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| From SixTONES to Solo: Taiga Kyomoto Hits No.1 with Self-Written Album (All Pics: Tower Records) |
SixTONES’ very own Taiga Kyomoto is proving he's not just an idol voice in a boyband — he’s a full-blown creative force. Under his solo art project “ART-PUT,” Taiga’s officially dropped his first solo album, and surprise surprise: it’s a certified hit.
“PROT.30” landed at No.1 on the Billboard Japan album charts this week, selling over 101,000 copies between April 21 and 23 — comfortably ahead of TWS and Genzibun’s latest releases.
So, what’s “ART-PUT” exactly? It’s Taiga’s personal outlet for transforming all sorts of “input” — feelings, visuals, life stuff — into artistic output.
Think music, photos, events... whatever strikes his soul.
It kicked off quietly last September and has grown steadily, with a photobook “Retrace” released in December and an exhibition following in Tokyo.
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Now, “PROT.30” is its biggest leap yet.
Released on April 23, “PROT.30” features 17 tracks across three versions (Regular, Limited A, and Limited B), all written and composed by Taiga himself.
Yep, every word, every melody — pure Kyomoto.
In a heartfelt post on X (Twitter), Taiga said, “I’ve produced 17 songs, turning the awkward feelings I’ve been hiding for a long time into the best words and melodies I can. I’m happy to have reached a world that I can share with you all.”
The title itself, “PROT.30,” nods to his age (he turned 30 in December) and perhaps the idea of a prototype — a raw, honest version of himself, shared with fans through music.
That theme of vulnerability and personal expression flows right through the album, from the dreamy opener “Prelude” to standout tracks like “Blue night,” “灯り (Akari),” and the intriguingly titled “Sake to Eiga to Nuts” (“Alcohol, Films and Nuts,” anyone?).
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Each edition of the album brings its own little extras:
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Limited A features the bonus track “癒えない (Ienai),” plus a DVD/Blu-ray with four music videos and a behind-the-scenes documentary.
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Limited B swaps in “margarine” as its bonus and includes footage from Taiga’s 30th birthday live event “30 -THI'ART'Y-” with special guests like Soushi Sakiyama and SAEKI youthK.
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The Regular Edition adds three bonus tracks: “Over Dub,” “Desire,” and “終わらせぬ世界 (Owara Senu Sekai).”
So far, the reception has been glowing. Beyond topping the charts, fans have praised the honesty of the lyrics and the cinematic quality of the production.
It’s a bold, beautiful statement from an artist who clearly isn’t afraid to put his whole heart on the line — and who refuses to be boxed in as “just” an idol.
Whether this is a one-off or the start of a full solo arc, one thing’s clear: Kyomoto Taiga’s ART-PUT is far more than a side project. It’s his soul in stereo.