Ko Shibasaki Announces New EP 'Utakata' and 2026 National Tour

Ko Shibasaki will release a new three-track EP, 'Utakata', on August 26. A trailer for her accompanying 15-date national tour, which begins in November, has also been released.

The EP includes the title track 'Utakata' (Bubble), the rock song 'Utsuwa' (Vessel), and a solo version of 'WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Toki ni wa Okoseyo Movement~'. The latter track, a collaboration with Asahi Gold beer, was released as a single on July 31.

Shibasaki described 'Utakata' as a song incorporating classical Japanese language and poetry, with a theme of transient love and cherished memories. The track features sounds reminiscent of Japanese taiko drums and suzu bells. 'Utsuwa' pairs a driving rock sound with dark, melancholic lyrics.

The new artist visuals and tour key art are themed around 'Utakata' and the motif of a 'tennyo', or celestial maiden. The costume Shibasaki wears in the photos was custom-made for the shoot, incorporating 3D-printed parts.

Her 'ACTOR'S THE BEST' tour, now in its fourth year, focuses on theme songs and insert songs from dramas and films she has acted in. It is presented by Asahi Gold.

"I hope the world of the songs and their narratives can be received through each person's imagination," Shibasaki said in a statement. "I hope it becomes something that provides a bit of warmth, vitality for tomorrow, or companionship in your own life."

The KO SHIBASAKI LIVE TOUR 2026 ACTOR'S THE BEST ~Utakata~ begins on November 7 in Saitama and concludes with a two-night finale in Tokyo on January 30 and 31, 2027. The final show will include an after-talk session. Ticket details are available on the tour's official website.

The EP 'Utakata' is available for pre-save on streaming platforms. The solo version of 'WOW WAR TONIGHT' is already available for streaming.

Source: PR Times via レトロワグラース株式会社