From breathtaking ballads to powerful rock anthems, Kaori Saejima reminded us in 2021 why she’s one of the most versatile voices in J-music. 🌸🎸
Her performance during episode five—a 12-minute monologue delivered into a broken studio microphone, her character slowly realizing she’s been complicit in the exploitation of young artists—earned her the in November 2021. In her acceptance speech, she famously said: “I spent years being told I had a ‘pleasant voice.’ This year, I learned that ugliness can be just as truthful.” kaori saejima 2021
With physical magazine circulation declining and photo studios shut down intermittently, 2021 was the year Saejima fully embraced digital distribution. She released a series of exclusive digital photobooks on platforms like Fanza and Young Jump ’s digital store. These weren't merely rehashes of old content; they were shot specifically for the "stay-at-home" aesthetic. Themes included "relaxing at a luxury hotel," "home cafe," and "casual loungewear"—a direct response to pandemic-era desires for comfort and intimacy without contact. From breathtaking ballads to powerful rock anthems, Kaori