YOKA

The fourth installment in the Joy Anger Sorrow and Pleasure series This album reflects both the struggles and quiet joys of continuing life as an artist

Utsusemi
Written for a theater project where each cast member created a birthday song Instead of something celebratory I captured my honest feelings at the time I was comparing myself to others and becoming pessimistic and it was my friends who supported me through that period

Stand by
I was exhausted from being underpaid Money is not everything but when your work is undervalued it affects both confidence and energy I even started job hunting fearing a future of instability as an artist Then an interviewer told me my work gave them courage which made me question my path This song was written as a warm gentle ending theme for a stage production

Tailwind
Created for an improv theater ending where stories change every night I kept the lyrics open to interpretation Musically I aimed for a city pop feel though I barely understood it at the time and studied it the night before the deadline at my favorite bar

Keeper
A reworked song from my second album adapted for a school themed play I added a phrase to evoke youth and incorporated melodies from key scenes so the song would blend naturally with the story

KYOUBASHI
A neighborhood in Osaka full of memories I spent countless late nights there with friends never worrying about the last train Those seemingly meaningless yet precious moments are ones I will never forget

Tuesday at 8
In college I attended many street performances to connect with musicians I met a duo called Kappachi who only performed on Tuesdays at 8 pm They soon disbanded but I kept randomly running into one member Yocchan over the years One day he told me my social media gave him strength This song is dedicated to them

Ever Ever Die
Written for an improv performance I struggled with it due to differences with the composers style and practiced it more than any other song The music video includes old photos giving it a nostalgic almost life flashing before your eyes feeling

Lamp Post
Written for a stage production and performed a cappella I focused on a dramatic melody and developed the lyrics with the director Collaborating with others always reveals perspectives I could never reach alone