Mao Sasagawa
Mao Sasagawa 笹川真生 | |
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| Born | November 25, 1995 Kita-ku, Niigata, Niigata prefecture, Japan |
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| Years active | 2012-present |
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| Website | maosasagawa |
Mao Sasagawa (Japanese: 笹川真生, Hepburn: Sasagawa Mao) is a Japanese singer-songwriter and Vocaloid producer. He started his career releasing Vocaloid music on Nico Nico Douga under the name Tofuya (豆腐屋; lit. 'Tofu shop') at 17 years old. He switched to the name Nagisa (なぎさ) the following year. In 2017, he started releasing music under his real name (in romanization), mao sasagawa and released his first album, Graduation in 2018. Later that year, he started releasing music with his own voice, under his real name (in Kanji) and released his first major album, New Body (あたらしいからだ) in 2019.[2] Since then, he released his second studio album Welcome to Sunnyside (サニーサイドへようこそ) in 2023, and his third, Strange Pop in April 2025.[3]
Alongside his own activities, he also frequently works on music for other artists, most prominently, Rim from Kamitsubaki Studio.[4]
Early life
Mao Sasagawa was born on November 25, 1995, in Kita-ku, Niigata in Niigata Prefecture.[5] He became interested in music after listening to Ling Tosite Sigure in High school, and started producing music on the Nintendo DS app Daigasso! Band Brothers. He claims he wasn't interested in Vocaloid music at first. "To be honest, I didn't like Vocaloid at first, but then I heard a song by someone called saiB and thought, "Maybe it's not so bad," so that was my starting point."[2]
Career
Sasagawa started releasing music in 2012, at 16 years old, under the name Tofuya (豆腐屋). In August 2013, he changed to the name Nagisa (なぎさ) and released his first mini-album End-roll ha Owaranai (エンドロールは終わらない, The End-roll never ends). The CD was sold at that year's Niigata Comic Summit.[6] He released his second mini-album, Kyoumei (共鳴, Resonance) in November.[7]
He joined his University's light music club and remained active there. He also performed live in Niigata under the name Bungaku Shoujo (文学少女; lit. 'literary girl').[2] In July 2017, he changed to the name mao sasagawa and released his first single, Hakidasu (はきだす; "vomit").[8] In June 2018, he released his first studio album, Graduation.[9] Sasagawa explained that the album's title was based on his graduation, or departure from the Vocaloid scene.[2] Around the same year, he started producing music for other artists, such as the idol group cana÷biss. In May 2019, he released his first single with his own voice, Mammy / From The New World (ねえママ / 新世界より, Nee Mama / Shinsekai), under his real name Mao Sasagawa (笹川真生). Sasagawa was chosen for Apple Music Japan's "This week's New Artist" and in June, his next single, Sex&Food (官能と飽食, Kannou to Houshoku), was chosen as the first song for Spotify Japan's June 2019 Early Noise playlist.[10] In September of the same year, he released his first major album, New Body (あたらしいからだ, Atarashii Karada).[2][10] Sasagawa explained that the album's title and themes were based on the new freedom he experienced as a singer-songwriter:
"I wanted to do something new, and I wanted to be well-received by the listeners. I was blind, as if my purpose and means had been mixed up, and I was making songs chasing after someone I couldn't see. But I thought I'd stop doing that. It doesn't have to be new, I'll just do what I like... It's a common thing, but I thought, "What's the point of making something I don't like?" So this time, I just wanted to make songs I like."[2]
In December, he wrote the song You and Me (ユーエンミー) for Japanese singer and virtual YouTuber Rim.[4] Since then, he has been active as her primary composer. In August 2021, he released the single Stranger (異邦人, Ihoujin)[11] and in 2022, he released his own cover version of Carnivorous Plant (食虫植物, Shokuchuushokubutsu).[12] In 2023, he released his second album Welcome to Sunnyside (サニーサイドへようこそ, Sanīsaido Youkoso). The CD included three additional cover versions of his vocaloid songs, sasayaku ("Whisper"), for lust and Freud (フロイデ).[13]
In March 2025, he announced his third album, Strange Pop, which was released on April 16. It is his first release in two and a half years, and will include special appearances from virtual YouTuber Kaf, and guitarist Kimishima Ohzora.[3] Two weeks later, he released the first single from the album, Thus Scorched (ですから、灼けました, Desukara, Yakemashita). He also directed the song's music video.[1] Sasagawa described the album as an ambitious experimental work that "goes beyond hyperpop and explodes with more alternatives."[3]
Personal life
Sasagawa studied at the Niigata University of Health and Welfare, but dropped out after deciding to make a living as a music producer. He moved to Tokyo, and lived with fellow musician and former Vocaloid producer Tatsuya Kitani, who he is close friends with, until 2020.[2][14]
Artistry
Sasagawa works from home. For his first album, everything from lyrics, composition, arrangement, recordings and artwork was handled by himself.[15] He utilizes the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Studio One.[2]
He considers Shuntarō Tanikawa a massive influence in his songwriting and lyrics. His style of whispery vocals, popularized by American singer Billie Eilish, was inspired by Japanese musician TK (Toru Kitajima).[2]
Discography
Studio albums
As Nagisa
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Kuusousuru θ (空想するθ, "Daydreaming θ")[16] |
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As mercredi
| Title | Album details |
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| La vierge sale ("The dirty virgin")[17] |
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As mao sasagawa (2018-2019)
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Graduation[9] |
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| The Season I Dreamed (生きてる方がかわいいよ, Ikiteiru Hou ga Kawaiiyo)[18] |
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| we are friends[19] |
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As Mao Sasagawa (2019-present)
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| New Body (あたらしいからだ, Atarashii Karada)[2][10] |
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| Welcome to Sunnyside (サニーサイドへようこそ, Sanīsaido he Youkoso)[13] |
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| Strange Pop[3] |
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EPs
As Nagisa
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| End-roll ha Owaranai (エンドロールは終わらない, The End-roll never ends)[6] |
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| Kyoumei (共鳴, Resonance)[7] |
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As mao sasagawa (2018-2019)
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| kokyu[20] |
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| Cerberus (ケルベロス)[21] |
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Notes:
- kokyu was released as a free download EP. Sasagawa says he "made it on a whim."[22]
- Cerberus is a collaboration EP with Vocaloid producer Mel.
Singles
As mao sasagawa (2018-2019)
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Darling[23] |
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As Mao Sasagawa (2019-present)
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Mammy / From The New World (ねえママ / 新世界より, Nee Mama / Shinsekai)[10] |
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| Sex&Food / Sea of My Bone (官能と飽食 / わたしのほねのうみ, Kannou to Houshoku / Watashi no Hone no Umi)[10] |
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| Carol / Papermoon (キャロル / ペーパームーン)[24] |
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| the first cry (産声, Ubugoe)[25] |
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| April (エイプリル)[26] |
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| Demon (悪魔, Akuma)[27] |
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| Stranger (異邦人, Ihoujin)[11] |
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| Japan's September Air Layer (日本の九月の気層です, Nihon no Kugatsu no Kisou Desu)[28] |
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| Carnivorous Plant (食虫植物, Shokuchuushokubutsu)[12] |
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| Hesitation / Love / Hurt (ためらいあいいたい, Tamerai Mei Itai)[29] |
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| Suspicious Person (うろんなひと, Uronna Hito)[30] |
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| Welcome to Sunnyside (Uyama Amane Remix) (サニーサイドへようこそ (ウ山あまね Remix), Sanīsaido he Youkoso)[31] |
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| Mutant Love (きみが大人になったんだ, Kimi ga Otonaninattanda) (with Rim)[32] |
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| Thus Scorched (ですから、灼けました, Desukara, Yakemashita)[1] |
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Notes:
- English/Romanized titles obtained from Sasagawa's official YouTube channel and Apple Music.[33][34]
- April is a self-cover for the song of the same name, from his 2018 Vocaloid album Graduation.
References
- ^ a b c "笹川真生、自身で「ですから、灼けました」MVを監督 | Daily News" [Mao Sasagawa directs the music video for "Thus Scorched"]. Billboard JAPAN (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "笹川真生、『あたらしいからだ』で"覚醒" レフトフィールドポップの新星に初インタビュー" [Mao Sasagawa's "awakening" with "New Body" - first interview with a new star in left field pop]. Real Sound｜リアルサウンド (in Japanese). 2019-09-18. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ a b c d "笹川真生が2年半ぶりアルバム「STRANGE POP」リリース、君島大空＆花譜が参加（音楽ナタリー）" [Mao Sasagawa to release his first album in two and a half years, "STRANGE POP", with Ohzora Kimishima and Kaf participating]. Yahoo!ニュース (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ a b "理芽×笹川真生、音楽の中で共鳴しあう互いの人間性 出会い～二人三脚で歩んだ変化と成長の日々" [Rim and Mao Sasagawa resonate with each other's humanity in music - Meet - The days of change and growth that have been carried out together]. Real Sound｜リアルサウンド (in Japanese). 2021-07-23. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ "【笹川真生】プロフィール(年齢)" [[Mao Sasagawa] Profile (age) - Excite News]. エキサイトニュース (in Japanese). 2021-03-09. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ a b 【クロスフェード】エンドロールは終わらない【なぎさ a.k.a.豆腐屋】 [[Cross Fade] The End-roll never ends [Nagisa a.k.a. Tofu Shop]] (in Japanese). 2013-08-24. Retrieved 2025-03-21 – via www.nicovideo.jp.
- ^ a b "2nd mini album 『共鳴』 - sasagawa empire - BOOTH". booth.pm (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ 笹川真生 - Mao Sasagawa (2017-10-29). はきだす. Retrieved 2025-03-21 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b Graduation / mao sasagawa on OTOTOY Music Store (in Japanese), retrieved 2025-03-21
- ^ a b c d e "笹川真生、全国デビューアルバム『あたらしいからだ』が発売決定" [Mao Sasagawa's debut album "New Body" is scheduled to be released]. E-TALENTBANK co.,ltd. (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ a b "笹川真生、1年以上ぶりの新曲「異邦人」を8/18に配信リリース" [Mao Sasagawa releases his first new song, "Stranger," on August 18, after over a year]. ototoy.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ a b "笹川真生が理芽「食虫植物」をセルフカバー、オリジナルとは似ても似つかない雰囲気に（動画あり）" [Mao Sasagawa self-covers Rim's "Carnivorous Plant" to create an atmosphere that's completely different from the original]. Natalie (in Japanese). 26 January 2022. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ a b "笹川真生2nd Album『サニーサイドへようこそ』発売決定 新代田FEVERにてレコ発ワンマンも開催 | SPICE - エンタメ特化型情報メディア スパイス" [Mao Sasagawa's 2nd Album "Welcome to Sunny Side" to be released, and a solo live will be held at Shin-Yoda FEVER]. SPICE（スパイス）｜エンタメ特化型情報メディア スパイス (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ "キタニタツヤ、伶とコラボする笹川真生は"俺のダチ"。「真生の癖の強い音楽性を見事に乗りこなしてる」" [Tatsuya Kitani, who collaborates with Rei, says that Mao Sasagawa is "my friend." "Mao's unique musical style is handled brilliantly."]. THE FIRST TIMES (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ "笹川真生、初全国流通盤は完全セルフプロデュースの「あたらしいからだ」" [Mao Sasagawa's first major debut album, "New Body" is completely self-produced]. Natalie (in Japanese). 18 September 2019. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ "駿河屋 -空想するθ/なぎさ / 儚げ文学少女(株)（ミュージック）". www.suruga-ya.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ "网易云音乐". 网易云音乐. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ The Season I Dreamed by Mao Sasagawa on Apple Music, 2018-10-24, retrieved 2025-03-21
- ^ Mao Sasagawa - We Are Friends, 2019-02-16, retrieved 2025-03-21
- ^ "kokyu - EP, by mao sasagawa". mao sasagawa. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ メル/笹川真生, ケルベロス (in Chinese (China)), retrieved 2025-03-21
- ^ 笹川真生 - Mao Sasagawa (2018-01-03). mao sasagawa FREE DL E.P. 「kokyu」Teaser. Retrieved 2025-03-21 – via YouTube.
- ^ Darling by Mao Sasagawa on Apple Music, 2019-02-15, retrieved 2025-03-21
- ^ "笹川真生の新SG『キャロル / ペーパームーン』から"キャロル"PV公開 | CINRA" ["Carol" PV released from Mao Sasagawa's new single "Carol/Paper Moon"]. www.cinra.net (in Japanese). Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ Ubugoe - Single by Mao Sasagawa on Apple Music, 2020-03-27, retrieved 2025-03-21
- ^ April by Mao Sasagawa on Apple Music, 2020-05-01, retrieved 2025-03-21
- ^ Demon - Single by Mao Sasagawa on Apple Music, 2020-05-29, retrieved 2025-03-21
- ^ "笹川真生に宿る、諦観の美" [The beauty of resignation resides in Mao Sasagawa]. BIG UP!zine (in Japanese). 2021-11-02. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ "笹川真生の新曲「ためらいあいいたい」配信、本人出演のMV公開（動画あり）" [Mao Sasagawa's new song "Hesitation Love Hurt" is released, and music video featuring him is released]. Natalie (in Japanese). 21 June 2022. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ "笹川真生が新曲「うろんなひと」配信、レトロな質感のMV公開（動画あり）" [Mao Sasagawa releases new song "Suspicious Person" and releases a retro-esque music video]. Natalie (in Japanese). 2 November 2022. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ Welcome to Sunnyside (Amane Uyama Remix) - Single by Mao Sasagawa & Uyama Amane on Apple Music, 2023-09-20, retrieved 2025-03-21
- ^ "理芽×笹川真生「きみが大人になったんだ」配信開始 & MV公開" [Rim x Mao Sasagawa "Mutant Love" now available & MV released]. プレスリリース・ニュースリリース配信シェアNo.1｜PR TIMES (in Japanese). 2024-09-16. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ "笹川真生 - Mao Sasagawa". YouTube. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
- ^ "Mao Sasagawa on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved 2025-03-21.
External links
- Official website
- Mao Sasagawa's YouTube Channel
- Nagisa a.k.a Tofuya in NicoNico
- Mao Sasagawa on Apple Music
- mao sasagawa (2018–2019) on Apple Music