Hailing from the Tokyo–Kanagawa area, S.A.R. embodies a quiet reconfiguration of contemporary Japanese music. Their sound is driven by a deep curiosity toward Western music, and there is a sense of brotherhood among the members—each carrying ambition as they collectively commit themselves to music-making. Line by line, note by note, they embed their understanding of groove into their work. Listening to them inevitably raises the question of where Japanese music is heading, and how its depth continues to evolve. At this very moment, the gears are in motion as S.A.R. embarks on a tour spanning Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Sapporo. Before the official tour fully kicks off, Taipei stands as a limited advance show, marking a special stop along this journey.
Perhaps in this era, the accumulation of soul music has grown immeasurably deep—or has become clearly mapped out as a lineage—yet it continues to be passed down without interruption. This inevitably brings to mind the Korean collective Balming Tiger, who have thoroughly put this philosophy into practice. Their music is filled with visions of beauty, as well as a remarkable sense of courage. S.A.R. represents the kind of music that accompanies people as they dance across the Tokyo–Kanagawa area.
MV Recommendation 1: S.A.R. - Side by Side
The moment I heard this track, I felt a generational shift. The Japanese approach to piano is evolving, paired with beats that feel distinctly "Tokyo"—sharing a certain DNA with the likes of Lucky Tapes, TENDRE, and Kenichiro Nishihara. Directed by Shun Takeda, who helms most of their visuals, the video showcases his signature documentary style. His use of film grain, muted color palettes, and inventive transitions creates a visual depth that rewards multiple viewings.
MV Recommendation 2: S.A.R. - MOON
The first MV to truly grab me was "MOON," released two months ago. My first impression was: "Wow, they aren't just making music." S.A.R. understands that contemporary auditory experiences often require a visual counterpart to be truly complete. Co-produced with VIXI production, the evocative color grading and the startling performance by Kenta Kiguchi as the taxi driver make this collaboration unforgettable.
MV Recommendation 3: S.A.R. - Uptown
Their music videos are consistently compelling. Directed by Shun Takeda, the visuals employ a range of transitions using traditional CRT televisions, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that makes you want to escape into the music. Seeing Santa sing with reggae dreadlocks inevitably brings to mind the deep roots of reggae culture in the Yokohama–Kanagawa area. They live amid places where sound systems, dancehall culture, and clashes collide with raw intensity. These experiences have become part of their lives, and that accumulated energy gives Santa’s dreadlocks a resonance that feels anything but incidental.
