Nakigoto: Indie Darlings Leap to Major Debut with "Tabun, Ai" and Japan National Tour
Japanese indie rock band Nakigoto (なきごと), a quartet celebrated for their emotionally resonant and technically adept sound, have announced their major label debut via EPIC Records Japan (Sony Music Labels). The announcement, made during their sold-out "Super Super Super Super Important Announcement One-Man × Minakami Birthday Festival!" show at Shibuya WWW X on April 8th, marks a significant step in the band's journey. Their major debut coincides with "Naku" no Hi (Crying Day) on July 9th.
Adding to the excitement, Nakigoto will release their first major label EP on the same day, July 9th. Fans won't have to wait that long for new music, however, as the band's vocalist and guitarist, Emiri Minakami, revealed that a new track from the EP, titled "Tabun, Ai" (たぶん、愛 - Maybe, Love), will be released digitally as a pre-release single on April 9th.
"Tabun, Ai" reportedly shares thematic connections with their previous work, "Aisai" (愛才 - Love Talent). While exploring romantic nuances centered around the complexities of spending too much time with a loved one, the song also delves into the internal struggles of a creative individual grappling with the act of creation itself. This introspective layer resonates with Minakami's own persistent dedication to producing new works amidst potential challenges.
Furthermore, Nakigoto has announced a nationwide tour titled "Kore Kara mo Yoroshiku Onegaishi man to man Tour 2025" (これからもよろしくお願いしman to manツアー2025 - Nice to meet you too man to man Tour 2025). The tour will take them through major cities, offering fans a chance to experience their dynamic live performances. Presale tickets for the tour are currently available through the Nakigoto fan club.
In a statement released by the band, they expressed their gratitude for the support they have received since their formation in 2018. They acknowledged the early faith and continued support from murffin discs and [NOiD], which allowed them to steadily build their career. The band also emphasized the numerous connections they have forged through their music, including the fans who await them at live venues across the country, the dedicated team who collaborates on their creations, the individuals who have helped amplify their music, their family, friends, and their fanbase, affectionately known as "Ningens" (ニンゲン's - Humans).
While recognizing their major debut as a significant milestone, Nakigoto views it as a new starting point. They pledge to continue creating music that resonates with their listeners' lives, always remembering the support they have received. The band expressed their eagerness to share the unique stages and music that only Nakigoto can create and hope to continue being a source of solace and connection for their audience. They concluded by asking for continued support and expressed their excitement for what lies ahead.
The "Kore Kara mo Yoroshiku Onegaishi man to man Tour 2025" dates are as follows:
August 31st (Sunday) - Nagoya CLUB QUATTRO
September 6th (Saturday) - Umeda CLUB QUATTRO (Osaka)
October 12th (Sunday) - Ebisu LIQUIDROOM (Tokyo)
Tickets for this tour are priced at ¥4,000 (all standing).
Additionally, Nakigoto will also embark on a "Shoshin ni Kaeru man to man One-Man Tour" (初心にかえるman to manワンマンツアー - Back to Basics man to man One-Man Tour), with several dates already sold out:
June 6th (Friday) - Shibuya eggman (SOLD OUT)
June 15th (Sunday) - Osaka LIVE SQUARE 2nd LINE (SOLD OUT)
July 11th (Friday) - Sendai enn 3rd
July 13th (Sunday) - Sapporo KLUB COUNTER ACTION
July 31st (Thursday) - Nagoya HeartLand (SOLD OUT)
August 2nd (Saturday) - Hiroshima Cave-Be
August 3rd (Sunday) - Fukuoka Queblick
August 11th (Monday, Holiday) - Takamatsu TOONICE
Tickets for the "Back to Basics" tour are also priced at ¥4,000 (all standing).
Nakigoto's move to a major label signifies a new chapter for a band that has already cultivated a dedicated following through their compelling music and engaging live performances. Their upcoming EP and national tours promise to further solidify their place in the Japanese music scene and introduce their unique sound to an even wider audience. The thematic link between "Tabun, Ai" and "Aisai" hints at a continued exploration of complex emotional landscapes, a hallmark of Nakigoto's songwriting. Their journey from the indie circuit to a major label while maintaining their artistic integrity will be closely watched by fans and industry observers alike.
