K-pop Meets J-pop in ‘Lululala Friends with JAPAN’
What happens when you mix three powerhouse Korean vocalists, a Japanese acoustic heartthrob, and Seoul’s most Instagram-worthy hangouts? You get ‘Lululala Friends with JAPAN’—a music healing reality show that ditches borders and doubles down on harmony, humor, and heartfelt notes.
A Global Music Meetup Drops in Seoul
Launched by content studio Donuts Culture, ‘Lululala Friends with JAPAN’ is not your average music reality show. Think busking meets friendship goals, with a dash of K-drama vibes. Featuring KEN of VIXX, balladeer Jeon Sang Keun, and rising pop wunderkind Bang Yedam, the lineup gets a heartfelt twist with the addition of Japanese acoustic star Takaya Kawasaki.
Known for his soothing vocals and emotionally charged lyrics, Kawasaki makes his Korean reality debut through this show, promising cross-cultural chemistry with some of Korea’s most beloved vocalists.
Meet the Cast: Harmonies Beyond Borders
- KEN: VIXX’s soulful main vocalist who’s recently fallen for rock, ready to show a new side.
- Jeon Sang Keun: The emotional live genius, melting listeners with his rich tone and stirring delivery.
- Bang Yedam: The youthful prodigy with smooth grooves and a velvet voice.
- Takaya Kawasaki: Japan’s acoustic darling, famous for his mega-hit “Mahō no Jūtan” (The Magic Carpet) and storytelling through heart-tugging lyrics.
Music, MZ Vibes, and K-style Bonding
Across eight episodes filmed in South Korea, these four artists dive into everything from samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) food comas to Han River busking. They dabble in “saju” (Korean fortune telling), selfie photo booths, and surprise mini fan meetings. And yes, there are plenty of adorable bloopers and culturally charming “lost in translation” moments.
But at its heart, it’s a show about how music bridges gaps, with laughter and harmony overcoming language barriers.
Behind the Scenes of the Busking Showdowns
The emotionally-charged climax of this project is the artists’ collaborative and solo busking events across Seoul, where fans got spontaneous performances and artists stepped outside their comfort zones.
Each member also recorded a solo single, released sequentially over four weeks and inspired by moments from their musical journey together.
Solo Releases: A Playlist of Emotions
- August 7: “A to Z” by Bang Yedam
A playful yet heartfelt love song expressing a desire to know a loved one from A to Z, carried by acoustic grooves and his signature warmth. - August 14: “Again, That Spring Day” by KEN
A poignant remake of Takaya Kawasaki’s melancholic “Sakura Usagi” (Cherry Blossom Rabbit), this version taps into KEN’s gentle nostalgia and soft strength. - August 21: “Every Day, Every Moment (Takaya Ver.)”
Kawasaki covers Korean singer Paul Kim’s classic ballad “모든 날, 모든 순간” in Japanese, with a string-rich arrangement and vocal sincerity that hits all the emotional notes. - August 28: “Was I at Ease That Day” by Jeon Sang Keun
His take on a ballad originally popularized by Lee Yejoon gives new life to the track through a male perspective, doubling the emotional depth.
The Future of Hallyu + J-pop Collabs?
The real star of ‘Lululala Friends with JAPAN’ might be its format: music-first, fan-hearted, and delightfully unscripted. It offers a vision for future Hallyu collaborations where global sounds blend without losing their roots.
As international fans look for deeper, more authentic content beyond K-pop comebacks and music show stages, this show hits the sweet spot—karaoke warmth, busking surprises, and cultural exchange with actual emotional stakes.
Catch new episodes every Tuesday and Friday at 6 PM KST on YouTube channel Studio:D. This one’s for your playlist, your heart, and your next trip to Seoul.
FAQs
What is ‘Lululala Friends with JAPAN’ about?
It’s a music reality show where Korean artists KEN (VIXX), Jeon Sang Keun, and Bang Yedam team up with Japanese singer Takaya Kawasaki to explore Korea while making music together, culminating in live busking performances and solo tracks.
Where can I watch ‘Lululala Friends with JAPAN’?
The show airs on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6 PM (KST), exclusively on YouTube’s Studio:D.
Who is Takaya Kawasaki?
Takaya Kawasaki is a Japanese singer-songwriter known for his acoustic sound and emotional lyrics. He gained popularity through TikTok and hit songs like “Mahō no Jūtan” and “Sakura Usagi.”
