Japan’s rising soul-groove phenomenon luv will introduce themselves to a wider global audience with their debut full-length album, wabi-sabi, arriving November 4 via Warner Music Japan.
Hailing from Osaka, the five-piece are rapidly establishing themselves as one of Japan’s most exciting musical exports, bringing together neo-soul, the infectious rhythms of R&B, the improvisational spirit of jazz and the energy of hip-hop. With a sound that draws on the enduring appeal of Japanese City Pop while pushing into new musical territory, luv is helping define a new generation of globally minded Japanese artists.
Described by SPIN as “rapidly becoming one of the hardest live acts to secure tickets for”, and praised by Apple Music for “effortlessly blending acid jazz structures with the infectious bounce of modern global R&B”, luv’s reputation is growing well beyond their hometown.
Formed in 2023 by childhood friends and standout musicians from Kansai University’s Jazz Study Club, the band have quickly built an international following through their distinctive sound and mesmerising live performances. Their rapid rise has included selection as an official showcasing artist at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, where they featured in the festival’s International Nights programming; a first appearance at Japan’s iconic Summer Sonic festival in 2026; and sold-out international headline shows in Taiwan and Korea. The band also received a 2026 Japan Music Awards nomination for Best New Artist.
Now, wabi-sabi marks a defining moment in their evolution, exploring the theme of someone struggling to navigate love; the album captures the thoughts, emotions and fleeting observations that surface when thinking of another person, almost like fragments of an inner monologue preserved on tape. Rather than searching for definitive answers, wabi-sabi embraces ambiguity, imperfection and the beauty found in life’s transient moments, reflecting the Japanese aesthetic philosophy from which the album takes its name.
Across 13 tracks, luv expand their sonic palette while retaining the unmistakable groove that has become their signature. Previously released singles offer a glimpse into the album’s emotional and musical world: ‘Ohaguro’ draws inspiration from the traditional Japanese practice of blackening teeth to explore beauty on one’s own terms; ‘bye<3’ reflects on leaving their native Kansai region for Tokyo and the farewells that come with change; while ‘ojigi’ uses the Japanese gesture of bowing as a metaphor for the complexities of social etiquette and romantic relationships.
Along with the album’s release, the music video for ‘easy, no way!!‘ has officially been released. Exploring the concept of “another self reflected in the mirror”, the video captures a personality that may exist beyond the looking glass, bringing an intriguing sense of duality and self-expression to life. Blending dynamic performance scenes that showcase luv’s signature groove with striking, high-fashion visual aesthetics, the video is a playful and experimental visual experience. Developed through ongoing discussions between the members and production team, the work embraces dynamic, revolving camera angles and the captivating presence of a dancing mirrorball character.
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