Yoshino Sasaki is a singer-songwriter and bedroom pop artist from Japan. Blending catchy melodies with elements of easy listening, clear, delicate vocals, and lyrics inspired by everyday life, Yoshino Sasaki creates a soft, intimate sound that feels both comforting and familiar.

With Things in Transition out now, we took some time to hear from Yoshino Sasaki. Read below to learn more about Yoshino Sasaki, the story behind Things in Transition, and what’s to come.

Hi Yoshino Sasaki! Let’s start with how did you choose your stage name?

Yoshino Sasaki is actually my real name! I decided to use my real name because I wanted to express myself as I truly am.

What city are you from, and where are you based now?

I’m from Kawasaki City, and I’m currently based in Tokyo.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

I’m a huge fan of Billie Eilish. She was a big inspiration for me and one of the reasons I decided to pursue music. When I discovered the bedroom pop genre, I became interested in making my own music. I started learning DTM and seriously decided to pursue music as a career when I was 18.

How has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound?

I’m an only child, and I think I’ve always been relatively calm. Perhaps partly because of that, I’m naturally drawn to peaceful and soothing sounds. I want to create music that isn’t necessarily flashy, but feels familiar and comforting—music that makes you feel as if you’re floating above the clouds.

How would you describe your sound?

I like experimenting with different sounds, but at heart, I’m always drawn to dreamy and gentle sounds. I want to make songs that are catchy, but also feel like they naturally blend into the atmosphere of a city.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I like visiting my favorite museums and cafes, and I also enjoy taking little trips. I think getting away from my everyday surroundings helps me refresh my mind and find new inspiration.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

Without a doubt, Billie Eilish is my biggest musical influence.

What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?

One of my proudest moments so far was seeing my song, “雨上がり,” being used as background music in many short-form videos. It makes me really happy to feel that, even in a small way, my music has become a part of someone’s everyday life.

What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?

I’ve learned that it’s important to enjoy the process, even when things get difficult. Creating music can sometimes be emotionally challenging, but I want to trust myself and stay positive, believing that I can create something meaningful if I keep going. I want to continue creating music while finding joy in the process, even through the difficult moments.

Now onto your release, Things in Transition. What inspired this album?

The album was inspired by the feeling of being in between different stages of my life. There were a lot of moments when I felt uncertain about the future, while also knowing that I was changing and moving forward. I wanted to capture those feelings—the uncertainty, the nostalgia, and the quiet hope that comes with change. That’s where the title, Things in Transition, came from.

What is the overall theme of Things in Transition?

The overall theme of the album is the changes we experience in life. I wanted to express the feelings that come with going through different stages of life.

What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for Things in Transition?

I wanted to create a feeling that was slightly unreal, almost as if I were floating somewhere between reality and a dream. I wanted the artwork to capture that dreamlike atmosphere and the feeling of being somewhere that doesn’t quite feel real.

What was the creative process like when making Things in Transition?

For most of the songs, I started with the sounds, and then added the lyrics and melodies to them. I wanted to focus a lot on the overall atmosphere of the sound.

How long did it take to complete Things in Transition?

It took me about a year to complete the album.

Is there a specific song on Things in Transition that speaks to you the most? If so, why?

I would probably say “getting closer.” It’s a song that feels almost like a direct reflection of the struggles I experience in my everyday life. I feel like I put my own inner conflicts into this song.

What do you hope fans take away from Things in Transition and your music in general?

I’m happy if people simply enjoy the music and let themselves get carried away by the sound. At the same time, I would be really happy if there are moments when the lyrics resonate with their own experiences and create a sense of connection or give them a new perspective. Ultimately, I hope everyone can enjoy my music in their own way.

What’s next? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

I have some live shows coming up in Japan throughout September and October. If you happen to be in Japan and the timing works out, I’d be really happy to see you at one of my shows! After that, I’d like to start working on some new songs again.

Where can we follow you on social media?

You can find my social media and streaming links here: https://lit.link/sasakiyoshino21.

Before you go, let’s you ask an off-topic question. What is your favorite food?

Ice cream!

Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!