Discover issey (弌誠)
In today’s music landscape, emerging artists are finding their breakthroughs by generating new music types. One such artist is issey (弌誠), a Japanese singer and songwriter who gained attention with his viral hit, “MoeChakkaFire.”
This article answers commonly asked questions about the Japanese artist issey.
Table of Contents
Who is issey?
issey (弌誠) is a Japanese singer, songwriter, and musician. Known for his genre-bending discography, he composes and arranges all of his songs. His music draws inspiration from the music of the early 2000s, blending various sounds together for what he refers to as “new J-POP.”
Since creating his YouTube channel in 2020, issey has shared a series of covers and original songs, with “MoeChakkaFire” becoming his breakthrough hit.
When was issey born?
issey was born in 2001; his full birthdate has not been publicly disclosed.
When did issey begin sharing original songs?
issey began sharing his original music in February of 2020, when he posted his first self-composed song, “utopia,” on his YouTube channel.
What genre of music does issey create?
issey’s discography is hard to pinpoint to a single genre, as he experiments with pop, rock, kayōkyoku, and electronic elements—often incorporating high-intensity melodies with dark fantasy-like atmospheres.
He is rooted in the sound of the early 2000s, which he cites as part of his musical roots.
How did issey go viral?
issey gained viral recognition thanks to his hit song, “MoeChakkaFire.“
Digitally released on July 19, 2024, “MoeChakkaFire” quickly gained attention through social media. The song went viral on social media, with over 10,000 user-generated videos using the track.
“MoeChakkaFire” climbed to the top of YouTube’s daily music video charts, Billboard JAPAN’s Heatseekers Songs, and the top 10 of Spotify’s Viral 50 – Japan. The music video above surpassed 20 million views in less than three months.
issey’s deep, sultry vocals and the song’s addictive beat—as well as its direct connection to a free-to-play game character (learn more below)—helped fuel the song’s success.
Japanese music writer Patrick St. Michel of Make Believe Melodies refers to the song as the “continued sonic diversity flowing out of the post-Vocaloid internet music landscape.” He writes, “It’s a reminder that a hit can come out of anywhere in the 2020s, and it can sound like anything.”
What is “MoeChakkaFire” about?
“MoeChakkaFire” was created as an image song for the character Ellen Joe from the action RPG Zenless Zone Zero.
The song reflects the contrast between Ellen Joe’s laid-back attitude and her deep compassion for her friends. “This song was born to express that gap,” issey shares in the captions of his YouTube video.
issey composed this track to mirror the duality, using layered instrumentals to evoke the character’s warmth beneath her seemingly indifferent exterior.
Fun fact: issey also shared that he came up with the song’s title at Starbucks.
Does issey play the guitar?
Yes, issey often showcases his guitar skills online. Fans can find these videos on his YouTube channel (and other social media platforms), where he covers popular songs and performs original compositions.
Check out his cover of “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” by global hit duo Creepy Nuts above!
What was issey’s first movie collaboration?
issey’s first movie opportunity was with “Nightmare Restaurant” (しあわせレストラン), the theme song for the film Nightmare Resort (リゾートバイト).
The movie is based on a ghost story by Hinata Mugi, which was posted on the website “Horror Teller” in 2009.
Released on October 20, 2023, the eerie track adds to the movie’s haunting atmosphere.
What was issey’s first anime song?
issey’s first anime song was “GAME OVER,” which he released on July 3, 2024. This track was the ending theme for the TV anime Tasuketsu: Fate of the Majority (多数欠).
From video games to anime, issey’s ability to contribute to different forms of media has expanded his fanbase.
Where can I follow issey?
In today’s rapidly evolving music scene, issey has attracted listeners, both in Japan and beyond. Be sure to keep up with the multi-talented artist through the links below:
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