Haruomi Hosono, the 79-year-old Japanese music pioneer whose influence spans decades, has released his 23rd solo album, Yours Sincerely, marking his first collection of new solo material in more than seven years. Released on September 11, 2026, through Ghostly International, the record demonstrates that the septuagenarian—revered by contemporary artists including Harry Styles—continues to create music on his own uncompromising terms, blending warmth with playful invention.
Hosono stands as one of the most transformative figures in Japanese music history. In 1969, his psych-folk group became the first rock ensemble to perform in Japanese, and their work was later rediscovered for the Lost in Translation soundtrack decades later. He served as a founding member of Yellow Magic Orchestra, the electronic pioneers who reshaped global music production, while simultaneously composing for films and video games. His solo catalogue ranges from foundational texts to experiments in ambient and arch exotica, establishing him as an artist who refuses to be confined by genre or expectation.
The album's conceptual foundation rests on the Japanese principle of omoiyari, roughly understood as compassion. These songs radiate generosity of spirit, emphasizing warmth and affirmation throughout. The opening track features a chorus of overlapping voices murmur-singing about motherhood, while "Happy Holiday" repeats its title over an enchantingly spare melody, and another piece channels the sleepy, Leon Redbone-esque sensibility of fingerpicked guitar work.
How does Hosono avoid sentimentality?
The album sidesteps mawkishness through its mischievous and inventive arrangements. "Aayurveda" presents a Gallic waltz that inverts the conventions of exotica, positioning Europe as the mysterious "other" rather than the observer. "Anemo Wheel" employs primitive electronica that evokes the innocent charm of early synthesizer pioneers Isao Tomita and Wendy Carlos. "Rojiura (Walking Vibration)" grounds itself in Japanese rhythms and percussion while remaining deliciously untethered from any single era, creating a temporal ambiguity that rewards repeated listening.
What is the scope of this release?
According to music industry reporting, Yours Sincerely contains approximately 11 tracks with a total runtime of around 26 minutes, making it a collection of miniatures and sketches that collectively achieves something greater than its individual parts. The Japanese release featured six physical formats, including deluxe box editions accompanied by art sheets, postcards, magnets, and handwritten-letter-inspired items. The album was issued in Japan through Echoes, with Ghostly International managing global distribution.
What touring plans accompany the album?
Hosono's return to recording marks his first U.S. shows in seven years. The Yours Sincerely Tour includes performances at Radio City Music Hall in New York on September 16, 2026, and the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on September 20, 2026. Additional dates extend internationally, with a Tokyo performance scheduled for December 7, 2026, at Ryogoku Kokugikan.
What makes this album significant?
Hosono's thematic focus on compassion and humanity's better impulses transforms this collection into something resonant and timely. His disciples—ranging from Van Dyke Parks to Harry Styles, who named his 2022 album after Hosono's 1973 solo work Hosono House—testify to his enduring creative authority. At an age when many artists retreat into retrospection, Hosono remains unpredictable and utterly beguiling, crafting music that feels both rooted in his vast experience and entirely present in the moment.
Key Facts
- Yours Sincerely is Hosono's first solo album in seven years, released on September 11, 2026
- The album contains approximately 11 tracks with a runtime of around 26 minutes, emphasizing miniatures and sketches
- Hosono is 79 years old and continues to influence contemporary musicians including Harry Styles
- The accompanying tour marks his first U.S. performances in seven years, with dates in New York and Los Angeles in September 2026
- The album was distributed globally through Ghostly International, with Japanese release through Echoes
