NEW Japanese pop sensation Imase is set to mark his debut concert in Kuala Lumpur this month.
His two-hour concert, Imase's First Asia Tour Shiki In Kuala Lumpur 2024 takes place at 8.30pm in Zepp KL, Jalan Hang Tuah, Kuala Lumpur on June 20.
NIGHT DANCER
Born on Nov 9, 2000, the Japanese singer-songwriter made his musical debut in 2021 with the single 'Have A Nice Day', and gained a larger fan following in 2022 with his second single 'Night Dancer'.
Imase's first EP 'Pop Cube' was also released in 2022.
'Night Dancer' entered the South Korean Melon 100 chart, becoming the first Japanese song to do so.
In 2023, Imase produced the songs 'Jewelry' and 'Dresscode' for the K-Pop group Le Sserafim.
BEST FRIEND
In a recent interview, Imase said: "I started my music career when I saw my best friend buy a guitar and play it beautifully.
"I have loved singing since I was a pre-teen, so I also bought myself a guitar and that's how I started my singing career."
Imase subsequently released original songs and thankfully was able to make a major label debut.
"I am now writing various songs and doing live shows around Japan."
GEN HOSHINO
Imase cites 2000s singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino of 'Kudaranai No Naka Ni' fame as his biggest musical influence.
"I was thoroughly influenced by Gen's music. I am very much influenced by the way he layers his falsetto and natural voice in the chorus parts, and the way he sublimates various genres into pop music," said Imase.
Imase is currently touring Asia and he will also tour his home country in the third quarter of 2024.
"I will be performing on a larger scale than in the past, so I hope to give Malaysians and Southeast Asians a performance that everyone will enjoy."
BAD DANCER
Imase admitted that he was "really bad at dancing" but planned to learn some basic dance moves in order to improve his performances.
"As for instruments, there is nothing I can play well, but I usually use a keyboard for songwriting."
Imase admitted that he never played with any pop or rock bands in Japan during his high school years.
"I didn't have any friends around me who were also playing music, so I never had the opportunity.
"But it would be great to sing a duet with a leading Japanese band someday."
KOREAN
Imase sings 90 per cent of his work in Japanese, but for 'Night Dancer', he released English and Korean versions of the hit single.
As for acting, Imase admitted that he was not good at it.
"I'm no actor, but if there is an opportunity for me to try my luck in acting, I am game for it.
"I love doing new things, because getting out of my comfort zone helps me grow as an entertainer.
"After all, acting and singing do go hand in hand."
FOOTBALL
Imase loves football.
"I love playing games, and I was into sports during my schooldays, I have played soccer from elementary school until high school."
Before beginning his music career, Imase worked in an office in his hometown.
"I think I would have kept that job, but then, music is a lot more stimulating than being at your desk in an office."
FEELINGS
As for his scheduled live shows, Imase believes in "giving his all".
"I think I will be releasing a lot of songs in the years to come, I pour my innermost feelings into them.
"What I want to do now is to continue making songs from the heart that will reach out to everyone.
"Nothing makes me happier than seeing my fans cheering for me and asking for more," he said.
SURPRISE
Imase said that he will perform a dozen or more songs in his concert.
"I can't tell you exactly how many songs as I want to make it a surprise. All I can reveal is, I am preparing a set list that everyone will enjoy."
EXCITED
Imase is excited about performing in Kuala Lumpur.
"I have never been to this part of the world, so I am very much looking forward to touching down in Kuala Lumpur.
"And best of all I am also looking forward to tasting the local food," he said.
FRIENDLY PEOPLE
Imase has read about Malaysia, and said that it was one of the best countries to visit.
"Malaysia, as far as I have read and heard, is a picturesque land with lots of friendly people and a warm, sunny climate all year round," he said, adding that the country was "his type of place".
Tickets to the concert are priced RM338, RM378, RM488 and RM588 and are available at ticket2u.com.