Discover Rikon Densetsu
Rikon Densetsu (離婚伝説), also known as RIKON, has emerged as a highly anticipated newcomer in the Japanese music industry. Following the release of their debut song, they have swiftly gained popularity as the next big rising stars.
This article answers commonly answered questions about the Japanese band Rikon Densetsu.
Table of Contents
Who is Rikon Densetsu?
Rikon Densetsu (離婚伝説), also known as RIKON, is a Japanese band formed in January 2022. The band consists of two members: vocalist Ayumu Matsuda and guitarist Jun Beppu. (Learn more about each member below)
As a self-produced group, the duo handles both the music and video production for their songs. Their discography is centered around the theme of love.
Since their debut, they have rapidly gained recognition by Japanese music industry experts. The band was selected to be a part of Spotify Japan’s RADAR: Early Noise 2024, showcasing promising emerging artists in the country.
When did Rikon Densetsu form?
The members of Rikon Densetsu met and became friends while working together in a live band karaoke store. When the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down business, they found themselves with more free time.
During this period, they started exchanging song demos they were working on, eventually leading to the band’s formation in January 2022.
When asked why the group came together, the members described it as a natural progression. Each member was previously working on their personal music endeavors, and their shared passion for music sparked their collaboration.
Who are the members of Rikon Densetsu?
Ayumu Matsuda (vocals) and guitarist Jun Beppu (guitar) are the members of Rikon Densetsu. More information on each member is available below.
When asked about their interest in increasing their band members, both members expressed their satisfaction with working as a duo. Notably, their support members during their live performances have also been complimented for their great skills.
Ayumu Matsuda
Vocals
Ayumu Matsuda (松田歩) is the vocalist for RIKON.
Matsuda’s passion for singing dates back to his childhood; he also has experience playing the piano growing up and DJing in his junior high years. Matsuda first met Beppu while working as a hall attendant at a live band karaoke shop.
Matsuda’s musical tastes are diverse, and he draws inspiration from various artists. He has a deep respect for Stevie Wonder, whose influence has been profound in his musical journey. Matsuda has shared that it is his dream to meet him someday. (He is also a fan of Ikura from YOASOBI.)
Experts in the music industry have highly praised Matsuda for his impressive vocal range and high skill level.
Jun Beppu
Guitar
Jun Beppu (別府純) is the guitarist for RIKON.
He started playing the guitar in middle school after purchasing his first one at a thrift store. He initially met Matsuda while working as a guitarist at the live band karaoke shop.
Like Matsuda, Beppu has a wide appreciation for various music genres. He has shared his great admiration for The Beatles and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
When discussing the duo’s aspirations, Beppu expresses, “I want to continue making good songs that are loved by everyone.”
What is the origin of the name Rikon Densetsu?
The band’s name comes from the Japanese title of Marvin Gaye’s album Here My Dear (otherwise known in Japan as 離婚伝説).
Released in 1978, the album delves into Gaye’s divorce from Anna Gordy. The Japanese album name translates to “Legend of Divorce” in English.
The members speak about how they went back and forth between the English and Japanese album names but ultimately chose to go with the Japanese name for a memorable impact. In English, the band’s name is titled RIKON.
The band is frequently praised for its impactful and unforgettable name. Fans affectionately refer to the band as “Rikoden” (リコデン).
What genre of music is Rikon Densetsu?
Rikon Densetsu’s music style is a blend of many genres, including rock, pop, funk, city pop, enka, soul, and R&B.
Vocalist Matsuda discusses their musical approach, stating, “We’re simply making our music while remembering to respect the various music we’ve listened to in the past.”
Check out their live session below.
While their music spans various genres, at its core, the band’s songs consistently center around the theme of love. As guitarist Beppu succinctly puts it: “After all, ‘Love is everything.’”
We’re simply making our music while remembering to respect the various music we’ve listened to in the past.”
Ayumu Matsuda
What is Rikon Densetsu’s fanname?
While Rikon Densetsu has not designated an official fan name, during a TV appearance, they mentioned how some fans identify themselves using terms like “batsu ichi,” (バツ１) a colloquial term used to describe first-time divorcees.
They also noted that fans increase their “divorce number” (e.g., “Batsu-ni” for “second-time divorcees”) based on how many of the band’s concerts they’ve attended.
What was Rikon Densetsu’s debut song?
“Love is more Mellow” (愛が一層メロウ) was the first song released by the band. The band initially shared the song, with an artistic music video, on YouTube. It received such positive feedback that the band officially released the song two months later, in August 2022.
The Neo City Pop hit first gained recognition through word of mouth and radio spotlights. Its popularity then continued growing as it caught the attention of various music media outlets.
The song’s irresistibly catchy chorus, featuring a repetition of the title phrase, became a memorable earworm for many, who have said they can’t get out of their head.
Beppu and Matsuda have shared that they brainstormed eight different phrases before deciding on the final one.
How did RIKON gain recognition?
The band initially gained recognition primarily through word of mouth among its fans, paving the way for their broader recognition in the Japanese music industry.
Not long after their debut, the duo’s songs began charting on Japan’s music rankings, including Spotify’s Viral 50 – Japan and the Billboard JAPAN’s Heatseekers Songs charts.
Check out RIKON’s first media performance of their debut song, “Love is more Mellow” (愛が一層メロウ), on the popular YouTube channel, THE FIRST TAKE.
Their interviews, appearances, and spotlights in various media outlets have contributed significantly to their growing recognition and fanbase. Evidently, many are excited about the duo as up-and-coming artists in the Japanese music scene.
What is RIKON’s first anime song?
“Honjitsuno Osusume” (本日のおすすめ) is the anime opening for Red Cat Ramen (ラーメン赤猫, Ramen Akaneko). This RIKON anime song was released on July 5, 2024.
In their media comment, RIKON shared that for many years, it was their nightly routine to read Shōnen Jump manga before bed; Red Cat Ramen was their choice on Mondays, because of its comforting and kind nature.
They hope their anime ending theme helps to convey the series’ great qualities even more and encourages readers to feel, “It was a good day; let’s do our best again tomorrow.”
“Honjitsuno Osusume” marks Rikon Densetsu’s first anime song for a TV series. Check out the music video above, which they filmed in Thailand—as well as their performance on THE FIRST TAKE.
Where do I follow Rikon Densetsu?
Be sure to keep an eye on RIKON through the links below!
Official Website
Social Media
Check out other artist profiles and articles on utatune.
