Nikaido Kazumi’s ‘Chou-Seki’ Review | A 14-Year Journey Returned

Last Updated on 2026-02-05 by a-indie

As 2025 was wrapping up, I was presented with the then-latest release by singer-songwriter Nikaido Kazumi. On that occasion, it was her single 「BILLIE」, which anticipated the upcoming release of her first album in what had been a long period of silence in the artist’s catalogue.

This silence was not a representation of her life, as during the period between releases, she experienced many ground-shaking, highly emotional events, such as getting married, forming a family, losing relatives, and inheriting her family’s temple.

Review of 『潮汐 (Chou-Seki)』

The first time I got to listen to 潮汐 (Chou-Seki) in its full extent, I got a very familiar feeling presented to me. I have not yet gotten involved with the lyrics, since initially I was only focusing on the sound. And with this approach, the music showed in my head images of cold early mornings. When the blue hour is at its most prevalent time, and the whole world isn’t quite awake yet. When thoughts flow slowly, like the first raindrops falling before a storm.

潮汐 feels intimate and ethereal. It gently invites you into its world and acts as a companion as you go through it. It acts as a foggy mirror, which shows parts of your image but not quite the full picture. It is easy to recognise yourself in it, even though it is not directly speaking about you.

The album was recorded at Nikaido’s private studio in Hiroshima, featuring an arrangement of musicians formed by 黒瀬みどり (Kurose Midori) on piano, 岩見継吾 (Iwami Keigo) on contrabass, 中村亮 (Nakamura Ryo) on drums, and 三田村管打団？ (Mitamura Brass Band?). The work of each member is pristine as they managed to sincerely express and capture emotions with their instruments.

After my initial approach felt sufficient, I got myself involved with the lyrical content of the album. By doing so, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how the feelings produced in me by the music were also present in the album’s lyrical content.

On 潮汐, there are multiple instances of lonely introspective thought, going through topics such as loss, time, and legacy. We get presented with the daily known contradiction of missing the routine and structure of everyday life, but also wanting to see an escape from it.

「BILLIE」

On 「BILLIE」, Nikaido Kazumi also speaks about the death of the artist. Presenting the idea of the physical body being only temporary, in contrast to artistic creation, which can be a link between times and can connect with the person who made the art long after their passing.

Another aspect of this record which struck me was the presence of community. At multiple instances on this album, there are instances of music which can be interpreted as being thought of as a communal experience. This leads me to interpret it as an involvement of other people in the process of surviving the many ups and downs life presents regularly.

This can be seen in tracks such as 「つながりあって生きている」 (Living Connected), 「うまれてきたから」 (Because We Were Born) as the singer speaks of accepting mortality with a marching band and choir accompanying her, or even on 「あうん」 (A-Un) which presents itself as a live performance with input from the audience as Nikaido Kazumi sings about the romance of simple occurrences on a common life, singing the title 「あうん」 (A-Un) almost as if it were a mantra.

This album has been a great companion for the beginning of this year, and I feel it could be so as well for anyone who chooses to give it a try. On my behalf, I am happy to add this record to my frequent rotation and Nikaido Kazumi to my radar in hopes of being there as soon as she feels like coming back again.

Nikaido Kazumi Album Release

Original Album 『潮汐』

Release Date: January 21, 2026
Track List:
1. Little Traveler
2. Tsukeppanashi
3. Aremo Koremo
4. Koishigatteiru yo
5. BILLIE
6. Tsunagariatte Ikiteiru
7. Umaretekita kara
8. A-Un

Nikaido Kazumi Artist Profile

Nikaido Kazumi is a singer-songwriter based in Hiroshima Prefecture. Known for her transparent voice and introspective lyrics, she maintains a unique presence in Japan’s indie music scene. Released on January 21, 2026, 『潮汐』 is her first original album in 14 years since her acclaimed work 『Nijimi』. For this project, she welcomed Clammbon’s Harada Ikuko as co-producer, with participation from an impressive lineup of creators including Tsujimura Takefumi from Kiseru, Takashiro Shohei from cero, and Minagawa Akira from mina perhonen in the songwriting process. Having experienced life’s joys and sorrows through marriage, childbirth, temple succession, and bereavement, this work is filled with tenderness that only the current Nikaido can express.

Writer: RAM

A student studying music composition at the National University of Arts in Argentina. Passionate about writing, discovering music, and sharing and engaging with music. Also works as a software developer.
Website:
Instagram: @ramcst