In the latter half of 2023, users of short-form video platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts embarked on a quest for a mood enhancer. They stumbled upon the perfect serotonin boost in the form of Shibuya-kei, a vibrant music genre from the turn of the millennium.
Serani Poji, a Japanese project helmed by musician Tomoko Sasaki, had been flying under the radar until the release of their second album, ‘One Room Survival,’ in 2002. Fast forward two decades, and two tracks from that album – the enchanting ‘Pipo Pipo’ and the jubilant ‘Where Is Smiley?’ – went viral on social media. Users worldwide incorporated these songs into their clips, adding a splash of positivity to their videos.
As a result, Serani Poji’s streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify skyrocketed to the millions, with countless more streams across other sites. The project has now become one of the most successful Shibuya-kei groups in terms of streaming.
In a rare email interview with The Japan Times, Sasaki expressed her admiration for the creativity showcased in these short videos. She felt a deep connection to the global audience, witnessing non-Japanese users performing and captivating her with Japanese songs playing in the background.
Sasaki’s Serani Poji is the latest example of a once-overlooked Japanese artist being unexpectedly rediscovered by the internet community around the world. This resurgence highlights the power of digital platforms and social media in connecting people across cultures and generations through the shared love of music.
