In the corner of a busy office at the NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo, a staffer rearranged books, vinyl records and tchotchkes on a bright red shelving unit. The production crew double-checked equipment settings and made small adjustments to the lighting. Another worker added a few more posters to the tall white file cabinets. Cameras were set and microphones were ready because Fujii Kaze and his band had just rehearsed the night before. Everyone in the room — including a few of us from NPR that were there to help — was eager and excited because the very first performance for Tiny Desk Concerts JAPAN was about to start.

The tiny desk welcomes KIRINJI, Horigome Takaki's solo project he originally formed in 1996 with his brother Yasuyuki. In recent years, the world has fallen in love with Japanese city pop, and KIRINJI is riding that wave with its complex and unique urban sounds. Watch as KIRINJI breathes new life into its highly acclaimed music with an enticing performance.

Following up KIRINJI's performance at Shibuya's NHK offices is singer-songwriter and guitarist: Ohzora Kimishima. Kimishima brings a special ensemble he formed with friends that features Shuta Nishida (Gt), Kazuki Arai (Ba) and Shun Ishiwaka (Dr), as well as guest vocalists ermhoi and Kuro 〈TAMTAM〉. The Ohzora Kimishima Ensemble brings a fresh breath to Kimishima's music crafted just for tiny desk. Experience an unparalleled and original musical performance exclusively on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

Following KIRINJI and Ohzora Kimishima Ensemble, next up on the tiny desk is yama! The masked and enigmatic singer debuted in 2020 with the hit song Haru wo Tsugeru. Influenced by Vocaloid music, yama's clear and soulful voice quickly captivated Japan's digital-native generation. Having found popularity by posting cover songs online, the prodigy of Japanese internet culture brings their unique sound to NHK's Shibuya office. With a special ensemble of eight musicians and backup singers, yama delivers a breathtaking live performance with exclusive arrangements for the tiny desk. Join us for an "unparalleled and original" musical performance on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

The dynamic sister duo CHARAN-PO-RANTAN celebrates 15 years as a group as they take on the tiny desk! Street performer and accordionist Koharu and her younger sister Momo (still in high school at the time) formed the group in 2009 and have dazzled audiences with an eclectic mix of Balkan music, chanson and more. This time, Momo's energetic vocals and Koharu's dynamic accordion are joined by a banjo ukulele and a sushi tub drums for an exhilarating performance. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind musical journey on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

Legendary B'z vocalist Inaba Koshi—who has sold over 80 million CDs in Japan—takes on the tiny desk! After releasing his first solo album in ten years and completing a nationwide tour this summer, the singer brings his powerhouse band to NHK's Shibuya office in Tokyo for an intimate performance and breathes new life into his iconic music. One of Japan's unique vocal talents and a fan of NPR's original tiny desk, Inaba Koshi has crafted special arrangements exclusively for this show. Tune in and experience a truly original musical performance unlike any other, only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

ROTH BART BARON, the globally acclaimed folk rock band helmed by Mifune Masaya, is based in Tokyo and Berlin and renowned for their distinct sound. The group brings a one-of-a-kind performance to tiny desk concerts JAPAN with a supporting band and arrangements prepared just for NHK's Shibuya office. Get ready for a raw, emotional and truly original musical experience you won't find anywhere else!

Since forming in 1996, the legendary band QURULI has held a unique place in the Japanese music scene with their versatile sound. This time, the band has prepared an exciting collaboration with Italian musicians, including Daniele Sepe, an iconic artist from Naples whom QURULI's Kishida Shigeru has admired for 20 years. Alongside Daniele and his ensemble, QURULI put together a special arrangement to perform at NHK's Shibuya office. Don't miss a one-of-a-kind musical showcase featuring a massive 16-member band—the largest ever for tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

Ozawa Kenji, a huge fan of the original tiny desk, joins the Japan edition with a lineup as unique as his sound: drums playing the iconic SP1200 live, bass alternating between keyboard and bass, vibraphone, timpani, tubular bells and harp. The 30-minute, non-stop performance delivers nine beloved tracks in a one-take session that filled the NHK office with a roller coaster of emotions—from tension and warmth to even tears. Watch and be a part of an exciting and authentic musical experience—a special live music document—only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN.

QUBIT, carrying on the spirit of Yellow Magic Orchestra, joins tiny desk concerts JAPAN! This 5-piece band has been celebrated for their innovative sound, topping the J-POP/Kayokyoku category in a major Japanese music magazine's 2023 rankings. They bring their signature electronic sound to NHK's Shibuya office, exciting the audience with a dynamic and organic experimental performance.

"New" Traditional Japanese Music: Piano, Shamisen, and Electronic Sounds Since debuting with her 1976 album JAPANESE GIRL, Yano Akiko has been a trailblazer in blending Japanese culture with her unique musical style, including collaborations with Yellow Magic Orchestra. Agatsuma Hiromitsu, a renowned shamisen virtuoso, has been redefining "tradition and innovation" through performances that transcend genres and borders. The two artists come together for yano et agatsuma and take on tiny desk concerts JAPAN! Joined by Fukasawa Hideyuki on synthesizer, the trio introduces the world to a new type of Japanese music rooted in folk traditions and classic melodies.

ASKA, a legendary figure in Japanese music with a career spanning over four decades, brings his unmistakable voice and a powerhouse nine-piece band to deliver an unforgettable live performance—intimate, raw, and deeply moving. He's not just a Japanese icon—ASKA has been winning hearts across Asia with recent concerts in Malaysia, Taiwan, and beyond. Now, he's ready to reach the world. ASKA's setlist? Pure fire. Every song is a fan favorite, including massive CHAGE & ASKA hits like SAY YES—a cultural anthem—and solo classics like HAJIMARIWA ITSUMO AME (It Always Starts With Rain). These songs shaped the soundtrack of the '90s in Japan and across Asia, and now they're getting a fresh, deeply personal arrangement just for tiny desk concerts JAPAN. Filmed in the heart of Tokyo at NHK's Shibuya office, this is more than a concert—it's a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Don't miss this intimate, soulful journey through the golden era of J-pop—reimagined for the world stage.

Ishikawa Sayuri, the queen of Japanese soul music enka, graces tiny desk concerts JAPAN! Marking her 53rd year in music and holding a record-setting 47 appearances on NHK's Kouhaku Uta Gassen. A true icon of Japanese music, she performs her timeless hits and a stunning rendition of the American folk classic The House Of The Rising Sun, which drew global attention in Wim Wenders' film PERFECT DAYS. Reimagined with a unique tiny desk arrangement, her powerful voice will be shared with the world. Joining her is the acclaimed piano trio fox capture plan, known for scoring numerous hit drama series. Together, they breathe new life into traditional Japanese children's songs and Ishikawa's own classics, creating a one-of-a-kind musical collaboration that bridges generations and genres. Don't miss this unforgettable session—a bold, emotional, and original live music experience—only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN.

For the first time, tiny desk concerts JAPAN leaves the NHK office and heads to school. This special edition, titled tiny desk concerts JAPAN in schools, is set at The University of Tokyo in front of actual students. Kicking off this exciting new chapter is CHANMINA, a trilingual rapper and singer-songwriter born in South Korea and raised in Japan. Fluent in Japanese, Korean, and English, she has captivated audiences with bold lyrics and genre-blending sounds since her debut in 2017. CHANMINA's music often explores themes like gender and beauty standards, establishing her as one of the most distinctive voices in today's music scene. What kind of session will unfold between CHANMINA and the students? Don't miss this "original and exceptional" musical experience, only on tiny desk concerts JAPAN!

From tiny desk to the world! Tiny Desk Concerts JAPAN has brought the unique talents of Japanese artists to global audiences over 14 episodes. This special showcase features six standout performances: ASKA delivering timeless hits; Inaba Koshi with a heartfelt, high-energy set; Ozawa Kenji & Schadaraparr in a bold, nonstop 30-minute take; QURULI’s signature sound powered by a 16-member ensemble; CHARAN-PO-RANTAN’s dazzling accordion, powerhouse vocals, and playful spirit; and CHANMINA breaking boundaries with a candid set at the University of Tokyo. In 29 minutes, experience the diversity, energy, and creativity at the heart of Japan’s music scene—don’t miss it!