her0ism Talks J-Pop’s Global Moment, From MAJ’s Co-Writing Camp to the Grammys’ New Asian Category
Categoria: Musica
Billboard Japan spoke with her0ism, who shared his perspective on the current state and future of the industry.
Por Billboard | 21/07/2026
During Award Week for MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 (MAJ), which brought together music industry professionals from around the world in Tokyo, the co-writing camp SONG BRIDGE 2026 took place. Musicians and creators including UMI (U.S.A.), Cup of Joe (the Philippines) and HINDIA (Indonesia) gathered from around the world, joining Japan’s leading topliners for co-writing sessions, which are still rare in the country. Los Angeles-based producer/songwriter her0ism participated again this year and drew on his experience to lead the various teams. How much potential does Japanese music hold right now? Billboard Japan spoke with her0ism, who shared his perspective on the current state and future of the industry from a global vantage point. How would you describe the shift in overseas interest in Japanese music? The clearest, biggest sign was Lucian Grainge (Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group) being there. I had a chance to talk with him before the red carpet, and he told me, “Japanese music deserves to spread further overseas. I really sense the potential.” That’s something I feel strongly too. At the same time, there are still very few people capable of breaking through as individuals. Opportunities like MAJ are necessary, and of course there are doors that won’t open unless people come together as a group. But there are also gaps that only an individual can slip through, and that’s the kind of presence that’s needed. I talked with Lucian about this too, and for my own part, I want to keep working more to connect Japan with the rest of the world — helping Japanese artists reach a global audience, andhelping American artists who ought to be better known in Japan. That’s really important work, and something I feel I’m specifically positioned to contribute to. And to do that, it’s important that I keep being someone who’s actively writing hits. I’m looking to take that next step. What was your impression of this year’s SONG BRIDGE 2026? The level went up across the board this year, and the songs themselves were stronger. With artists like my close friend UMI coming from the U.S., and Cup of Joe coming from the Philippines, I feel like the camp showed even more potential to reach the world than it did last year. Everyone came away with a real sense of accomplishment at the listening party, and I’ve been hearing from the artists themselves that they’re eager to release these songs. If it becomes more widely known that this is a co-writing camp tied to an awards show, it’ll broaden the range of artists willing to take part. That, in turn, would naturally raise the producers’ morale and lead to even better songs. And once hits start coming out of it, that positive cycle should draw in even more artists who want to join the camp. I think that’s something that could realistically happen in the near future. Tell us about what you’r