Hoshino Gen Announces Comeback Album ‘Gen’ After 6-Year Hiatus

Hoshino Gen to Release First Album in Over Six Years "Gen", Featuring Global Collaborations

Japanese singer-songwriter and actor Hoshino Gen is set to make a long-anticipated return to the music scene with the release of his new album Gen on 14 May. This marks his first full-length album in over six years, following 2018’s critically acclaimed POP VIRUS.

The forthcoming record promises to be a dynamic blend of styles and voices, featuring an impressive lineup of international collaborators. 

Among them are American jazz-funk experimentalists Louis Cole, Sam Gendel, and Sam Wilkes; Colombian pop star Camilo; genre-bending rapper Cordae; Korean rapper Lee Youngji; neo-soul singer UMI; and the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Gen will be available in three distinct editions, each catering to different aspects of Gen’s creative expression: 

Box Set ‘Poetry’ (CD + Book): 

This edition includes a hardcover photo-poetry book titled Mad Hope, combining Gen’s visual and lyrical artistry. Also included are three exclusive posters and detailed liner notes, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the artist’s mind.

Box Set ‘Visual’ (CD + 2 Blu-ray / 3 DVD):

For those seeking an immersive visual experience, this edition features nearly five hours of content. The centrepiece is Gen Hoshino presents Reassembly LIVE, a special concert held on 28 January 2023 at Yokohama Arena to celebrate Gen’s 42nd birthday and his return to live performance after nearly three years. 

Bonus footage includes behind-the-scenes documentaries, birthday party segments, and performances by Gen’s comedic alter ego, Akira Nise (ニセ明).

Regular Edition (CD only):

A more streamlined release, containing all 16 tracks from the album, ideal for listeners focused on the music itself.

The tracklist features a rich variety of sounds, including previously released favourites such as “喜劇” and “不思議”, alongside new offerings like “Star”, which serves as the commercial theme for Asahi’s WONDA beverage—a campaign Gen himself stars in. 

Other standout tracks include the emotionally charged “Mad Hope”, the rhythmically intricate “2” featuring Lee Youngji, and “Eden”, a vibrant track featuring Cordae and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Full Tracklist (All Editions):

1. 創造 (Souzou)

2. Mad Hope (feat. Louis Cole, Sam Gendel, Sam Wilkes)

3. Star

4. Glitch

5. 喜劇

6. 2 (feat. Lee Youngji)

7. Melody

8. 不思議 (Fushigi)

9. Memories (feat. UMI, Camilo)

10. 暗闇 (Kurayami)

11. Why

12. 生命体 (Seimeitai)

13. Eden (feat. Cordae, DJ Jazzy Jeff)

14. Sayonara

15. 異世界混合大舞踏会 (Isekai Kongo Daibutokai)

16. Eureka

The video content from Box Set ‘Visual’ also includes fan-favourite performances such as “SUN”, “Hello Song”, and “Continues”, alongside celebratory messages and a documentary-style look into Gen’s creative process and personal world.

As anticipation builds, the release of the “Star” music video offers a first taste of what promises to be a multi-layered and genre-spanning album—showcasing Gen’s evolution as both a musician and a storyteller.

With Gen, Hoshino Gen not only marks a triumphant return but also reaffirms his place at the forefront of contemporary Japanese pop music with a truly global sensibility.