Her discography boasts numerous hits, with her 2nd album “Lovebox” clinching the top spot on the Oricon charts. Particularly, her English cover album series “COVERS” achieved the Oricon #1 position, with the series up to “COVERS 3” amassing sales of over a million copies. This accomplishment led to her receiving numerous awards, including the Japan Gold Disc Award for “Concept Album of the Year.”

However, BENI’s allure isn’t confined to just her music. With her distinct fashion sense and striking beauty, she’s also a sensation in the fashion world. Notably, she was chosen as the Asian representative among the 13 global female ambassadors for the “H&M Conscious Collection.” Demonstrating her versatility, she has also established herself as a successful model, earning immense support from women around the world.

Emerging from the heart of Tokyo is the music collective, “XinU.” Their music, inspired by the keyword “crossing ‘X’ into ‘U’,” captures the contemporary sounds of Tokyo while expressing the modern era through profound Japanese lyrics. Incorporating a myriad of genres like R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and folklore, their unique sound is described as “Neo Tokyo Cross Over Rock Jazz Damn!!”, paving a borderless path to the future of music.

XinU’s vocals are both clear and smoky, a distinctive timbre that has garnered attention from many listeners. In moments of doubt or distress, their voice offers solace, resonating deeply with the listener’s heart. When one seeks optimism, it feels as if their voice gently nudges you forward. On rainy days, their soulful voice touches the heart, and on sunny days, it uplifts the spirit. This rich, smoky voice has endeared them to a vast fanbase.