Hello music lovers! I'm Shu Hakamada, a Japanese singer-songwriter born in 1959.

Music has always been the driving force of my life. Influenced by the timeless melodies of The Beatles, the soul and groove of Motown, and the passion of rock and roll, I have always believed that music has the power to move hearts and bring people together.

In 2006, I experienced hearing loss that changed my life as a musician, forcing me to step away from my professional music career in my mid-40s.

In 2024, I returned to music with a renewed sense of purpose and released my new album "Restart" — a symbol of musical rebirth and a new beginning.

I created the album entirely by myself, writing, arranging, performing, recording, and mixing every song at home. My goal was not simply to recreate the sounds of the past, but to carry forward the spirit of those timeless artists while expressing my own experiences, emotions, and stories.

My music combines the energy of rock and roll, the beauty of melodic pop, and the warmth of soul music. Above all, I believe in the power of unforgettable melodies and songs that can stay with people throughout their lives.

Now, at this stage of my life, I feel more love and passion for music than ever before. "Restart" is not only the title of an album — it represents the belief that we can always begin again, follow our dreams, and create something meaningful at any age.

I hope my music can bring even a little inspiration, hope, and joy to those who listen.

"Restart" represents my musical rebirth after more than 15 years away from music.

The album explores themes of love, loss, hope, and the journey of rediscovering oneself. Drawing inspiration from The Beatles' timeless songwriting, Motown's unforgettable grooves, and the emotional power of classic rock and roll, these songs reflect both my musical roots and my personal story.

After returning to music, I spent more than a year creating this album entirely on my own — writing, arranging, performing, recording, and mixing every track.

For me, rock and roll is more than a musical style. It is a spirit: the courage to keep moving forward, the freedom to express yourself, and the belief that music can connect us beyond words.

"Restart" is my proof that passion has no age limit, and that it is never too late to begin again.

The 12 songs, originally released on streaming platforms in February 2024, are now available as a complete album as of November 15, 2024. Each track has been meticulously remixed, with refined arrangements and reworked lyrics to perfectly convey their intended messages.

Listen to the full album

Also available on Japanese music service linkco.re

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