Tokyo is a city of contrasts: ultra-modern yet steeped in tradition, fast-paced but quietly reflective. And for Japanese pop duo YOASOBI, Tokyo isn’t just home; it’s their creative lifeblood. Since forming in 2019, the pair – producer Ayase and singer-songwriter Lilas Ikuta (AKA Ikura) – have risen from indie beginnings to the forefront of Japan’s music scene, racking up billions of streams, topping national charts and becoming the face of a new, genre-blending generation of J-Pop.
Living out their motto “novel into music,” YOASOBI built a unique concept: transforming fiction into song. They’ve been doing this now since 2019, when Ayase was invited by Sony-owned writing platform Monogatary.com to create music based on its literary submissions, leading him to discover vocalist Ikura through her Instagram covers. The two formed YOASOBI, naming the project after the Japanese word for ‘nightlife’.
Their breakout hit Yoru ni Kakeru, based on the online short story Thanatos no Yūwaku (a dark tale about love and death), became a viral sensation and the most streamed song in Japan in 2020. And now, their story is going global. With standout performances at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound festival back in June, followed by two sold-out shows at London’s Wembley Arena, YOASOBI is cementing its place on the international stage – but the pair bring a little piece of Tokyo with them, wherever they go.
Indeed, both Ayase and Ikura have strong, personal connections to their hometown: Ikura was born and raised in the city, while Ayase relocated from rural Yamaguchi about 10 years ago, drawn by Tokyo’s vibrant and unpredictable energy. When he arrived, he settled in Kōenji, a neighbourhood celebrated for its bohemian vibe and indie music scene. “Many of the residents there were musicians, would-be actors, people trying to make it as comedians – all of us struggling financially, struggling with our careers,” he recalls. “But Kōenji had lots of places where you could drink cheaply, so many people would just gather around, lick their wounds, drinking together. I really loved that culture, I really enjoyed being part of it. But I was also very aware that I shouldn’t stay there.”
That drive pushed him to keep going and today, the contrast between those early struggles and YOASOBI’s global success isn’t lost on him. “Now, people at Sony Music talk to me as an equal or speak to me respectfully. That’s really amazing to me, makes me feel I’m doing something right.”
Ikura’s bond with Tokyo is shaped by a different experience. Growing up in Kichijōji, a culturally rich neighbourhood known for its laid-back energy and artistic spirit, she spent long afternoons in Inokashira Park. “I could really feel the seasonal changes, day by day,” she says. “That contact with nature really inspired me and helped me in my creative process, whether I was writing melodies or lyrics. The youth culture there is rich, too, with lots of vintage clothing stores and independent restaurants. Plus, it’s where the Studio Ghibli Museum is, so from a young age I was surrounded by that kind of creativity.”
While both Ayase and Ikura have a strong sense of place in Tokyo, their vision for YOASOBI always extends beyond the city. “I’d love for our band to be an entry point into J-Pop for global audiences,” says Ayase. “If people’s view of J-Pop is that it’s something traditional or see it as a minor genre, we want that perception to change. We want people to hear it and think, Oh my God, this is cool.” adds Ikura. That shift is already underway – international shows are selling out, and festival crowds are singing their lyrics back to them.
In many ways, YOASOBI’s music reflects the city that shaped them; a place where tradition meets innovation, and energy hums beneath moments of quiet reflection. The city’s striking contrasts – bright neon lights alongside peaceful green pockets – inspire their unique blend of emotionally rich storytelling and polished pop production. To celebrate the release of their most recent single Gekijyo (The Show), we asked the duo to share their favourite Tokyo spots: the hidden corners, independent hangouts, and everyday spaces where people like them – artists, musicians, dreamers – go to find inspiration. Here’s their take on the Tokyo they know and love...
Ayase’s Tokyo Reccs
CHECK INTO... The Tokyo Station Hotel, a very convenient hotel directly connected to (unsurprisingly) Tokyo Station, with a rich history and a high-class atmosphere.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS ARE... Korinya in Kōenji. It’s an Izakaya, which is a Japanese word to describe a tapas bar or gastropub that’s perfect for co-workers and friends to gather. Korinya is a very comfortable Izakaya run by a master who has always been kind to me. Another one I love is Hoppy Street (Hoppy Dori) in Asakusa, where you can enjoy traditional Tokyo drinks and monjayaki (often called monjya). monjayaki is one of Japan’s classic dishes, made by mixing water, flour, dashi broth and various ingredients such as cabbage, mochi, cheese and squid. It’s a must-try!
I LOVE TO WANDER THROUGH... Ueno Park. Located in the northeastern part of the city, it’s home to numerous art museums and exhibitions, making it a fantastic place to immerse yourself in in creativity before exploring nearby streets, markets and cafés.
Ikura’s Tokyo Reccs
ONE NEIGHBOURHOOD I REALLY RATE IS... Kichijōji, especially around Inokashira Park. I used to visit this area a lot during my school days, and it’s also where I performed live for the first time in front of my friends. Kichijōji is a trendy place in Western Tokyo, full of stylish cafes and coffee shops, like Yuriapemperu – their cream soda is delicious and the retro atmosphere is really charming. Pearl Lady is another gem: affordable, delicious and the store manager is incredibly kind.
I’LL ALWAYS GO BACK TO... Marion Crêpes, Japan’s longest-running crepe shop on Harajuku’s Takeshita-dori. When I was younger, the menu would be half-price whenever it rained, so buying crepes on rainy days became a routine for me.
ONE DAY, I’D LOVE TO STAY AT... The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon. This hotel has some rooms with incredible views of the Tokyo Tower.
TWO RESTAURANTS WORTH CHECKING OUT ARE... The Thai restaurant, Pepacafe Forest, tucked inside Inokashira Park – perfect for a relaxed lunch surrounded by greenery. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find Iseya Keon Ten, a classic Yakitori restaurant right by the park entrance, where you can enjoy perfectly grilled skewers while enjoying a view of the park from inside.
DON’T LEAVE WITHOUT VISITING... the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how Ghibli films are made, and catch exclusive short films shown only at the museum. Also, if live music is your thing, head to Shimokitazawa, a vibrant area home to venues like MOSAiC and Shimokitazawa Laguna, where I’ve performed myself. It’s also full of vintage clothing stores and retro cafes, making it one of my most memorable corners of Tokyo – for me, anyway!
