Hiragana Title

Released in late 2020, Hiragana Title marks a stylistic departure for TANUKI, an artist primarily recognized as a pioneer of the UK J-core scene. While his previous catalog is characterized by 170+ BPM 'happy hardcore' and high-energy future funk, this EP explores the slower, more atmospheric side of the vaporwave and nu-disco spectrum. The project leans heavily into the 'City Pop' revival, utilizing samples from the 1980s Japanese golden era but re-contextualizing them with modern low-end theory and sophisticated filtering. Critically, it is viewed as a bridge between the hyper-active world of J-core and the more contemplative, aesthetic-driven world of late-period vaporwave. The EP's title, written in hiragana, further emphasizes its connection to Japanese cultural nostalgia. It remains a fan favorite for its ability to evoke a specific 'night city' mood without relying on the frantic energy of TANUKI's earlier breakthrough hits.