Hana Kuro to Release Debut J-Pop Single “Be Romantic” on February 7

Japanese-British artist Hana Kuro announces her debut single “Be Romantic,” a fresh take on J-pop. Out February 7 via Handcraft & Virgin Records.

Hana Kuro, the Japanese-British multi-hyphenate artist making waves in the global music scene, will release her debut single, “Be Romantic,” on February 7th. The track, set to debut via Handcraft Entertainment and Virgin Records, introduces a new chapter for J-pop, blending diverse influences and fresh perspectives.

Produced by 6X Japan Gold Disc-winning songwriter Michael Africk and pop producer Zeph Park, “Be Romantic” showcases Hana’s distinct voice, which reflects her dual cultural heritage. Africk, who is also the CEO of Handcraft Entertainment, describes Hana as a trailblazer: “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.”

Growing up between Southeast London and Yokosuka, Japan, Hana was immersed in two worlds, shaping her eclectic taste in music. Her father introduced her to electronic sounds and iconic bands like Radiohead and Gorillaz, while her teenage years were influenced by R&B and hip-hop artists like Frank Ocean, H.E.R., and Tyler, The Creator. At the same time, Hana maintained a strong connection to her Japanese roots, speaking the language fluently and listening to artists such as Lamp and Naoko Gushima.

Reflecting on her sound, 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.”

With “Be Romantic,” Hana Kuro offers a glimpse into her bold artistry and potential to redefine J-pop for a global audience. Fans can anticipate an exciting journey as she prepares to introduce her debut project to the world.