Fusing heartfelt Japanese pop, indie textures, and punk‑inspired grit, jo0ji steps into the global forefront as the July Gibson Artist Spotlight artist
Hailing from Tottori in Japan, jo0ji is the latest addition to the Gibson Artist Spotlight program, dedicated to showcasing and supporting exceptional emerging talent on the global stage.
jo0ji has quickly become one of the most compelling new artists rising from Japan’s vibrant music scene. His career first ignited with the YouTube release of “Fukutsu ni Hana,” a song written for a friend that resonated far beyond his hometown.
His momentum accelerated when Spotify selected him for RADAR: Early Noise 2024, spotlighting him as one of the most promising breakthrough artists of the year. By 2025, he was featured across major media lists of Trending Artists to Watch, performing at top festivals and earning a devoted international following. We caught up with jo0ji to find out more.
How would you describe your music?
“I write songs to feel natural with Japanese lyrics. I don't have a specific genre in mind, but I suppose you could call it J-POP.”
What is your favorite piece of Gibson gear?
“It’s a Les Paul. A couple friends gave it to me, and it’s my treasure. I just simply loved the way it looked, and I remember how excited I was the first time I put it over my shoulder and saw myself in the mirror. The sound is great, too—it has a nostalgic, warm tone when played clean, and when I add distortion, it cuts through the band without getting lost, so it’s a favorite and I use it often at live shows.”
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
“There are so many moments that I can’t really pick just one, but I think the moments when I’ve created and finished a song with the musicians I’ve met throughout my musical journey—and the moments when we’ve performed that song live—always shine bright within me.”
What does being part of the Gibson Artist Spotlight program mean to you?
“I am truly honored to be given this opportunity. I want to work even harder on making music with the hopes of staying true to the Gibson name.”
What's on the horizon for you?
“A new song is coming out soon. It’s a rock song featuring a strong guitar sound. Stay tuned!”
Visit jo0ji’s Artist Spotlight profile page to find out more.
