In a whirlwind year since touching down in the Philippines, the Japanese trio Skygarden has not only found a new home but also a fervent fanbase among Pinoys.
Ryo Nagatsuka, Hiro Ozaki, and Iwa Maegawa, the group members, shared their experiences at a virtual conference, recalling a pivotal moment where their jitters melted away into pure joy as the audience embraced their performance.
Their swift rise to stardom was all thanks to their antics on YouTube, where they pulled off pranks, performed skits, and serenaded their way into the Filipinos’ hearts with OPM covers and their bop-worthy debut single, “Kokoa.”
Ryo revealed how effortlessly they clicked with the Pinoy crowd compared to their native Japan, citing the warm embrace and genuine camaraderie they found here, as reported by the Inquirer.
Hiro, the guitarist and main composer, was captivated by the natural beauty of the Philippines, particularly Bohol. Iwa, despite initial reservations about Filipino food, fell head over heels for the flavors of the land, particularly kare-kare.
The band embraces cultural exchange, sharing Japanese culture and learning about Filipino culture.
Inspired by the impact of their music on people, the band is doubling down on their musical mojo. Their latest bop, “Historia,” described as “JaPinoy” rock, is a fusion of Japanese rock vibes and Pinoy storytelling. The song draws inspiration from Iwa’s past relationship during the pandemic, where he chose to let his girlfriend pursue her dreams in the United States. Looking ahead, Skygarden aims to collaborate with Filipino acts and perform at various festivals in the country. Their aspirations include performing on significant stages and inspiring others with their music. “ang galing hehe ewan ko ba kung bakit parang 90s-early 2000 opm vibes siya para sakin… nakakatuwa pakinggan” “I just discovered this group from tiktok. But now I like their music. This can be an opening for a filipino animated series” “Lakas makaanime op vibes. Brings back childhood memories” “Perfect combination, Tagalog lyrics pero tunog Japanese anime sound, WOW it’s a beginning for the new breed of music in our country.”