Hana Kuro’s debut single “Be Romantic” releases February 7, blending Japanese and British influences for a fresh J-pop sound.
Hana Kuro, the Japanese-British artist and rising star in J-pop, will make her debut on February 7th with her first single, “Be Romantic.” Released through Handcraft Entertainment and Virgin Records, the song brings Hana’s multicultural background and innovative artistry to the forefront.
Produced by Michael Africk (6X Japan Gold Disc winner and Handcraft CEO) and Zeph Park, “Be Romantic” merges Kuro’s captivating voice with Africk’s proven expertise in shaping J-pop hits. The track introduces Hana as a dynamic voice ready to push the boundaries of the genre.
Hana’s upbringing, split between Southeast London and Yokosuka, Japan, heavily influenced her music. Introduced to electronic music and bands like Radiohead and Gorillaz by her father, Hana also developed a deep love for R&B and hip-hop, inspired by artists like Frank Ocean, Summer Walker, and Tyler, The Creator. At the same time, she embraced her Japanese heritage by speaking the language fluently and exploring artists like Lamp and Naoko Gushima. 
Hana reflects on her creative process: “Everything is always a combination of things that I like. I’m half-Japanese, but I was also brought up in the UK surrounded by Western culture. I’m a very open-minded person, and I try to fuse together different elements. Musically, I’m experimenting and fusing everything together in my own way. I can’t wait to share this song and journey ahead with my fans and followers.”
Africk is equally excited about Hana’s potential: “It takes a special artist and the right timing to globalize a music genre. J-Pop has been waiting for Hana. As soon as I met her, heard her sound, felt her energy, and experienced her style and aesthetic, I knew I had found someone very special.”
With “Be Romantic,” Hana Kuro is poised to make her mark on J-pop and establish herself as a genre-defining artist.
