The song also charted at #5 on the iTunes UK Singer-Songwriter Chart without any SNS or ad promotion, drawing global attention for its raw emotion and story.
Released on May 1, 2025, the song reached #5 on the iTunes UK Singer-Songwriter Chart just two days later, on May 3. Since then, it has steadily gained momentum through radio airplay in multiple countries and organic TikTok usage, with no industry push behind it.
While Nishinari — the district in Osaka where NISHIOKA was born and raised — has historically been known as one of Japan’s poorest neighborhoods, it is now attracting tourists as a destination in itself. Drawing from that background, “HANAZONO” is crafted with unembellished lyrics and a simple acoustic arrangement, standing in stark contrast to algorithm-optimized pop songs. On social media, fans have commented:
“This isn’t a trend — it’s a life story told through music.”
These voices reflect a growing base of listeners seeking something genuine in an industry often saturated with hype.
Without label funding or industry connections, NISHIOKA’s success is a testament to a new era of music — where songs resonate across borders solely through emotional depth and raw storytelling.
Spotify UK Top 50 Playlist (Track Featured):
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZEVXbLnolsZ8PSNw
Official Website:
https://nishioka.news
Yuzi Tokimoto
WINGROUP.Inc
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HANAZONO