With “AGAKI” out now, we took some time to hear from KHROTO. Read below to learn more about KHROTO, the story behind “AGAKI,” and what’s to come.
Hi KHROTO! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
I originally went by the name “KHRONOS,” which refers to the god of time. The idea was that when people listen to my music, I want to control that moment in time. However, I felt it lacked originality, so I combined it with my real name “SUMITO” and created “KHROTO.”
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I’m from Fukui, a rural town in Japan. I’ve since moved to Tokyo, where I’m currently based and pursuing my music career.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I originally started as a club DJ as a hobby. One day, my mentor—RESTIBTRAX, who has since passed away—told me I had talent and encouraged me to pursue music seriously. That moment changed everything for me.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
My sound is characterized by emotional, smooth, and gentle melodies. I also focus on creating soulful beats with a sense of melancholy.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I enjoy spending time walking, feeling nature, visiting castles, and taking photos of buildings. I also listen to a wide range of music, and those experiences naturally inspire me. I filter those inspirations through myself and turn them into beats.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I’m influenced by artists like Timbaland, Stargate, Dr. Dre, and Nujabes. I admire how their music has a unique identity—you can instantly recognize their sound.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
I feel proud when I see reactions to my music on social media, when fellow musicians respect my work, and especially when international media like yours recognize me and feature my music.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
I’ve learned the importance of creating music that keeps listeners engaged and, above all, establishing originality.
Now onto “AGAKI.” What inspired this song?
The project started with MASA, CEO of T.N.D, who asked us to create something like Jay-Z’s “Numb/Encore.” This track is a collaboration between myself and U250—we worked together on the beat, with me mainly handling the sound production. We also featured Kiyo a.k.a. Nakid, who was introduced to us by MASA.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “AGAKI?”
The artwork was created by a designer named Leo Ken. I trusted him with the creative direction, and I’m very satisfied with how it turned out.
How did the collaboration with U250 and Kiyo a.k.a. Nakid come about?
This was our first time creating music as a group of three, so it felt fresh and exciting. I really enjoyed the process.
What was the creative process like when making “AGAKI?”
U250 first sent me MIDI data, which became the foundation of the track. From there, I refined it by changing sounds and restructuring the composition. It was a different process from my usual workflow, which made it even more interesting. Kiyo a.k.a. Nakid wrote his lyrics based on how he felt when he heard the beat. During recording, the engineer ONODUB, Kiyo, and I all exchanged ideas and continued refining the track together.
How long did it take to complete “AGAKI?”
The process wasn’t smooth, and there was even a period where production paused. In total, it took about seven months to complete.
What do you hope fans take away from “AGAKI” and your music in general?
Through “AGAKI,” I hope listeners can feel something real. Even when you’re struggling, you’re not alone—and you can always keep moving forward.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I’m planning to release a new EP at the end of April. I aim to expand my activities globally, continue releasing new music, and collaborate with more international artists. My ultimate goal is to create music that is loved by people all over the world. Coming from Japan, I want to prove that Japanese artists can compete on a global level. I also hope to help bring more international attention to the Japanese music scene.
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
