For Filipino-Japanese artist Reiko, music has always been more than just a form of self-expression — it’s been a path to self-discovery. Born in the Philippines and raised in Japan, Reiko spent years navigating cultural differences and personal insecurities.
But now, fresh off his first solo tour across Japan and the release of his three-part R&B project, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter says he’s finally found his voice — one that bridges two cultures and speaks through rhythm and soul.
Released between April and June 2025, his R&B trilogy — “Take It Back,” “Kimi no Sei,” and “Love Deeper” — marks a turning point in Reiko’s career. “This is the most ‘me’ I’ve ever sounded,” he said in an interview with Music Geek during a recent visit to the Philippines. “I used to struggle a lot with confidence and finding my sound, but now I know what I want to say.”
The 22-year-old singer-songwriter says he’s finally found his voice in R&B. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JUDE NG
Reiko’s early years were shaped by a love for R&B passed down by his parents.
But growing up in Japan as a Filipino-Japanese child often left him feeling disconnected. He recalled struggling to adapt to Japanese culture growing up, as his interests often differed from those of his schoolmates. It was only when he began singing in school that he felt truly seen.
“My classmates clapped for me when I sang in music class. That’s when I realized I exist,” he recalled. “I felt seen when I sang. That’s when I fell in love with singing.”
In 2021, Reiko competed in the Japanese music reality show “The First,” created by BMSG founder Sky-Hi, and although he didn’t make the final cut for the debut group, he caught the attention of the label and later signed on as a solo artist. He officially debuted in October 2023.
He began composing at 18, but it took four years of trial and error before he felt aligned with his sound. He credits his executive producer, Sky-Hi, for encouraging him to create freely and follow his instincts.
“Eventually, I found my voice and the kind of music I enjoy performing and hearing on the radio.”
His just-completed Japan tour further solidified that confidence. “I felt how I’ve grown as an artist and as a performer, and I loved every moment of it.”
Additionally, the artist also realized how much he values his craft, stating, “Every word that comes out of me, I truly mean it.”
Of the setlist, it was Neverland that stood out to him most.
“That was the song where I felt the deepest connection with the audience, even after I left the stage,” he recalled.
With a smooth, soulful tone and lyrics in Japanese, Filipino, and English, Reiko is carving a space in the global R&B scene that reflects his multicultural background.
In 2024, he performed in the Philippines for the first time, sharing the stage with local talents Jayda and Ysanygo and performing his own songs including “No More,” “Butterfly,” and “Hanggang Kailan Pa (Itazura),” as well as a cover of Zayn’s “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.”
Fluent in three languages and equally influenced by Japanese pop and Western soul, Reiko sees his identity as a strength to connect with a broader audience, while his distinct, soulful vocals set his sound apart from other musicians.
Now back in the studio, Reiko is diving even deeper into R&B, particularly the early 2000s US sound that inspired him as a child. He also hinted at upcoming collaborations, including a long-rumored project with his friend Felip (Ken of SB19), as well as aspirations to work with other Filipino artists like Jayda and Dionela.
With a deeper sense of his artistic identity, he remains focused on refining his R&B sound and collaborating with more Filipino artists.
