Ako releases Album ‘Lovely Moments’ – A Y2K-Inspired Journey

Ako

Out Now via IRORI Records / PONY CANYON INC.

+ New Single “Love Was Born” with Music Video here

+ Album Teaser Movie here

+ Vinyl Edition Out 3rd June 2026

Album on Spotify here

https://open.spotify.com/album/3i4fdjc0o4ojj4Tt339qWI?si=f7uzCPUaQNuucwQPA3gF1w

TOKYO, JAPAN – Japanese alternative pop artist Ako releases ‘Lovely Moments’, her highly anticipated second full-length album, out now via IRORI Records / PONY CANYON INC. Arriving approximately two years after her major debut ‘GENE’ (July 2024), the 12-track album marks a creative evolution grounded in Y2K nostalgia from the early 2000s, capturing a distinctly tender and reflective artistic vision.

‘Lovely Moments’ explores the theme of Y2K culture through Ako’s signature whisper vocals and delicate alternative pop sensibilities. The album weaves together introspective songwriting with meticulously crafted production, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that celebrates the fleeting, precious moments that define human connection.

“For me, it’s when I drink some tea and relax while listening to music, and also, when I sleep with my beloved dog, Ron!” Ako explains. “I hope you enjoy your own ‘lovely moments’ with my music.”

The album’s thematic foundation reflects Ako’s continued exploration of youth, love, and the bittersweet beauty of transient moments—themes that have defined her artistic voice since her 2024 breakthrough.

‘Lovely Moments’ features two major anime collaborations: “Turn It Up” serves as the ending theme for TV anime ‘THE DARWIN INCIDENT’ (Amazon Prime exclusive), whilst “MOVE MOVE” is the second cour opening theme for ‘Me and the Alien MuMu’. Both tracks exemplify Ako’s ability to craft emotionally resonant music that complements narrative-driven visual storytelling.

The album’s mixing was helmed by an internationally acclaimed team: Nathan Boddy (known for his work with NewJeans, Black Country, New Road, and James Blake), Masashi Uramoto (Sakanaction), and Norio Terada (Vaundy). This combination of world-class engineering ensures the album’s Y2K-inspired production maintains both nostalgic warmth and contemporary sonic clarity.

The new single “Love Was Born” (music video out now) captures the album’s essence—a delicate exploration of emerging love set against Y2K sonic textures. The accompanying music video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qbd6efl1oI) visualizes the song’s intimate emotional landscape, complementing Ako’s signature aesthetic vision developed through her creative collective “londog”.

An album teaser movie (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKDCq36t6fY) offers a cinematic introduction to ‘Lovely Moments’, establishing the album’s visual and sonic world ahead of full release.

A limited analog vinyl edition of ‘Lovely Moments’ is scheduled for release on 3rd June 2026, allowing collectors and audiophiles to experience the album’s meticulously mixed production in high-fidelity format.

Ako is a charismatic Japanese singer-songwriter who launched her career in 2020, quickly establishing herself through heartfelt, visually engaging songs and her signature whisper voice. Leading the creative team “londog”, she produces music videos and pioneers diverse artistic projects that blur the boundaries between music, visual art, and narrative storytelling.

Her major debut single “Planet” was released by IRORI Records / PONY CANYON INC. in 2024, followed by her first full album ‘GENE’ (10th July 2024). In 2024, Ako performed at SXSW ’24 in Texas across three showcases, and in May 2025, she appeared at The Great Escape 2025 in Brighton, UK.

She completed two major Japanese tours in 2025: “Ako Live Tour 2025 ‘LOVE PROPHET'” and “Ako Live Tour 2025 ‘Odyssey'” (including performances in Japan and Taipei). Her single “Harmony” (April 2026) served as ending theme for TV anime ‘Kirio Fan Club’, continuing her growing presence in anime collaboration.

She returns in June 2026 with “Ako Live Tour 2026 ‘JUNO'”, a five-city Japanese tour promising electrifying and raw performances for her ever-growing fanbase.

With ‘Lovely Moments’, Ako deepens her exploration of alternative pop sensibilities rooted in Y2K nostalgia, creating delicate soundscapes that celebrate the fleeting, precious moments that define human experience.

Album: ‘Lovely Moments’
Release Date: Out Now
Label: IRORI Records / PONY CANYON INC.
Format: Digital, Vinyl (3rd June 2026)
Tracks: 12

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