ใใใซๆฅๆฌ่ช็ฟป่จณใ่ชญใฟใพใใ
“Just like the meaning of โRiseโโthe sun rising high, shining bright, and warmly illuminating everythingโI put my heart into this song, hoping to become a presence like that myself.”
The beauty of music lies not only in the sounds we hear but in the stories that shape them. Behind each lyric, each note, and each movement is a journeyโone of self-discovery, challenge, and quiet determination.
And every now and then, an artist comes along who turns that journey into something we can feel deeply, even across language and distance.
Kenta Hino is one such artist.
Known for his rich, soulful voice and deep-rooted jazz and R&B sensibilities, Hino has long been captivating listeners across Japan. But in 2025, with the release of his newest single “Rise,” he steps boldly into a new lightโone of a performer who no longer relies solely on voice but who embraces the full range of expression.
Dance, movement, visuals, emotionโ”Rise” is more than a song. Itโs a declaration of transformation.
For longtime fans, the release is a revelation. For new listeners, itโs an invitation. Either way, it signals a shift in Hinoโs artistry: from singer to storyteller, from voice to vision.
โAt the Tableโ is an article series for Dumpling Box that highlights and introduces various artists or group members through various insightsโartist-exclusive or fan-inclusive. This series allows for deep dives into the artistโs personality, work, and influence, creating an intimate and immersive experience for readers as if they were at the table with you.
This time, we sit down with Kenta Hino to reflect on his evolving pathโfrom the clubs of Tokyo to the timelesz project -AUDITION-, and now, to the release of a single that feels like both a sunrise and a promise.
With warmth, humility, and a spark of quiet strength, Kenta Hino welcomes you to his table. Letโs rise with him.
Please introduce yourself to international readers and tell us about your charm points.
To all the international readers of Dumpling Box, nice to meet you! How are you? My name is Kenta Hino. Iโve been active as a Jazz and R&B singer in Japan, and after going through various experiences, I now perform as a soul singer, also singing pop music. I live each day with the goal of becoming a performer who can move each person’s heart, regardless of language, age, or gender.
As for my charm pointsโvisually, Iโd say I strike a balance between being cool and charming and my deep voice! On the inside, my charm point would be positivity. I really love that word.
Congratulations on the release of “Rise“! Could you share the inspiration behind the song and how it came to be?
Thank you so much! This song, โRise,โ is about embracing my skills and confidence as a singer after spending years performing in clubs. Itโs also a symbol of my determination to keep pushing forward towards even bigger stages, inspired by the audition (timelesz project -AUDITION-) I participated in last year.
Just like the meaning of โRiseโโthe sun rising high, shining bright, and warmly illuminating everythingโI put my heart into this song, hoping to become a presence like that myself.
He isnโt just chasing fameโheโs chasing resonance. With every note he sings and every stage he steps onto, thereโs a clear intention: to move hearts.
Whether youโre watching him live or through a screen, the emotional clarity he brings to his performances cuts across language and genre.
As he steps into the spotlight with “Rise,” that intention takes on new formโnot only through his voice but through movement, visuals, and a deeper sense of self-expression.
Even with a trusted team by his side, the journey to make this release come true wasnโt without its difficulties.
For someone who had long expressed himself through vocals, introducing dance into the equation was an entirely new challenge. But for Hino, discomfort has always been a sign of potential.
Rather than lowering the bar, he raised his expectations and chose to meet them head-onโan act of self-respect and of respect for his collaborators.
Could you share any memorable moments from the production process, whether during the recording or the music video shoot?
This song was completely self-produced. Without the backing of a label, I was able to create exactly the kind of song I wanted, expressing what I truly wanted to say.
The people who helped bring this to life were my longtime composer friends, a cameraman Iโve worked with before, and a fellow artist I met during last yearโs audition who choreographed the dance. I strongly believe that the reason I could release this so quickly was thanks to the team that has supported and helped me to this day.
Were there any particular challenges or difficulties while creating “Rise“?
The biggest challenge was definitely the dance. I had absolutely no experience in dancing before the few months I spent in the audition show, so I was still a total beginner. While I managed to somehow get by with effort and a sense of rhythm, I still lack fundamental techniques, so I struggled a lot with perfecting the choreography.
Even so, since the dance was created by my fellow dancer, I didnโt want to lower the level just to make it easier for myself. It was tough, but I managed to push through, and now I feel like I can still improve even more!
You introduced a lot of new elements in terms of dance and visualsโwhat were the points you focused on the most?
Mostly, dancing. Since I received a lot of praise during the audition, I didnโt want to let that experience and potential go to waste and wanted to keep working on it, so I made sure to include a dance break part. I put a lot of effort into it, and I believe I managed to pull it off and make it look pretty cool! (Of course, from a professional dancerโs point of view, I probably still have a long way to go thoughโฆ)
For the visuals, I aimed for both a clean and sexy vibe. I had a lot of support from my team, and thanks to their advice regarding how I should do my makeup and costume, I was able to fine-tune the look to bring out the best version of myself.
While Hino embraces the aesthetics and rhythm of performance, he never strays far from the heart of what matters: the connection between artist and listener. Thereโs a sincerity in the way he talks about singing and a humility in the way he describes his performances. For him, the most powerful moments are the ones when emotion cuts through and reaches someoneโwordless, raw, and real.
That emotional depth has roots. Long before he had the words to describe it, Hino was absorbing the soulfulness of R&B from his motherโs car stereo. His discovery of who inspired him was less of a musical preference and more of a spiritual awakeningโa moment when he realized what kind of singer he wanted to be. That influence still lingers in every phrase he sings.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Iโd say โthe sunโ (lol). Well, itโs also something I want to become.
People have described me in many waysโsome told me that I have a certain allure, some say I have a boyish energy, while others say I have a calming presence or that I make them feel energizedโฆ So I guess I have many sides.
The sun itself has many aspects: during the day, itโs warm and comforting; at sunset, it casts a beautiful, somewhat alluring glow; and at dawn, it feels almost mystical and refreshing.
What do you think? โThe sunโ sounds pretty cool, right? (lol)
Is there a particular way youโd like people to listen to your singing?
I love singing with a strong, powerful voice, but more than anything, I want to deliver songs from the heart. Every time I sing, I pour my life and emotions into it, and in every song I sing, I hope the listener will be able to find something that resonates with their life as well.
Of course, the lyrics have a meaning, but I believe that whatever the listener feels is the right answer. So, Iโd love for people to listen not just to the words but with their heartsโwhether in the soft, delicate moments or the powerful, intense ones.
You base your music on soul and R&Bโwhat drew you to this style?
My mother loved R&B, so I grew up listening to it in the car without even realizing it. Over time, I came to love different genres of music, and I naturally thought, โI want to be able to sing freely like this too!,โ which led me to R&B.
Then, I discovered the music of Sam Cooke, and it struck a deep chord within me. I wanted to become a singer who could truly sing from the soul, just like him.
To this day, I consider him my soul mentorโa godlike figure when it comes to conveying emotions through music.
Looking ahead, Hinoโs dreams are grounded in both ambition and gratitude. He wants to travel the world with his musicโnot just to perform, but to meet, to connect, to grow. Whether itโs a jazz ballad or a dance-heavy pop track, he hopes every performance leaves behind something that resonates. And if “Rise” is any indication, his next steps will be just as bold, just as heartfelt, and just as bright.
What are your dreams and goals for the future?
My dream is to become a great singer and performer who can make an impact worldwide. I want to travel the world through music, expressing myself and connecting with people everywhere. You only live once, so I want to meet as many people as possible.
My goal is to be an entertainer who can sing Jazz and R&B while also delivering energetic pop and funky dance numbers. Specifically, this year, Iโm working towards bringing a dance-based performance to a live audience!
Lastly, could you share a message for international readers and fans around the world?
I started on the path of singing by coincidence, and through constant challenges, Iโve made it to where I am today. But one thing Iโve realized is that there are no true coincidencesโeverything is connected by fate in some way.
My journey is still just beginning, and I will continue to meet more and more people. For fans who donโt live in JapanโI will definitely come see you. Iโll make sure I become someone you can meet in person. Until then, Iโll keep sharing my music through online performances and releases, so please look forward to it!
And to those who happened to stumble upon this article by chanceโtake this chance one step further. I believe that chance encounters can be the start of something new.
What about you? If youโre curious, please give my music a listen. Iโd love to meet you too.
Thank you so much!!!
Kenta Hinoโs story is one of quiet courageโof stepping into the unknown, embracing vulnerability, and turning each challenge into a spark of growth. From smoky jazz clubs to the dance studio mirrors of an idol audition, his path hasnโt followed a single genre or blueprintโitโs been shaped by instinct, resilience, and an unwavering desire to connect through emotion.
“Rise” is more than just a songโitโs proof of Hinoโs evolution, not only as a vocalist but as a performer, a creator, and a storyteller who wants to make music can move one’s soul.
His deep, soulful voice still anchors his artistry, but now, thereโs a new dimension to the story he tellsโone that moves, breathes, and reflects the very essence of change. And in that evolution, he invites us to reflect, rise, and move forward with him.
Through his words, his sound, and his sun-like spirit, Kenta Hino reminds us that artistry isnโt just about reaching perfectionโitโs about staying open to growth, finding strength in your own rhythm, and shining light, even in unfamiliar places.
Because at the heart of it all, heโs not just creating musicโheโs building a world. One that welcomes everyone to listen, feel, and let our souls move.
More Kenta Hino
Photo assets ยฉ Kenta Hino. Used with permission.
Interview translated by Sabina / Proof-read and edited by Orel.