Shingo Katori is stepping back onto the music scene with the announcement of his third album, titled Circus Funk, set to be released on CD on May 28, 2025. This highly anticipated album showcases collaborations with several notable artists, including Chevon, SHOW-GO, LEO from ALI, Night Tempo, Yoichi Murata, Kroi, Zainichi Funk, and pop legend Akina Nakamori, alongside SOIL&"PIMP"SESSIONS, Nulbarich, and Ryokuoushoku Shakai.
The album had already made waves prior to its CD release. Its title track, Circus Funk (feat. Chevon), debuted digitally on November 27, 2024, swiftly climbing to the top of the Billboard Japan Download Albums chart. This success marks yet another milestone for Katori, who has long been regarded as one of Japan's premier entertainers.
Adding to the excitement, the first limited edition of Circus Funk will offer fans exclusive content. This deluxe box set features not only the album but also video content, including the music video and behind-the-scenes materials from the making of Circus Funk (feat. Chevon). Fans can expect luxurious additions like a magazine-style booklet, original playing card sheet, and sticker set.
Interestingly, the music video for Circus Funk (feat. Chevon) is notable for its innovative use of generative AI technology, developed by Cyber AI Productions which utilized the Kiwami AI Stage Studio. Director YP, recognized for his work appealing to Gen Z, aimed to create vivid, immersive visuals, achieving results believed to be accomplished within one-third the time of traditional CGI methods. The narrative depicts Shingo and Chevon, performing as part of a circus troupe aboard a planet-shaped spaceship facing cosmic chaos. A meteor shower threatens their last digital circus performance, setting the stage for this high-energy video.
Katori’s return to Fuji TV after nearly 11 years marks the significance of Circus Funk not only as an album but also as the theme song for his leading role on the show Nihonichi no Sai Teihen Otoko*. Katori expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Circus Funk is being turned to CD! Plus, I’m thrilled to announce my first nationwide arena tour dates! Yay! You’ll get to see me!”
Following the album's release, Katori will take to the stage for his inaugural solo live tour, SHINGO KATORI 1st LIVE TOUR Circus Funk 2025, which kicks off on May 31, 2025, at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. The tour is set to include ten performances across five locations, showcasing his vibrant stage presence and the new music from his latest album.
Tour dates are as follows: opening at Yoyogi National Gymnasium on May 31 and June 1, followed by performances at the Fukuoka International Center on June 28 and 29; Kobe World Memorial Hall on July 5 and 6; Sapporo’s Makomanai Sekisui Heim Ice Arena on July 12 and 13; and wrapping up at the Aichi Sky Expo Hall A on July 19 and 20.
Through his unwavering dedication to art and technology, Katori is not just reviving his musical career but is also pushing boundaries with the use of AI to bring stories to life visually. Director YP emphasized the importance of connecting with the audience, saying, “If you happen to witness this story somewhere on the immense internet, I want to pull this miracle closer to you. Let’s make this once-in-a-lifetime moment unforgettable.”
Overall, the forthcoming release of Circus Funk showcases Shingo Katori's dynamic impact on both the music and film industries through innovative collaborations and cutting-edge technology. Fans eagerly await the official release of the album and the live tour, marking another exciting chapter for this multifaceted artist.
