tiny desk concerts JAPAN - Season 1 / Year 2024

Renowned Japanese artist and international star Fujii Kaze makes his way to NHK's tiny desk in Shibuya, Tokyo! Embracing the spirit of the tiny desk, Fujii Kaze performs a set of original music and delivers an unparalleled original experience.

The tiny desk welcomes KIRINJI, Horigome Takaki's solo project he originally formed in 1996 with his brother Yasuyuki. In recent years, the world has fallen in love with Japanese city pop, and KIRINJI is riding that wave with its complex and unique urban sounds. Watch as KIRINJI breathes new life into its highly acclaimed music with an enticing performance.

Following up KIRINJI's performance at Shibuya's NHK offices is singer-songwriter and guitarist: Ohzora Kimishima. Kimishima brings a special ensemble he formed with friends that features Shuta Nishida (Gt), Kazuki Arai (Ba) and Shun Ishiwaka (Dr), as well as guest vocalists ermhoi and Kuro 〈TAMTAM〉. The Ohzora Kimishima Ensemble brings a fresh breath to Kimishima's music crafted just for tiny desk. Experience an unparalleled and original musical performance exclusively on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

Following KIRINJI and Ohzora Kimishima Ensemble, next up on the tiny desk is yama! The masked and enigmatic singer debuted in 2020 with the hit song Haru wo Tsugeru. Influenced by Vocaloid music, yama's clear and soulful voice quickly captivated Japan's digital-native generation. Having found popularity by posting cover songs online, the prodigy of Japanese internet culture brings their unique sound to NHK's Shibuya office. With a special ensemble of eight musicians and backup singers, yama delivers a breathtaking live performance with exclusive arrangements for the tiny desk. Join us for an "unparalleled and original" musical performance on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

The dynamic sister duo CHARAN-PO-RANTAN celebrates 15 years as a group as they take on the tiny desk! Street performer and accordionist Koharu and her younger sister Momo (still in high school at the time) formed the group in 2009 and have dazzled audiences with an eclectic mix of Balkan music, chanson and more. This time, Momo's energetic vocals and Koharu's dynamic accordion are joined by a banjo ukulele and a sushi tub drums for an exhilarating performance.

Legendary B'z vocalist Inaba Koshi, who has sold over 80 million CDs in Japan, takes on the tiny desk! After releasing his first solo album in ten years and completing a nationwide tour this summer, the singer brings his powerhouse band to NHK's Shibuya office in Tokyo for an intimate performance and breathes new life into his iconic music. One of Japan's unique vocal talents and a fan of NPR's original tiny desk, Inaba Koshi has crafted special arrangements exclusively for this show. Tune in and experience a truly original musical performance unlike any other, only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

ROTH BART BARON, the globally acclaimed folk rock band helmed by Mifune Masaya, is based in Tokyo and Berlin and renowned for their distinct sound. The group brings a one-of-a-kind performance to tiny desk concerts JAPAN with a supporting band and arrangements prepared just for NHK's Shibuya office. Get ready for a raw, emotional and truly original musical experience you won't find anywhere else!

Ozawa Kenji, a huge fan of the original tiny desk, joins the Japan edition with a lineup as unique as his sound: drums playing the iconic SP1200 live, bass alternating between keyboard and bass, vibraphone, timpani, tubular bells and harp. The 30-minute, non-stop performance delivers nine beloved tracks in a one-take session that filled the NHK office with a roller coaster of emotions—from tension and warmth to even tears. Watch and be a part of an exciting and authentic musical experience—a special live music document—only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN.