On April 26, 2025, popular Japanese musician Gen Hoshino unveiled the first teaser for his upcoming album titled 'Gen,' set to be released on May 14, 2025. This announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, particularly regarding the limited edition 'Box Set "Visual"' that accompanies the album.
The album will be available in two limited edition formats: 'Box Set "Poetry"' and 'Box Set "Visual".' Both versions are designed as impression boxes that open vertically, with the 'Box Set "Visual"' distinguished by its coral-colored bottom box. This special edition is packed with exclusive content, making it a must-have for collectors.
Inside the 'Box Set "Visual"', fans will find the CD of the album 'Gen,' an album booklet, and an image disc that includes either two Blu-ray discs or three DVD discs, both containing the same content. Additionally, a special poster featuring new photographs taken by renowned photographer Koki Kawashima will be included, further enhancing the appeal of this limited edition.
The image disc in the box set features a recording of Hoshino's performance at the Yokohama Arena, part of the event 'Gen Hoshino presents "Reassembly".' This event took place on January 28, 2023, and was particularly significant as it coincided with Hoshino's 42nd birthday. It marked his first live performance with an audience in nearly three years, and it was also the day when the audience was allowed to cheer and vocalize for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to the live concert footage, the 'Reassembly Extra' segment includes various special features. Viewers can look forward to the talk and acoustic performance streamed live from the dressing room immediately after the concert, a behind-the-scenes documentary capturing the essence of the event, and a selection of talks from all performances. Notably, the segment also includes a cover performance of Yakushimaru Etsuko's 'Nametonka' by the artist Nise Akira, recorded during a concert at Osaka-jo Hall. The total runtime of the content included in the 'Box Set "Visual"' is an impressive four hours and 47 minutes.
Hoshino's upcoming album 'Gen' will feature a total of 16 tracks, including popular singles such as 'Sōzō,' 'Fushigi,' and 'Eureka,' alongside new songs like 'Mad Hope,' which features collaborations with artists Louis Cole, Sam Gendel, and Sam Wilkes. This diverse mix of music promises to showcase Hoshino's versatility and creativity as an artist.
Pre-orders for the different formats of the album, including the limited edition 'Box Set "Poetry"' and 'Box Set "Visual"', as well as the standard version, are currently being accepted at various retail stores and online platforms. Fans can check Hoshino's official website for detailed information regarding the album and its various editions.
Moreover, the new song 'Star' from the album has already been made available for streaming, and fans can reserve it on major platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify. The excitement surrounding this release is palpable, as Hoshino continues to engage his audience with innovative content and memorable performances.
As anticipation builds for the release of 'Gen', Hoshino's fans are eagerly awaiting not only the music but also the unique visual and interactive experiences that accompany this project. The album promises to be a significant milestone in Hoshino's career, reflecting his artistic growth and dedication to his craft.
In summary, Gen Hoshino's 'Box Set "Visual"' is shaping up to be a compelling addition to his discography, offering fans a rich blend of music, visuals, and personal insights from one of Japan's most beloved artists. With its limited availability and exclusive content, this album is sure to resonate deeply with Hoshino's audience, reinforcing his status as a leading figure in the contemporary music scene.
