Japanese singer Fujii Kaze shares with India Today his thoughts on spirituality, his album Prema, and why he considers India his spiritual home. He also discusses his debut at Lollapalooza Mumbai and his creative journey.

In an era where pop success is often defined by loudness and viral hits, Fujii Kaze has carved a global career through subtle intensity. The Japanese singer-songwriter, now a cult favorite across Asia, Europe, and North America, doesn’t seek the spotlight but instead draws listeners into his world.

Blending jazz, R&B, gospel, and J-pop, his music consistently revolves around a core theme: a search for peace, grace, and meaning amid life’s noise. This makes his much-anticipated India debut at Lollapalooza Mumbai feel like a true homecoming.

In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Kaze describes India as his “spiritual hometown”—a phrase that may sound poetic at first, but deeply reflects his artistic ethos. Long before his viral breakthrough with Shinunoga E-Wa, he had been immersed in Hindu philosophy, mantra practices, and the principles of non-attachment, influenced by his family.

“Deep down, I already know the truth, but I have to keep reminding myself of it. This album expresses its philosophy and emotions more than ever,” he reflects.

“My parents have always been fascinated by Hindu teachings, and I share that interest,” he tells India Today, explaining why his 2024 album Prema—named after the Sanskrit word for divine love—feels less like a pop record and more like a meditation.

“Spirituality has always been my everything, and it grows stronger with time,” he shares. “It doesn’t always spark new music, but when I do create, I aim to connect with something spiritual rather than material.”

In this light, Prema doesn’t come across as an artist searching desperately for answers; it feels like someone learning to embrace uncertainty. Asked whether the album reflects growth or release, Kaze’s response is revealing: “Both!! I always strive to be a better version of myself, and to do so, sometimes you have to let go of the previous patterns in life.”

This philosophy is perhaps most evident in Grace, the hauntingly gentle video filmed in Uttarakhand. Against a backdrop of mountains, mist, and open skies, India becomes a living metaphor for inner stillness. Yet for Kaze, it wasn’t about performance. “What was captured in that video is like an extension of my daily life, only more vivid and beautiful,” he explains. “I’ve always been that kind of spiritual person—reflecting and looking inward.”

Fujii Kaze’s ability to weave introspection into spectacle makes his Lollapalooza India set particularly compelling. While festivals thrive on bombast, his music thrives on quiet revelations—and he sees no contradiction. “I like to express introspective and spiritual themes in a pop and cool way!” he says with a cheerful smile. “So, I hope Lollapalooza India will be the perfect place to perform my songs.”

Still, performing for Indian audiences brings its own unpredictability. “I don’t know what to expect! Indian people must be unpredictable!” he laughs. Yet beneath the nerves lies a deeper hope: “India is my spiritual hometown, so hopefully I can feel the sense of brotherhood and oneness with them.”

Kaze’s creative process is anchored in stillness rather than pressure. Asked how he protects his inner calm while traveling, he shrugs off the need to constantly produce. “You cannot force inspiration. So, I don’t stress myself that much while traveling.” His approach to creativity leans toward simplicity: when offered the idea that art comes from “removing noise until only what matters remains,” he lights up. “I like that! It reminds me of my favourite Michelangelo quote, ‘I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.’ I can’t say I always create like that, but I’d love to.”

These instincts also shape his listening habits. Kaze gravitates toward artists who treat music as spiritual inquiry. He describes Umi as “my sister, trying to find and share inner spirituality with the world alongside various kinds of R&B music.” Sam Garrett helps him feel “thankful and peaceful,” while Cleo Sol offers “inspirational and comforting messages with a warm and soulful sound.”

When he finally arrives in Mumbai, his bucket list isn’t about sightseeing or celebrity encounters. “I just want to feel the energy or spirituality of Indian people,” he says. “I’d also like to eat something sacred, visit somewhere holy, and meet someone divine!” His words may sound whimsical, but they feel entirely sincere.

In a world obsessed with louder, faster, bigger, Fujii Kaze has carved out a unique path—one where pop can be prayerful, and success doesn’t drown out the soul. His Indian debut drew over 50,000 fans to Lollapalooza India, co-produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, proving that subtlety and spirituality can command a spectacular stage.