From being a young boy with a passion for dance to becoming a singer, dancer, and choreographer, RIKIMARU‘s journey to success is nothing short of inspiring. 

RIKIMARU’s artistic roots can be traced back to his family. His mother, a jazz dancer, likely sparked his early interest in the art form. On the other hand, his father’s career as a professional baseball player and coach may have instilled discipline and dedication in him from an early age. At the tender age of four, RIKIMARU began his dance journey, and it quickly became evident that he had a natural flair for the art. Over the years, his passion for dance only grew stronger, and he started to venture into choreography at the age of 19. Under the guidance of renowned choreographer Rino Nakasone, he honed his skills and got his first big break in 2015 when he worked on the project for BoA’s Look Book. This was just the beginning, as RIKIMARU went on to choreograph for other big names in the K-pop industry, including SHINee, Taemin, Red Velvet, and NCT127, marking his position as a bankable choreographer.

In 2019, RIKIMARU took on a new role as the leader of the Japanese-Chinese boy group, WARPs UP. As the group’s leader, he not only proved that he has good vocals but also contributed to choreographing their performances, allowing him to combine his skills as a dancer and a leader.

RIKIMARU’s fame skyrocketed when he decided to participate in the Chinese reality competition show, Produce Camp 2021, as an Avex Trax trainee. The show aimed to create an international boy band, and RIKIMARU’s talent and charisma shone through the competition. At the end, he earned a well-deserved third place, securing his spot as a member of the project boy group INTO1. While the journey with the group came to an end in 2023 after their contract expired, RIKIMARU’s career is far from over.

Now, at the age of 29, RIKIMARU is known to be the world-class dancer who has recently released his new single TALKIN ‘BOUT, offering fans a glimpse into the artist’s first full-length album, CLOWN OR CROWN. The album’s overarching concept, “ears: listen” and “eyes: see,” weaves a larger narrative, where RIKIMARU’s dramatic and bold performances capture both the senses of hearing and sight. Featuring 12 songs, the album explores a “melancholic and absurdist perspective of the conflict between the “king” and the “clown,with some tracks offering acerbic takes on society and satirical lyrics”.

TALKIN’BOUT, the advance release single, is already available on major streaming platforms. Crafted during a songwriting session with production team Tha Aristocratz and Tiyon “TC” Mack, well-known for their global hits, the song’s vocals show a wide range of emotions set against heavy synths, vibrating basslines, and percussion.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of CLOWN OR CROWN is RIKIMARU’s hands-on approach to the entire production process. From the initial pre-production stages to the final completion of the project, he has shown dedication in creating this special work. The album also features a diverse array of talent, including songwriters, arrangers, lyricists, and dancers hailing from China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States – carefully selected by RIKIMARU himself.

For TALKIN ‘BOUT MV, RIKIMARU travelled to South Korea where he collaborated with a local creative team and dancers to deliver a unique visual treat. .

RIKIMARU’s full-length album, CLOWN OR CROWN, will be out in August.

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}