Haruomi Hosono Releases "Yours Sincerely" Album

Haruomi Hosono, a highly influential figure in Japanese music, has released his 23rd solo album, titled "Yours Sincerely," on Ghostly International. Now 79 years old, Hosono's career spans decades and genres, beginning in 1969 with the psych-folk group Happy End, which was notable for being the first rock group to sing in Japanese. A later resurgence of interest in Happy End came when their song "Kaze wo Atsumete" was featured on the soundtrack for the film Lost in Translation. Hosono was also a key member of the pioneering electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra. His extensive solo work has explored a wide range of styles, from foundational city pop texts to ambient music and exotica. His influence extends to contemporary artists, including Harry Styles, who named his 2022 album "Harry's House" after Hosono's 1973 solo album "Hosono House."

"Yours Sincerely" is described as wilful, playful, unpredictable, and utterly beguiling. The album is rooted in the Japanese concept of "omoiyari," which translates roughly to compassion. The songs are characterized by their big-heartedness, focusing on themes of warmth and positivity. The opening track, "Note of Mothership," features a chorus of overlapping voices murmur-singing the phrase "we are mothers." Another track, "Happy Holiday," repetitively uses its title over a simple melody, while "Sincerely" is characterized as a sleepy, Leon Redbone-esque strum. The album's release continues Hosono's prolific output and his commitment to creating music on his own terms, regardless of age or prevailing trends.

Hosono's legacy is built on a foundation of innovation and genre-bending. Happy End's decision to sing in Japanese challenged the prevailing trend of adopting English lyrics in Japanese rock music, paving the way for a more distinct national sound. Yellow Magic Orchestra, formed in 1978, became pioneers of electronic music, influencing countless artists in synth-pop and techno. Hosono's solo career has been equally diverse, with albums like "Paraiso" (1978) and "Cochin Moon" (1978) showcasing his interest in world music and ambient textures, while his contributions to city pop, a genre that gained international recognition decades later, solidified his status as a foundational artist. The continued critical acclaim and artistic output from Hosono at age 79 underscore his enduring relevance and creative vitality in the global music landscape.