RYUKI and GOICHI Release First Original Track 'IPPA' as Maekawa Ippa

The unit Maekawa Ippa, formed by RYUKI from MAZZEL and GOICHI from STARGLOW, released their first original song, "IPPA," on October 11. The track was first performed live as a surprise at the BMSG FES'26 festival the previous day.

"IPPA" is built on a dark, energetic electronic hip-hop foundation, incorporating elements of trap and rage. The music video, directed by Hideyuki Tanaka, features the Japanese car customization culture known as Kaido Racer.

The video narrative begins with RYUKI picking up GOICHI in a red Kaido Racer. It depicts a stylized version of their youth across locations like a gas station, a classroom, and a Chinatown. The production used seven real owner-owned cars and period-accurate clothing, with cultural curator Kenichiro Iwahashi making a cameo.

In a statement, RYUKI said he wanted to use the Japanese Kaido Racer culture to reach a global audience. GOICHI noted the project realized a long-held wish to create music as Maekawa Ippa. Director Hideyuki Tanaka described his vision as a "fantasy world" that blends Kaido Racer, 1980s yankee culture, and V-cinema aesthetics.

The song "IPPA" is available for streaming and download. The BMSG FES'26 festival, featuring artists like SKY-HI, Novel Core, and BE:FIRST, continues at Tokyo's Odaiba through October 12.

Source: PR Times via BMSG