Jun-ai (in Sakaiminato)

Singer-Songwriter-Bassist Tooru Kobayashi presents "Jun-ai" (Pure Love), the 15th single in his ambitious and groundbreaking project to release 30 consecutive singles throughout this year. Reaching the exact midpoint of this epic musical journey, "Jun-ai" stands out as a deeply emotional re-recorded masterpiece, officially released on September 16, 2026.

[BACKGROUND & THE RE-RECORDING]
"Jun-ai" was originally featured in Tooru Kobayashi's earlier independent release "DEMO Vol,7.5" (https://linkco.re/ssHY4uqv). Over the years, the song gained a dedicated following among fans due to its striking lyrics, unforgettable bass riffs, and passionate vocal delivery during live performances.
As part of his current 30-single challenge, Kobayashi decided to revisit this hidden gem. Rather than merely remastering the original track, he chose to completely re-record and re-arrange the entire song from scratch, capturing his evolved artistic identity and raw emotion as a performer today.

[LOCATION RECORDING AT SAKAIMINATO]
One of the most defining aspects of this release is its unique sound texture and atmosphere, captured through an authentic field recording in Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
Surrounded by wide open skies, tall grass, and the fresh coastal breeze, Kobayashi brought his bass guitar, amplifier, and microphones outdoors to perform under the open sun.
As pictured on the single cover art, this recording captures not only the music but the environment itself--the resonant thrum of the bass notes blending seamlessly with the vast atmosphere of Sakaiminato. The result is an organic, highly immersive sound that conveys warmth, space, and a profound sense of realism that could never be duplicated inside a traditional soundproof studio.

[LYRICAL THEMES: A LOVE BEYOND CONVENTION]
Despite its title "Jun-ai" (which translates to "Pure Love"), the song is far from a typical fairytale romance. Instead, it delves into the quiet, resolute bond shared by two individuals who carry deep emotional scars from their pasts and have turned their backs on conventional societal expectations.

"A love that breaks convention--we hide it well and laugh together."
"Turning silly chatter into jokes, as long as we believe, we will be fine."

In a cold world where even seemingly "kind words" can feel sharp like blades, these two souls choose to define their own happiness on their own terms. They do not seek validation, understanding, or approval from society. As expressed in the song's poignant closing lines--"A lifestyle that is not understood, because we are two people who are not understood"--the track is a powerful testament to unshakeable devotion, mutual trust, and finding solace in one another despite isolation.

[THE ARTISTRY OF THE SINGER-SONGWRITER BASSIST]
Performing as a bassist-singersongwriter is a rare and challenging musical discipline. Tooru Kobayashi masters this art by using his bass as both a rhythmic foundation and a melodic counterpoint to his vocal lines. In "Jun-ai", his dynamic bass performance drives the emotional core of the song, providing a rich acoustic resonance that lifts his soulful vocals.

Experience "Jun-ai", a track born under the open sky of Sakaiminato, reborn through courage and devotion, and delivered as a highlighted single in Tooru Kobayashi's 30-single marathon project.