Release of Kafu x Soushi Sakiyama's "Dakishimete" has been confirmed! A collaboration that has been five years in the making, with a song written with Kafu's singing voice in mind

■ “This song is about longing for someone far away who you can’t meet right now” (Sakiyama Soushi)

The collaborative song “Dakishimete” by virtual singer Kafu and Soushi Sakiyama is scheduled for release on June 12th.

“Kumikyoku” is a project in which virtual singer Kafu, who started “KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO”, collaborates with real artists and composers. For this second installment, Kafu has welcomed artist Soushi Sakiyama, whom Kafu herself has always respected as a listener.

A collaboration between Kafu and Sakiyama has been anticipated for a long time, with Kafu posting a cover song in 2019, early in her career, and her first solo live performance, “Fukakai,” in which she covered Sakiyama’s song “Satsukiame.” This time, it has been five years since the two finally performed together.

“Hold Me Close” is a song written by Kafu, who has always affirmed her own loneliness and that of creators, saying “I’m alone, but not alone,” and Sakiyama, who continues to express her own worldview with her outstanding word sense, relying on Kafu’s singing voice.

The music video, directed by Ryo Ichikawa, is based on the theme of contrasting strong individual emotions with the emotions of a group whose will is difficult to read. The full music video will premiere on Kafu’s YouTube channel at 8:00 p.m. on June 12th.

It has been announced that “Dakishimete” will be aired for the first time on the radio on J-WAVE (81.3FM)’s “SONAR MUSIC” on June 6th. This is your chance to be one of the first to hear the song.

Also, on June 7th, Kafu will appear with Soushi Sakiyama on “Friday Metaverse” (TV Asahi). A portion of the music video for “Dakishimete” will be aired in advance. Don’t miss this either.

■ Comment from Soushi Sakiyama
I provided a song called “Dakishimete” for Kafu. I also participated in the song and instrumental performance.
I am very honored to have been able to produce a song together with Kafu, who has been an inspiration to me as a listener for a long time.
“Hold Me Close” is a song written with the theme of longing for someone far away who you cannot meet “right now.”
Kafu’s singing voice gave me a lot of inspiration.
As Kafu-san’s singing breathed life into the song during the recording, the song gradually took on a more organic color, and it was an emotional moment that could never be replaced by anything else.
I’m also deeply grateful to Naoki Itai for helping me embody and sublimate my image.
I hope it reaches everyone!
■Kafu Comments
The second release of “Suite 2” is “Hold Me Close” with Soushi Sakiyama!
When you suddenly feel like you’re alone, the face of someone you want to see comes to mind. I think this song brings back memories of a warm feeling of loneliness along with the scenery.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to me to be able to touch, connect, and embrace others.
I’ve always loved Sakiyama’s songs, and I was really happy that he wrote this song for me and that I got to sing it with him.
I particularly like the part where the two voices overlap, starting with the one standing there alone, and then their feelings expand to each other.
Please give it a listen. Thank you.