jo0ji: A Japanese Voice Blending Tradition and Sonic Landscapes

An emerging artist on the Japanese music scene, jo0ji is crafting a singular universe shaped by both traditional Japanese music and a contemporary sensibility. Through his songs, he transforms memories, emotions, and fragments of everyday life into vivid sonic landscapes. 

When we ask to jo0ji how to define his musical world, he answers “Sonically, I approach melodies and vocal styles that come from Japanese folk music / Kayokyoku with a modern sound.As for the lyrics, I mainly write about things that happen in my everyday life.”

On the occasion of his recent contribution to the ending theme of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, the singer reflects on his journey and the way he composes deeply personal songs.

First Steps into Music

His beginnings in music creation came almost by chance: “When I was little, 1970s Japanese folk songs were always playing at home, and that’s what made me love music.

I started making music because a friend who was rapping asked me to create a track for him. I thought I might be able to do it, so I tried. But I didn’t really enjoy making loop-based tracks. When I started writing songs with structures like verse and chorus, I began singing myself.”

His place of origin leaves a subtle imprint on his compositions: “Around me there were many older men who would hum in very unique ways. I often heard singing without accompaniment—just voices mixed with the environmental sounds around us. Because of that, when I add instruments, I always try to make sure you can see the scenery in the sound.

Since I often write about the people around me, I think my songs naturally end up carrying the feeling of the wind and the smell of my hometown.”

Which Song Best Introduces His Universe?

jo0ji answers: “I would choose “Fukutsu ni Hana.”This was the very first song I created. It’s a track where I simply poured out everything I genuinely felt was good at that moment, without filtering anything.

Because of that, I think it shows my raw self — the core of who I am — more clearly than any other song”

A Creative Process Between Introspection and Collaboration

For jo0ji, composing begins with an inner exploration that he then enriches through collaboration:

 “It’s a process of getting closer to the scenery that I can see and hear in my mind. At the same time, I also receive ideas from musicians and arrangers that I wouldn’t have come up with on my own, and we shape the music flexibly together. If after listening someone feels—even vaguely—that things might be okay, that would make me happy.”

How Did His Work on Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Influence His Music?

“I love both the manga and the anime, so I was incredibly happy. At the same time, I remember feeling that I had to stay true to myself while also respecting the work.

Director Shota Goshozono asked me to portray Yuji Itadori’s inner struggle, so I tried to imagine Yuji’s feelings during the Culling Game arc and wrote the song while connecting them with my own emotions.

Since I had to create the 90-second anime version first, the biggest challenge was how to create the dynamics of the full version’s ending.

The chorus used in the anime is actually the first chorus in the full version. I added orchestral sounds there, so I had to experiment a lot to figure out how to make the final section even bigger musically.”

A Constant Drive to Explore New Sounds

jo0ji is currently working on many new songs, with the same desire to evolve musically while staying true to his identity:

“I plan to write a lot of songs this year, so I want to try reaching into many different genres. I also have new releases coming, so please look forward to them.”

A Message to French Listeners

To conclude, jo0ji shares a few words for French readers: “I often see the streets and nature of France in films, and I’ve always wanted to visit at least once in my life. If I ever get the chance, I’d love to go—so please invite me. As a Japanese artist, I take pride in creating music that reflects who I am and where I come from. I hope that people in France will come to think of me as someone who represents Japanese music — like, “when you think of Japan, you think of jo0ji.”

I’ll keep working hard to make music that can reach you, so I’d be grateful for your support. Thank you very much.”

OST link : https://jujutsukaisen.lnk.to/digital-physical 

Credit : Sony Masterworks France and More To Come