Sonoko Inoue Hokorobi

Sonoko Inoue is one of the most notable Japanese singer-songwriters to watch right now. She has gained attention for her original worldview, where she weaves stories from the simple moments of everyday life using unadorned words. Her music blends traditional influences like country and bluegrass, genres she has been familiar with since childhood, alongside Japanese pop, and even the sounds of her beloved Ozzy Osbourne. These diverse musical influences come together in her unique and distinctive songs. Though she has not been playing guitar for long, it is surprising how deeply rooted her musicality has already become, with a richness that resonates through her work. However, the landscapes she sings about are not always peaceful. The sorrow, frustration, and misery found in the overlooked lives of society's "dropouts" in the corners of Japanese cities are depicted with raw honesty. Her captivating voice lingers in the listener's ears, at times gently offering comfort, and at other times sharply confronting something right in front of her. Her debut album Hokorobi features live performances captured in one take with just vocals and guitar, filled with the same intensity and tension as her daily live shows.