From his humble beginnings uploading pop music covers on YouTube to selling out stadium concerts in Japan, Fujii Kaze (also referred to as Kaze) has made waves globally with a fairly modest stage production. For the lucky few who were able to snag tickets to his first US tour last year, Kaze gave a performance as intimate as his online covers produced in his home. Now after his US festival appearances at both Lollapalooza 2025 in Chicago and Outside Lands 2025 in San Francisco, the young artist has been further propelled into the limelight.
The free-spirited musician continues to host shows in small venues, selling out in mere minutes simply because of capacity. However, he brings the same energy and charm on the small stage as he does on the big stage. Starting his Friday Outside Lands set with a bang as he drew in a large crowd to the distant Twin Peaks stage, Kaze strolled onto the stage brimming with confidence, as if he’d just come home. Despite the earlier overcast and cold weather, a gentle breeze and lush sunlight seemed to highlight his presence.
After a short stint at the dark and personal Bimbo’s 365 Club, the performer gave the Outside Lands crowd the same energy from the funk and jazz of the ‘80s that inspired him. Showing off a setlist combining both his English and Japanese discography, the twenty-eight year old was ready to show the Bay his talent and pizazz. Joined by guitarist Duran, drummer Saji Norihide, and bassist Koby Shy, Kaze took center stage with his keyboard.
Despite his experience selling out large venues, the multitalented musician shared how he still feels nervous before coming onstage. Yet, he never showed any signs of nervousness as he commanded the afternoon crowd. The gentle energy exuded from his jazz-funk infused tracks were a warm hug to a frosty start to the three-day festival. His carefree attitude left an impression on the early crowd as he bid farewell: “Stay blessed, stay happy, stay high.”
Speaking with Melodic Magazine after his set at, he explained why jazz music and the songs of the 80s spoke to him. “My father taught me jazz piano and played a lot of old jazz music when I was a kid. I feel that jazz is one of my identities,” said Kaze. “I always loved pop music. My parents’ generation kind of stopped at 70s music, so I had to research post 80s music. I watched a lot of YouTube videos, listened to a lot of albums, and I was fascinated by 80s and 90s music. They’re so creatively brave, innovative, and rich. I need that kind of energy for my music.”
One of the most compelling aspects of his music are his heartfelt, vulnerable lyrics. “I always want to grow as a human being. That’s my biggest goal in my life so I continue to grow spirituality,” explained Kaze. “Of course, as an artist, I also want to grow, but more than that, I want to grow as a human being. I want it to reflect that philosophy, my ideal, in my lyrics. I always need those kinds of songs that can uplift me or inspire me.”
This September, Kaze will be releasing his first ever full English album, Prema. Of course, embarking on a new journey comes with challenges. “Everything was challenging,” laughed Kaze. “I tried to write a love letter to English pop music. I also met a great lyricist as well. He helped a lot, and he gave me a lot of courage. I’m very thankful for all the opportunities that made it possible.” Before Outside Lands, the singer had just released a music video for one of the album’s tracks, “Love Like This.” He describes it as a love song, a breakup song, and self-love. “I would say this song is a journey to find yourself, and find your true self after going through a lot of difficulties in your life. It’s basically about finding love from inside and not from outside. This might sound like just another love song, but it actually has a deeper meaning.”
Closing out the conversation, he reflected on the five years since his first studio album, Help Ever Hurt Never. What drives him as an artist is simply the inherent passion to change as a person. “I always try to be a better man every day. I always need some kind of uplifting music, so if you also need something like that I hope you enjoy my songs as well. Let’s grow.”
Pre-save Prema, out September 5, here. Pre-order a physical copy here.
If fans order the limited signed edition, you will receive Prema, as well as the bonus disc Pre: Prema. On the bonus disc, fans will be treated to seven tracks.
Keep Up With Fujii Kaze: Website // Instagram // TikTok // Facebook // YouTube
Thank you so much for the beautiful article. You captured his performance there very well. What I love about Kaze is keep evolving both musically and spiritually, yet his core value is very stable. I can’t wait for his 3rd album Prema, I’m so sure it will exceed our expectation.
I was able to go to LA this summer. You express the charm of KAZE to the end. Thank you.
Hi! from Tokyo! Due to too many accesses from Kazetarians, I was unable to visit here, but after a few hours, finally I am here 💓Appreciate your gorgeous article. From the chilly, hazy weather to the lovely sunshine you experienced a miracle change when Kaze performed at the Outside Lands Festival. Also thank you for sharing his fantastic band members, who have been supporting Kaze over the years since his debut in 2020. Can’t wait for his growth as a musician and a human, and we are blessed to enjoy this era filled with his love🙏🫰👍
Hi, from Tokyo! Appreciate your gorgeous article of Kaze! I could feel the miracle change from chilly weather to sunshine while Kaze’s attractive performance!
Also thank you for sharing Kaze’s band members who have been supporting him over the years since his debut in 2020. Can’t wait for his next album & his live performance as well as his growth as a musician and as a human being. We are blessed to live this era filled with his music
💓💓🫰🫰
Attracted by your talent, moved by your 優しさ
Thank you for the wonderful article. Thanks to you, I have become an even bigger fan of his. I hope his message reaches everyone. I hope to gain even more strength from his music. I am even more excited for his third album. Thank you for the wonderful article.
It proves that it is a very good interview to talk about Kaze himself about his life goals, the love he received from his precious parents, and the central part of jazz being one of his identity.
He is undeniably Japanese, but conversation in English may be a more effective way to understand the nature of his soul than in Japanese.
I will definitely love him and his music until the end of my own life.
Thank you.