Meitei / 冥丁

Meitei, also known as Daisuke Fujita, is a Hiroshima-based composer who inhabits a unique sound world that bridges the temporal gap between the past and present, where contemporary techniques meet a deep reverence for Japanese folklore. Central to his artistic vision is the concept of “lost Japanese mood,” which captures the fading aesthetics of a bygone era in Japan, gradually slipping from collective memory. This exploration forms the foundation of his distinctive fusion of ambient, experimental, and hip-hop influences. His genre-defying works, Kwaidan (Evening Chants, 2018), Komachi (Métron, 2019), and the Kofū trilogy, alongside SHITSURAI (all on KITCHEN. LABEL), have positioned Meitei as a pioneering force in music.

Kwaidan delves into eerie, spectral landscapes inspired by Japanese ghost stories, where ancient spirits linger in the shadows of fading traditions, while Komachi evokes the haunting beauty of love and longing, drawing from the tragic tales of the Heian era to create a sonic narrative that blurs the lines between history and imagination. Both albums made him a fixture in the global ambient scene, earning acclaim from influential publications like The Wire and Pitchfork for his innovative blending of tradition and modernity.

However, it was the Kofū trilogy that anchored Meitei’s true arrival in the Japanese scene, resonating deeply with both local and international audiences, and taking off with several expansive tours across Japan. The trilogy, Kofū (2020), Kofū II (2021), and Kofū III (2023), further explores the “lost Japanese mood,” using ambient textures, hypnotic rhythms, lo-fi beats, and archival samples from forgotten Japanese vinyl to evoke a sense of timelessness and emotional depth.

The Kofū series explores cultural displacement: Each album in the trilogy captures both the beauty and melancholy of Japan’s disappearing heritage. Drawing inspiration from themes like the tales of geishas and samurais, the cinematic legacy of Akira Kurosawa, the mysterious writings of Edogawa Ranpo, and the haunting memory of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, the trilogy intertwines historical and cultural elements that ground the music in Japan’s complex past, while delving into its lingering shadows.

In addition to his solo work, Meitei released Hydration (2022) as Tenka under Métron Records, showcasing his versatile approach to sound design. His music has been commissioned by iconic brands like ISSEY MIYAKE, SHISEIDO, Nike Jordan, Cartier and Merrell where he created original compositions for prestigious campaigns. These projects highlight his ability to translate Japan’s rich cultural textures into evocative sound paintings. Meitei’s performances at international festivals, such as MUTEK Barcelona 2020 and SWEET LOVE SHOWER SPRING 2022, alongside his Kofū series of release tours in Europe, Asia, and Japan, have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in genre-bending music.

With each release, Meitei continues to challenge sound boundaries, revering the past while charting a bold new future for Japanese music and beyond.