Discover 808
808 (YAOYA) is a Japanese singer on the rise. After releasing his hit song “You”, he has climbed the country’s top music charts and made his mark as a viral breakout artist.
This article answers commonly asked questions about the Japanese singer 808.
Table of Contents
Who is 808?
808 (YAOYA) is a Japanese singer, rapper, and songwriter. Emerging from the club scene in Kansai (or the western region of Japan), he has gained greater recognition through social media.
808’s music is characterized by his unique vocals, reggae-fusion tracks, and candid lyrics that resonate with his audience. One artist profile describes him as someone who “deeply loves music, skateboarding, and his friends.”
Where is 808 from?
808 is from Ono City, a small town located in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.
He speaks very fondly of his hometown, noting its serenity. He shares, “In my hometown, there’s nature, there’s parks. Everywhere is a chill spot.” This deep-rooted affection for his origins shines, as he aspires to host a big festival there in the future.
How do you pronounce the Japanese singer’s name 808?
808 is pronounced as “yah-oh-yah,” (やおや), with an emphasis on the “oh” sound. He has also pronounced his name as the number “808” (in Japanese, “hachi-maru-hachi”).
His name has been stylized as YAOYA, as well as YAVOYA and やおや.
What genre of music is 808?
808’s musical style blends various genres, including reggae, hip-hop, rock, and pop.
What group is 808 a part of?
808 began his music career with FLAT FRANKEN, a four-person HIPHOP crew based in Kobe, Japan. Formed in April 2021, the group consists of members twin_B, KANTER, 2Kuma, and 808.
When discussing the group’s strengths, 808 emphasized that everything gets 400 times better with the four of them. He expressed, “They are all skillful, and just such great guys.”
While 808 started his solo career after the group’s formation, he and the other three members of FLAT FRANKEN have remained active as a group.
When did 808 begin his solo music career?
808 began his solo career in August 2022, with the release of his first EP, FIRST TRAVEL.
How did 808 gain recognition?
808’s breakthrough came with the release of his song “You.” Initially going viral on TikTok, its popularity quickly spread to other social media platforms.
The reggae-rooted song’s catchy line, “Putting I love you into words cheapens it, right?” (愛してるなんて言葉にしたら安くなるだろ) became an earworm for listeners, leading to a surge in videos featuring the song. Check out the official lyric video below.
The song’s success became evident as “You” charted on notable music platforms. This includes the Billboard Japan’s Heatseekers Songs chart, Apple Music’s Top 100 – Japan, as well as the #1 spot on Spotify’s Viral 50 Japan for multiple consecutive weeks.
“You” is featured on his 2024 EP, MAGIC HOUR. Check out the full EP on Spotify below.
Where do I follow 808?
When asked about his future, 808 responded, “I want to keep changing while staying true to myself.” Truly, this is just the beginning of his rising music career.
Follow his journey through the links below:
Artist Profile
https://www.tunecore.co.jp/artists?id=830716
Social media
Check out other artist profiles and articles on utatune.
