Haruomi Hosono Announces New Album 'YOURS SINCERELY', Releases Debut Single 'Note of Mothership'

Kapanlagi.com - Japanese music legend Haruomi Hosono greets his fans again with his latest work. Coinciding with his 79th birthday, the legendary musician, composer, and producer releases a new single titled Note of Mothership as a prelude to his upcoming studio album, Yours Sincerely.

Hosono's 23rd album is scheduled for release on September 11, 2026, through Ghostly International. The arrival of this new work marks a new chapter in the career of the musician who has influenced the development of pop, indie, and electronic music worldwide for over five decades.

In addition to the new song, Hosono also presents a visualizer video featuring the character Dr. Tanuki, a raccoon dog observing various living creatures using a microscope and magnifying glass.

1. Note of Mothership Raises the Theme of Love and Nature

In his explanation, Hosono revealed that the Note of Mothership was born from a long reflection on the relationship between humans and the earth and the meaning of love.

"For the past few years, I have been contemplating the maternal figure that envelops the Earth. I believe terms like 'Mother Earth' and 'Mother Nature' arise from an intuitive understanding of a love that is both firm and gentle, which is possessed by the figures of the origins of humanity," Hosono stated in a press release received by KapanLagi.com.

He assessed that various major events, such as earthquakes and pandemics, have rekindled the human instinct to care for one another.

"Through experiences that make us feel helpless and alone due to major earthquakes and the spread of pandemics, I feel that something is beginning to awaken. It’s as if an instinct that has long been dormant in our hearts, namely maternal love and care, is coming back to life," he continued.

This theme then developed into the main foundation of the album Yours Sincerely, which was worked on for almost two years.

2. The Meaning of the Album Title Yours Sincerely

Hosono admitted to having searched for an English equivalent for Japanese concepts like omoiyari, jihi, and boseiai. However, he believes that there is not a single word that can truly represent those meanings.

"It all started with a simple question: how can we translate Japanese concepts like omoiyari, jihi, or boseiai into English? I kept searching, but there wasn't a single word that felt truly right. They are all close, but each has a slightly different nuance," explained Hosono.

He considered the word compassion but felt its meaning differed from the philosophy of omoiyari, which also includes the ability to empathize with the happiness of others.

"Perhaps the word that comes closest is compassion," he continued briefly.

This choice ultimately inspired the title of the album Yours Sincerely.

3. North America Tour and the Great Influence of Haruomi Hosono

Along with the release of the album, Haruomi Hosono will also hold a North America tour titled The Yours Sincerely Tour in September 2026. He is scheduled to perform at Radio City Music Hall, New York, and Greek Theatre, Los Angeles. Both concerts will mark his first appearances in the United States in the last seven years, with Toro y Moi as the opening act.

As one of the founders of Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO), Hosono is recognized as an important figure in the development of modern Japanese music. YMO's album Solid State Survivor even became one of the foundations for the birth of the synth-pop, techno, and hip-hop genres.

Hosono's influence is still felt today. Several global musicians such as Harry Styles, Mac DeMarco, Vampire Weekend, Cameron Winter, and Ginger Root acknowledge his works as a source of inspiration. Even Harry Styles' album Harry's House is said to be directly inspired by Hosono's classic album, HOSONO HOUSE (1973).

Through Note of Mothership and the album Yours Sincerely, Haruomi Hosono continues to demonstrate that his creativity remains alive, while also reaffirming his position as one of the most influential icons in the history of Japanese and world music.

(kpl/gtr)