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Watch the MV here
Rising Japanese singer-songwriter Rol3ert continues his rapid ascent across Asia and globally with the release of his new single “Boy,” produced in collaboration with Australian producer Taka Perry.
The release follows a string of milestones that have quickly positioned Rol3ert as one of the region’s most closely watched new artists. His January single “savior” was selected for Spotify’s New Music Friday in 22 countries, was selected to be part of Spotify Japan’s RADAR: Early Noise 2026, and sold out his headline show at Shibuya WWW X. He was also recently named one of Japan’s 25 representatives in Rolling Stone’s Future of Music project. Across Southeast Asia, his breakout track “(how could i be) honest?” gained strong traction, charting on viral charts in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, earning heavy rotation on Singapore’s 987FM, and peaking at No.5 on Singapore’s Shazam charts. With his first Singapore performance set for Mediacorp’s Cloud 9 Festival on May 9, his presence in the region continues to grow.
“Boy” focuses on a different perspective. Co-produced with Taka Perry, known for his work with KATSEYE, Ruel, SIRUP, iri, and others, the track blends the shadowy textures of indie rock with fluid, danceable global pop rhythms. The result is a sound that feels immediate and instinctive, carrying both momentum and restraint in equal measure.
At its core, “Boy” explores what Rol3ert describes as “boyness,” the unstable space between youth and adulthood where the world begins to move faster than you are ready for. At 20, he turns this into something raw and sharply melodic, sitting between wanting to hold onto youth and being pushed into something undefined. It reflects a generation navigating change in real time, and this balance between doubt and determination gives the song its resonance, particularly among younger listeners across Asia who connect with its articulation of restlessness, anxiety, and the disorientation of becoming.
Reflecting on this period of transition, Rol3ert shares:
“There’ve been so many phases in my life. Like when I first tried making music, when I started a band, when I entered middle school, then high school, and when I began taking music seriously.
Each phase brought different kinds of stimulation and different lessons.
I had fun, and it felt like my world was expanding.
It felt like I was becoming smarter.
But in the end, that ‘smartness’ was just me realizing all the things I didn’t have within me.”
The music video, premiering on Rol3ert’s official YouTube channel, visually extends this theme through silhouettes, backlighting, and the soft tones of magic hour. With its muted dusk tones, the video delicately captures emotional instability and the feeling of being unfinished, creating a deeply atmospheric and impressionistic piece.
Ahead of the premiere, Rol3ert also connects directly with fans via Instagram Live, sharing acoustic moments and insights into the song’s creation, further reinforcing the close, unfiltered relationship he continues to build with his audience.
In addition, Rol3ert is set to perform at SUMMER SONIC 2026 in Tokyo on the Spotify Stage, alongside a new wave of emerging artists shaping the future of Japanese music.
As new releases, live milestones, and regional momentum converge this year, “Boy” marks a defining moment for Rol3ert as his activity continues to expand across Asia and beyond.
STREAM “Boy” HERE
WATCH “Boy” MUSIC VIDEO HERE
About Rol3ert
Rol3ert is a Japanese-based singer-songwriter blending English lyricism with J-pop influences, emerging as a cross-cultural voice for Gen Z. Born in the U.S. in 2005 and raised in Japan, he launched his solo career in January 2025, quickly gaining traction through viral covers (over 4M views) and emotionally-driven originals. At the core of his music are coming-of-age stories — capturing the messy, in-between moments of being Gen Z: learning how to process feelings, navigate relationships, and make sense of who you’re becoming. His songwriting is introspective and word-driven, unpacking emotional contradictions with a raw, conversational tone.
He was named Best Breakthrough Artist at the Tokyo Alter Music Awards, selected for Spotify Japan’s RADAR: Early Noise 2026, and selected as one of Japan’s 25 representatives in Rolling Stone’s global “Future of Music” project, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting new talents emerging from Japan onto the global music stage. With a growing global audience, international festival appearances including Singapore’s Mediacorp Cloud 9 and Korea’s Muz’Pop Jam 2026, and a sold-out headline show at Shibuya WWW X in 2026, Rol3ert is building strong international momentum.
