Rising global star Mina Okabe releases “Always Hurts,” an emotional reflection on connection and impermanence, ahead of her sophomore album.
Danish-Japanese singer-songwriter Mina Okabe returns with “Always Hurts”, her first new single of 2025, out now via Capitol Records. The track offers a deeply personal reflection on the bittersweet nature of change, marking the fourth preview of her highly anticipated sophomore album, due this spring.
Co-created with multi-platinum, two-time GRAMMY®-nominated producer Leroy Clampitt (Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber), “Always Hurts” showcases Okabe’s diary-like lyricism and signature ethereal sound. Through hushed vocals and gently layered instrumentals, she reflects on the emotional weight of leaving people and places behind.
Speaking about the song’s inspiration, Okabe shares: 
“I grew up with a Danish dad and a Japanese mom and in different cities. I’ve lived in London, New York, and Manila but now live in Copenhagen. Although I’m very grateful for the experiences it has brought me, and I somewhat got used to leaving places and people behind, there are some people in my life I never want to leave and never would be able to say goodbye to. This song is for and about them.” – Mina Okabe
Recently named a Spotify Borderless Artist for 2025, Okabe continues to earn global recognition. Her upcoming album follows her 2021 debut Better Days, which is now certified four-times platinum in Korea and features “Every Second”, a hit that has amassed over 58 million Spotify streams.
Following a sold-out tour in Japan and a nomination for the 2025 Music Moves Europe Awards, Okabe performed at Eurosonic Festival earlier this month. With over 500 million streams and performances at SXSW, Roskilde Festival, Seoul Jazz Festival, and Summer Sonic, Okabe’s star continues to rise.
