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Hi everyone! For this first blog post, I want to introduce you to my top favorite artist: Nujabes.

If you’re a silly goose who happens to be an anime fan like me, or if you’ve watched Vinland Saga or Samurai Champloo, you’ve probably heard this: Vinland Saga edit x Aruarian Dance Nujabes. This song is called “Aruarian Dance”. This beautiful piece of music has become a defining sound for anime fans and music lovers alike. But who was the man behind this track, and how did he influence both the music world and anime culture?

— Who is Nujabes ? 

Seba Jun, also known as Nujabes, was born on February 7, 1974. He was an iconic figure in the jazz-hop movement, a fusion of jazz and hip-hop. Nujabes spent most of his career creating instrumental beats that defined a new approach to music. Unfortunately, he passed away tragically in a car accident in 2010.

Nujabes 

— His works 

During his lifetime, Nujabes released 3 albums: metaphorical music in 2003, modal soul in 2005 and Spiritual state was released posthumously in 2011. He also produced many compilation albums, EPs, and soundtracks—mostly for the anime « Samurai Champloo »

spiritual state, modal soul and metaphorical music 

— Nujabes and the anime connection ?

As I mentioned earlier, Nujabes produced most of the soundtrack for Samurai Champloo. The soundtrack is a mix of hip-hop, jazz, and chill beats, similar to lo-fi, blending old-school Japanese sounds with modern vibes. The atmosphere it creates is something truly unique and cool—the rhythms are smooth and relaxing, yet energetic at the same time, perfectly matching the action and emotional scenes of the anime. Even if you haven’t watched the show, I personally recommend giving the soundtrack a listen!

—  Personal thoughts and opinions 

My love for Nujabes’s music started when I randomly watched an essay video about him. After watching it, I thought to myself, “Man, I should give his music a try.” But, silly as I am, I forgot to actually listen to his discography! (I usually love discovering new music at night—it’s the best time to really enjoy songs, in my opinion.)

A few months later, I discovered Samurai Champloo. I was completely obsessed—I loved the visuals, the way they mixed modern elements into a samurai anime from 2004, and especially the soundtrack. That’s what led me to Spotify, where I started listening to the soundtrack and noticed a familiar name: Nujabes. That’s when I connected the dots, remembering the video I had watched a few months earlier.

If I had to recommend one album, it would definitely be “Metaphorical Music.” This album leans more toward hip-hop, with dynamic rhythms that feel like they’re telling a story to the listener.

My favorite songs from Metaphorical Music are: “Blessing It,” “Highs 2 Lows,” “Lady Brown,” “Think Different”—and a special shoutout to “Battlecry,” the opening theme of Samurai Champloo.

thank you for reading ! I hope i’ve introduced you at least one new artist worth to check out ! 

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