ZENZEI

ZENZEI formed in 2017 when singer-songwriter Hana Takada met guitarist Takuya Sato. Their debut single '100' got some attention, establishing them as a new presence in Japanese alternative pop. The band's name comes from a Japanese dessert, which suggests something sweet and delicate about their approach.

Their lineup eventually included Yuto Kanda on bass and Masaki Sato on drums. They released albums like 'Embrace,' 'Origin,' and 'Exist,' working in a space between pop, rock, and electronic textures. The music tends toward ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics, which sometimes sparked discussion about their themes.

One song, 'Asymmetry,' drew criticism for how its message was interpreted regarding gender issues. The band addressed those concerns directly, clarifying their position on equality. They've kept making music that blends those airy pop sounds with more personal, sometimes questioning lyrics.