Tatsuya Kitani & Silica Gel on What Comes After a Border-Crossing Musical ‘Hug’: Billboard Japan Monthly Feature Interview

Billboard Japan's Monthly Feature interview with Tatsuya Kitani and Silica Gel discusses the artists' meeting, the Hugs concert series, and their musical tastes. Kitani, a solo artist, met Silica Gel during a tour in Korea in May 2025. They first connected through Kitani's team asking about other artists to meet and then getting to see Silica Gel perform live.

Kitani explains that his goal was to prove his credibility as an artist and to cross genre lines by meeting respected musicians. He also wanted to create a space where fans could connect with each other.

Kitani was initially drawn to Silica Gel's unique guitar solos and melodic synth sounds, which he felt represented a distinct style not commonly found in Japan. Geon-jay, one of the Silica Gel members, appreciates Kitani's balanced combination of upbeat music and deep, meaningful lyrics. He believes Kitani's ability to make complex lyrics enjoyable is a standout quality.

The two artists also acknowledge differences in the music scenes in Japan and Korea. While Japan has a broader foundation for pop music, the Korean scene is still developing and expanding. Kitani notes that performing at large venues in Korea is relatively rare, and he is grateful that Silica Gel's performance at Hugs Vol. 6 contributed to the growth of the Korean music scene.

The interview ends with Kitani expressing his desire for a collaborative song with Silica Gel and a mutual interest in exploring more international collaborations.