Thai Superstar NuNew Makes Japanese Market Entry with “First Date at Shibuya”
NuNew breaks cultural boundaries with his Japanese debut single, a Neo-city pop collaboration between Thai and Japanese music creators
A fresh sound to Japanese pop
Thai entertainment sensation NuNew has made his Japanese music debut with First Date at Shibuya, a neo-city pop single released under Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Recently crowned “Music Artist of the Year” at the TikTok Thailand Awards 2024, NuNew marks this release as a significant milestone in his expanding international career.
The single showcases a cross-cultural collaboration between Thai and Japanese music veterans. Renowned Thai composer Amp Achariya teamed up with Japanese lyricist Hisashi Kondo, celebrated for his work with YUI and FTISLAND. The arrangement was crafted by acclaimed producer Daichi Hideyuki Suzuki, whose portfolio includes iconic acts like SMAP and Ikimoni Gakari.
International recognition
NuNew began his entertainment journey in 2020 as an actor, but his music career has skyrocketed with four consecutive number-one singles in Thailand. His immense popularity was evident in August 2024 when he held his first solo concert in Bangkok, attracting over 20,000 fans across two sold-out shows.
The artist’s Japanese debut has already sparked substantial social media buzz, with related hashtags trending at number one in several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines. To mark this new milestone, NuNew is set to perform his first Japanese solo concert, DREAM CATCHER, on December 6 at THEATER MILANO-Za in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district.
The release of First Date at Shibuya represents a meaningful cultural exchange between the Thai and Japanese entertainment industries, as NuNew continues to expand his artistic footprint on the international stage.
Photography Maciej Kucia (Sony Music Japan)
