Katsushika Trio - SO-DAYONE ! (2026)

Katsushika Trio—comprising three original members of the legendary fusion band Casiopea—has completed a new album titled *SO-DAYONE!* It is an exhilarating and powerful work that marks a return to the roots of "J-Fusion"—a genre currently seeing a resurgence in popularity, particularly among young listeners overseas. The album's title was inspired by a specific moment during a concert: while the band members and fans were sharing the sentiment that "J-Fusion is truly great" during the post-performance talk, the phrase "SO-DAYONE!" (meaning "That's so true!" or "Exactly!") emerged. Minoru Mukaiya, who was inspired by this phrase, spearheaded the production, and the album's framework was constructed in a remarkably short time.

For this release, the trio adopted a recording method where each member recorded their parts separately in their own environments. By meticulously crafting each instrumental part, they achieved the intricate arrangements characteristic of fusion music while creating a solid ensemble sound that allows each member's unique personality to shine. The album features tracks that fully showcase the trio's appeal, such as the high-energy "Twilight Run," the title track "SO-DAYONE!"—notable for its light, crisp guitar-cutting technique—and "Cobalt Express," a thrilling, high-speed fusion piece. Additionally, the track "Paris-Nice"—composed by Kunihiko Murai, a mentor figure to the members—adds a touch of sophisticated elegance with its beautiful melody. From sounds reminiscent of City Pop to melodic mid-tempo tunes and technical, funky playing, the album captures a diverse range of musical styles. It is a passionate fourth original album from Katsushika Trio, bringing the enduring appeal of J-Fusion to a modern audience.