Japanese singer-songwriter Takase Toya is set to make his Philippine concert debut tomorrow, Friday, October 16, 2026, at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills. The intimate show marks a key stop on his TAKASE TOYA ASIA TOUR 2026 “∞,” bringing his genre-blending music to Filipino fans for the first time. Opening the night is fellow Japanese artist Fumiya Sato, with KAIA’s Angela joining as a special guest for a rare J-pop meets P-pop moment.
Born on November 26, 1996, in Aichi Prefecture, the heart of Japan, Takase Toya has built a career as a true independent force. He writes his own lyrics, composes the melodies, and handles the recording. His sound mixes electronic energy, R&B warmth, and pop sensibility into something that feels personal yet universal. Tracks like “Doushite” (feat. Emi Noda) have racked up massive streams, helping him reach over a million monthly listeners on Spotify and chart across more than 80 countries. In 2026 he was named to Forbes JAPAN’s 30 Under 30, and he also runs his own company, TTT Inc.
Ahead of the Manila date, Toya shared his thoughts with quiet excitement. “It’s my first time to hold a concert in Manila. I’m so excited to be there. Thank you for your time! I’m happy to be here.”
For Filipino audiences discovering him for the first time, Toya offers a simple but telling introduction. As a singer-songwriter, he takes full control of the creative process. While writing lyrics, he sees himself as a translator of emotions. He compares the role to a convenience store, something people turn to for their daily needs. Through his songs, he wants to put into words what people are feeling and living through right now, creating music that ordinary listeners can recognize as their own.
That idea of connection runs through his latest work. His previous album, 8 (released in 2025), dug into his personal life and experiences. The new album ∞ (Infinity), out in August 2026, continues that thread while reflecting his growth as an artist. Toya links the concept to the Japanese eto (the 12-year zodiac cycle) and to the looping nature of infinity itself, life’s endless round of ups and downs. Through the music he wants to keep expressing those emotions and reaching more people along the way.
What is he most looking forward to with Filipino fans? The answer is straightforward and warm. “I heard that Filipinos sing very well. I’m excited to hear the audience sing along loudly to my songs.”
The live show itself, he says, is meant to feel like an amusement park, a place where people can enjoy different kinds of rides. His music never stays in one genre, and as a multi-instrumentalist he will move between guitar, keyboard, and vocals. Sharing the stage with KAIA’s Angela only adds to the sense of discovery.
Among the songs he is especially eager to perform is “Doushite,” the track that has connected most strongly with listeners in the Philippines. “The song I want Philippines to listen to is ‘Doushite’ because it is the most streamed song there. I’m excited to see and hear everyone’s reaction when I perform it.”
Preparing for an overseas show versus a home date in Japan brings its own contrasts, and Toya describes them with a striking metaphor.
Japanese audiences, he says, often feel like they are hidden under layers of clothing at the start. As the night goes on they gradually peel those layers away and show their true colors, an image of a more reserved, slowly unfolding energy. Overseas fans, by contrast, arrive already open and high-energy, as if fully exposed from the first note. As the show continues they seem to put on clothes, and by the end they leave fully dressed. The difference is cultural, but the goal remains the same: creating a night people can feel and remember.
Tomorrow night at Teatrino, that exchange begins in earnest. For many in the audience it will be the first time hearing Toya’s music live. For the artist, it is the first chance to meet the Filipino fans who have already been streaming his songs and waiting for this moment. Between the opening set, the special guest appearance, and Toya’s own mix of instruments and emotions, the evening promises to be both personal and expansive—exactly the kind of connection he has spent years trying to build.
Earth remains his base, as he often says. On October 16, that base expands a little further, one song and one loud sing-along at a time.
Check out his answers during our Zoom interview:
Q1: For Filipino audiences discovering your music for the first time, how would you introduce yourself and describe your musical style?
Takase Toya: “As a singer-songwriter, I take charge of everything – from writing the lyrics, composing the melody and recording the songs. While writing the lyrics, I’d like to think of myself as a translator of emotions. Just like a convenience store where people buy their daily needs, he wants to connect with people by creating music that everyday people can resonate with.
He wants to be the person who can translate people’s emotions, just like buying from the convenience store so in everyday life, he can explain what people feel and what people are experiencing right now through his music.
Q2: Tell us about your latest album ∞ (Infinity) and how it reflects your growth and evolution as an artist.
Takase Toya: His previous album called 8, released in 2025, explores his personal life and experiences. His latest album ∞ (Infinity) is a continuation of that idea, and a reflection of his growth as a musician. He mentioned the Japanese concept of eto (干支) which is a repeating 12-year cycle, and likens it to the concept of infinity – how life’s cycle of ups and downs goes around and around. Through his music, he wants to continue expressing his emotions and connecting with more people.
Q3: What are you most excited about in meeting your FIlipino fans?
Takase Toya: “I heard that Filipinos sing very well. I’m excited to hear the audience sing along loudly to my songs.”
Q4: Any special performances or surprises you can share with us?
Takase Toya: He likens his live performance to an amusement part, a venue where people can enjoy different kind of rides. His music doesn’t focus on one genre. As a multi-instrumentalist, he’ll be playing guitar, keyboard and singing.
Philippine Concerts: Which songs are you most excited to perform and why?
Takase Toya: “The song I want Philippines to listen to is “Doushite” because it is the most streamed song there. I’m excited to see and hear everyone’s reaction when I perform it.”
Philippine Concerts: How do you prepare differently for an overseas show compared to preparing for local shows in Japan?
Takase Toya: He gave an interesting metaphor for the Japanese and overseas crowds’ contrasting attributes. In Japan, he says, it feels like the crowd are hidden in layers of clothing, but as the show goes on, they slowly take each piece off and show their true colors. This is an allusion to the Japanese crowd’s guarded demeanor. It takes a while for them to immerse themselves in the music. Overseas fans, on the contrary, appear to be fully naked from the start of the show. Their energy is high from the first strike, and they are very open in expressing themselves. As the show unravels, it’s as if they put on clothes, and at the end, they leave fully clothed.
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