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6 Filipino artists making waves in J-Pop
SB19 and BINI raised the Philippine flag in Japan at the Summer Sonic last weekend. The two groups performed both in the Osaka and Tokyo legs of the music festival, introducing the P-pop sound to Japanese audiences.
But did you know that the J-pop scene also has Filipino artists?
Several Pinoys are making their names and talents known in Japan—from singing popular OSTs, pursuing careers as solo artists, and becoming part of idol groups.
Here are six Filipinos making waves in J-Pop.
Beverly
If you are a fan of anime or Japanese series, chances are you already heard her voice.
Beverly Caimen, simply known as Beverly, is a Filipino singer now based in Japan. She is known for being part of the official soundtracks of Japanese shows.
She performed "Again," the Season 1 opening song of the 2019 reboot of "Fruits Basket," and "I Need Your Love," the theme song of the 2017 drama "Crisis" starring Shun Oguri.
"My gosh, the first time the drama came out and I heard my voice, it was like I was in shock," Beverly told GMA News Online in Filipino in an exclusive interview. "I heard my voice. It was on TV—on Japanese TV. So I got excited."
Beverly also recently went viral for her Rufa Mae Quinto impression on the Japanese variety show "Chidori's Oni Renchan" last May.
She was in the Philippines last year to perform at ToyCon 2025.
Kento Nakajima
Kento Nakajima confirmed that he is half-Filipino during an interaction with Liza Soberano at a fashion show in New York. They were caught on video, with Liza saying she's from the Philippines and Kento replying, "So I'm half-Filipino."
Kento is a known singer, actor, and television personality in Japan. He debuted as part of the group Sexy Zone in 2011. He left the group in 2024 and debuted as a solo artist that same year with the release of the album "N/bias."
As an actor, he made his international debut with the Hulu series, "Concordia." He also starred in the film "Love Like Falling Petals."
Kento is fresh from a performance with SB19 at Summer Sonic in Tokyo. They performed the hit song "Gento," with Kento performing a Japanese rap verse and also singing Tagalog lines.
He also had his own set both in Tokyo and Osaka.
Fondly known as Kenty, he is a proud otaku and often shares his love for anime like "Yu-Gi-Oh!"
Reiko
Reiko was born in the Philippines and raised in Japan. He participated in the talent search "The First" to become a member of the boy group Mazzel, but he didn't make the final cut.
However, life had other plans as the rising J-Pop act made his solo debut in 2023 with the single "No More" followed by "Butterfly."
That same year, he dropped the ballad "Izatura," as well as its Filipino version, "Hanggang Kailan Pa."
Reiko visited the Philippines as part of the lineup of UMusic Night.
In July, Reiko released his renditions of "Tadhana" by UDD and "Multo" by Cup of Joe. He put his electronic and R&B twists of the hit OPM songs.
Alan Shirahama (Generations)
Alan Shirahama was born to a Filipino mother and Japanese father. He is known as the leader of the Japanese group, Generations. He is also a fourth-generation member of the group, Exile.
Generations has had a colorful career with eight studio albums in their discography. Their songs include "Hard Knock Days," "Love you More," and "Ageha."
Alan and fellow member Yuta recently met SB19, and did the "Lawless" dance challenge with Stell, Ken, and Justin.
Meanwhile, Alan also tours as a DJ and collaborates with various artists.
In 2023, he traveled to the Philippines and visited Intramuros and the San Agustin Church. He was named tourism ambassador to the country that same year.
Yuri (HANA)
The rising J-Pop group HANA has a half-Filipino member, Yuri. In an interview, Yuri said her love for music is thanks to her Filipino roots.
HANA released the pre-debut single "Drop" in January 2025, before their official debut single "Rose," which was released in April.
The group released their self-titled debut album last February. Their songs include "Blue Jeans," "Bad Girl," and "Tiger."
Yuri and fellow HANA member Naoko recently met SB19 in Japan and did the "Lawless" dance challenge with Josh and Justin.
Harumi
Harumi, or Harumi Kusagaya, was born to a Filipino mother and Japanese father.
According to Genius, Harumi showed an interest in music at a young age and joined the church choir at three years old. Her family then moved to Japan when she was 13.
Harumi made her major debut with the album, "Pride," in 2022. Her songs include "Sea of Memories," "Pride," and "Love."
She is also a theater actress who played Jane Seymour in the musical "Six" when it toured in Japan.
Along with Beverly, she is among the cast members of the Japanese staging of "Rent" the musical this year. —MGP, GMA News
