Rising J-pop artist Hana Kuro will release her debut single “Be Romantic” on February 7 via Handcraft Entertainment and Virgin Records.
Hana Kuro, a Japanese-British artist poised to redefine the J-pop genre, will release her highly anticipated debut single, “Be Romantic,” on February 7th via Handcraft Entertainment and Virgin Records. With a multi-faceted artistry and millions of social media views, Hana’s music brings a fresh perspective to the global music scene.
Produced by Michael Africk, a 6X Japan Gold Disc-winning songwriter and producer, alongside Zeph Park, “Be Romantic” highlights Kuro’s distinctive voice. Africk’s J-pop expertise shines through the production, blending seamlessly with Hana’s unique mix of British and Japanese influences.
Raised in Southeast London and Yokosuka, Japan, Hana’s upbringing was steeped in cultural diversity, shaping her eclectic musical taste. She discovered a love for electronic music, as well as bands like Radiohead and Gorillaz, through her father. During high school, she explored R&B and hip-hop, drawing inspiration from artists like Frank Ocean, H.E.R., and Tyler, The Creator. Simultaneously, she embraced her Japanese roots, speaking the language fluently at home and connecting with the music of Japanese artists such as Lamp and Naoko Gushima. 
Describing her approach, Hana explains: “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.”
Michael Africk, who also serves as Handcraft Entertainment’s CEO, shares his excitement: “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 ready to captivate audiences worldwide and lead J-pop into a new era.
