IN CONVERSATION WITH MIA TAKARABE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Mia Takarabe is part of a new generation of artists redefining what Japanese pop music can look and sound like on a global stage. Blending Japanese, Indian, and Australian influences, the rising singer-songwriter is among the first artists signed to Handcraft Entertainment, the new venture founded by multi-platinum producer Michael Africk. Her latest single, Heartless, sees her team up with global dance music icon Steve Aoki on a track that serves as both a major career milestone and a statement of intent for the future of “Global J-Pop”—music designed to connect with audiences worldwide while remaining authentically rooted in Japanese culture. As conversations around J-Pop’s international potential continue to grow, Mia is emerging as one of the artists helping shape what that future might look like.

⁠Heartless is a major introduction to many listeners outside Japan. What does this release represent for you personally and professionally?

It’s the beginning of journey, both personally and professionally. Personally, it's a reflection of how much I've grown as an artist and how much I enjoy doing this. Also, the confidence I've gained in sharing my vision with a wider audience. Professionally, it's exciting because this is one of my biggest opportunities to introduce my music to listeners outside of Japan. Collaborating with Steve Aoki, a fellow Japanese creative has allowed me to reach people who may never have discovered my music otherwise, and that's something I'm incredibly grateful for. More than anything, Heartless feels like the beginning of a new chapter, one where I can continue bringing J-pop to global audiences while staying true to who I am as an artist.

How did the collaboration with Steve Aoki first come about, and what was your reaction when the opportunity was presented?

My manager Michael Africk, who is also the Founder and CEO of Handcraft Entertainment, had been working on the concept and plan with Steve and his team before I came in the picture. Michael was looking for the right artist to pair with Steve who could also be the face of the Global J-Pop breakout. When we met, he told me pretty early on that if I wanted the opportunity that he thought I was the right artist at the right time. Of course I was thrilled and honored, and immediately said yes. I couldn’t believe that my first single would be with an icon like Steve. It was surreal and I knew it was the start of something incredible.

Steve has played an important role in bringing Asian artists and sounds to global audiences throughout his career. What did you learn from working with him?

I learnt how dedicated Steve is to his craft and was inspired by his contagious passion and enthusiasm. Steve works hard to connect with his audience, which is something I deeply admire. Being Japanese American, it’s obvious Steve truly holds a lot of love for both sides of his culture. I relate to him as a Japanese Australian as I understand the feeling of wanting to bring two worlds together. 

Heartless is being positioned as part of a broader vision for “Global J-Pop.” What does that phrase mean to you?

To me, “Global J-Pop” is about making new music that connects with people no matter where they are from, creating a bridge between cultures. I want people to branch out of their comfort zones and listen to something they’ve never heard before. 

⁠There’s often discussion about whether J-Pop can achieve the same global reach as K-Pop. How do you view that conversation?

I definitely believe it can. Korea and Japan are both unique and fascinating cultures, but sometimes people need exposure before they can fully appreciate something unfamiliar. We've already seen that happen with K-pop. I think J-Pop has the same potential. The more people hear it and connect with it, the more they'll fall in love with what makes it special. Hopefully, through my music, I can encourage people to step outside their comfort zones and discover something new.

⁠Your background incorporates Japanese, Indian, and Australian influences. How have those different cultures shaped your identity and your music?

I believe being so multicultural has heavily contributed to who I am today. Not only am I open minded, but I feel a strong sense of uniqueness. Growing up between three cultures taught me that I didn't have to choose. Instead of becoming different versions of myself, I became a mix of everything that shaped me.

⁠What aspects of Japanese music and culture do you most want international audiences to discover through your work?

I want people to discover that Japanese culture isn't one thing. As someone who's Japanese and Indian, I've always experienced culture as something that grows and evolves. Japanese music taught me that you can be experimental, emotional, and unapologetically yourself all at once. If my music can introduce even a small part of that mindset to new audiences, I'd be really happy

⁠Language is often viewed as a barrier in global music. Do you think younger audiences still see it that way?

Anime has been around for years, and people all over the world have fallen in love with it because it's undeniably creative, emotional, and engaging. I think the same is true for J-Pop. Younger audiences are more open than ever to music from different cultures, and I don't think language is the barrier it once was. If the music is good, people will connect with it. By blending both English and Japanese in my music, I hope to create something that feels accessible while still celebrating the beauty of the Japanese language and culture.

⁠Beyond the music itself, what role do social media and digital platforms play in helping artists build global audiences today?

Social media and digital platforms help share who you are with the world. I believe they're tools that create a direct connection between an artist and their audience. These platforms help you find your specific people and build a community around your music, regardless of where they live. Today, a song can start in one country and reach listeners across the globe within hours. For artists like me, who are trying to bridge cultures and introduce something new, that kind of accessibility is incredibly powerful

⁠If Heartless is the beginning of a new chapter, how would you describe the artistic direction you’re moving toward?

Heartless is the first step toward a much bigger vision. I want to keep building a sound that brings Japanese language and culture to new audiences in a fresh, modern way. I'm interested in creating music that doesn't fit neatly into one box. I’m excited to explore the possible themes and emotions that could fuel my upcoming projects.

⁠Five years from now, what would success look like for you, not just as an artist, but as someone helping shape the future of global J-Pop?

As an artist and someone helping shape the future of Global J-Pop, success to me is seeing a growing community in front of me. It would be turning on the radio and hearing J-Pop play again, not as a niche genre, but as something people around the world connect with and enjoy. I'd love to see more Japanese artists given global opportunities and for listeners to feel just as comfortable listening to a song in Japanese as they do in English.

On a personal level, success would be knowing that I helped open that door, even a little. Success would be knowing that I’ve been doing what I love. If my music can inspire people to explore Japanese culture, learn the language, or discover new artists, then I'd feel like I've contributed to something much bigger than myself.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography TEDDY SHIM