Kenichiro Nishihara – empath [Limited Release]

empath (Completely Limited Pressing) / Kenichiro Nishihara

A central figure in Japan’s jazzy hip-hop scene and widely regarded as an artist who carries on the legacy of Nujabes, Kenichiro Nishihara presents his acclaimed 2022 masterpiece empath, now highly anticipated on LP.

Often discussed in connection with Nujabes as a key figure in the increasingly popular lo-fi hip-hop genre, Nishihara has refined a signature sound built on elegant piano melodies and hip-hop–inspired beat production. On empath, he seamlessly blends these elements with the electronic sensibilities of his alternate project ESNO, while fully expressing his deep-rooted love for jazz. The result is a beautifully unified world spanning pop, jazz, hip-hop, and electronica.

This album marks Kenichiro Nishihara’s seventh full-length release, showcasing his distinctive melodic sense and warm, immersive soundscape—qualities that have earned him a devoted following across genres and beyond national borders.

In recent years, Nishihara’s popularity has surged throughout Asia, including a large-scale China tour performing at venues with capacities of over 1,000 people alongside artists such as SIRUP, mabanua, and Michael Kaneko.
empath brings together an impressively diverse range of featured artists—from koji koji to The Five Corners Quintet—all woven into a one-of-a-kind sonic universe through Nishihara’s unique artistic vision.