Acclaimed vocalist and Da-iCE member Hanamura Sota has released his pre-debut album “ASCEEENSION” on June 3, marking a bold new chapter in his artistic journey as Hanamura Sota.
Despite more than a decade in the spotlight and numerous achievements as a member of Da-iCE, Hanamura Sota intentionally frames “ASCEEENSION” as a “pre-debut album” — a symbolic declaration of reinvention and artistic evolution.
Spanning 13 tracks including bonus tracks, “ASCEEENSION” brings together Hanamura’s own songwriting and production alongside contributions from some of Japan’s most celebrated artists. The album includes the previously released “Me.exe,” as well as “To you” written by Ohno Yudai, “We Got This” written, composed, and arranged by eill, and “Ienai” written and composed by SIRUP.
Released alongside the album is the music video for lead track “Lose.” Set to a funky groove, the sophisticated pop track captures the thrill of unexpectedly surrendering control in a game of love. Through sharp, ironic storytelling and a mature perspective on romance, Hanamura Sota transforms romantic defeat into an exhilarating experience, delivering the narrative in his own distinctive voice.
The release arrives ahead of Hanamura Sota’s first-ever solo tour, which kicks off this June and will conclude with his first solo performance at Nippon Budokan on August 17. The Budokan show will take place just one day after a performance by Natural Lag, the band for which he also serves as vocalist, highlighting the range of his artistry.
With “ASCEEENSION” and his upcoming Budokan solo debut, fans will be able to witness the next evolution of Hanamura Sota as he continues to expand his creative horizons and establish his unique artistic identity.