Tokyo – January 12, 2026
Niko’s “(^｡^)// Hai” Tops Charts, Announces Extensive Tour & ‘Apology Press Conference’
Japanese rock band Niko is riding a wave of success with their latest album, “fragile Report,” and are keeping the momentum going with multiple tours and a uniquely named press event.
- Niko’s single “(^｡^)// Hai” achieved Power Play status on 38 radio stations across 34 prefectures and topped the Billboard JAPAN “Heatseekers Songs” chart.
- The album “fragile Report” earned the band a “Tower Records Artist of the Year” award and a nomination for the “CD Shop Grand Prize.”
- Niko is embarking on two national tours, including a free tour for album purchasers and a “Re:TOUR” with finals in 13 locations.
- The band will host their annual “apology press conference” in Shibuya, Tokyo, on January 13th.
Niko has released the music video for “(^｡^)// Hai,” a standout track from their September 2024 album, “fragile Report.” The song, a vibrant blend of dance music and rock sensibilities, has quickly resonated with audiences nationwide. It’s a sound the band describes as an “unclassifiable omnivorous approach,” but one that immediately asserts, “this is a rock band” with its undeniable edge.
The single’s popularity is undeniable, receiving Power Play on 38 radio stations spanning 34 prefectures and claiming the top spot on the Billboard JAPAN “Heatseekers Songs” chart. The music video itself is a captivating visual accompaniment to the song’s energetic sound.
At the end of last year, “fragile Report” received significant recognition, winning the Tower Records 2025 “Tower Records Artist of the Year” award. This honor is determined by votes from buyers at all Tower Records stores, highlighting the album’s widespread appeal. The album’s success continued into this year, with a nomination in the “Blue” category of the “CD Shop Grand Prize,” an award chosen by votes from CD shop clerks across the country for albums by new artists deemed “really recommended” and poised for a breakthrough.
Niko isn’t slowing down, currently undertaking two national tours. The “47 at Outstore” tour offers free entry to purchasers of “fragile Report,” while the “Re:TOUR” will culminate in final performances in 13 locations nationwide (advance tickets ¥2,500, paired van available). Additionally, the “fragile Report RELEASE TOUR” is scheduled to begin in February.
Adding to their already busy schedule, Niko will hold their annual “apology press conference” next week on January 13th (Tuesday) at CLUB QUATTRO in Shibuya, Tokyo. A flood of circle and DJ TOMMY (BOY) are slated to perform. Tickets are ¥2,026 (with new song “Tokey-Dokey” CD) or ¥2,026 for a regular ticket.
What is the band’s musical style? Niko consists of Manami Ogaki, a bassist, and Oosuka, a guitarist, who create a dynamic sound that blends rock with elements of dance music.
The band describes themselves as a duo who “get along well and do a lot of live shows.”
You can find Niko on X @Niko_n_band and Instagram @nikon_band.
■bend – Music Video:
https://youtu.be/eMBBbV8pAJA
■sama pake – Music Video:
https://youtu.be/jSyxCffKAA4
■ Too Bad – Music Video:
https://youtu.be/db9KFJQp2PE
■Tokey-Dokey – Music Video (Limited release until January 13, 2026):
https://youtu.be/AxzPWhO1kUg
