Yuzu (ゆず)

Yuzu is a Japanese folk-pop duo from Yokohama, Kanagawa, formed in March 1997 by Yujin Kitagawa and Koji Iwasawa. Built around acoustic guitars, close harmonies, and direct songwriting, the group became one of the most recognizable acts in modern Japanese pop and folk music. Their core sound sits at the intersection of j-pop and pop rock, and their long-running catalog on Avex Trax helped establish Yuzu as a staple of mainstream Japanese music. From the start, Yuzu stood out for songs that feel intimate but still polished, with singable choruses, careful vocal interplay, and arrangements that balance simplicity with strong melodic hooks. Over time, the duo expanded from a more acoustic-centered image into a broader pop-rock direction while keeping the conversational tone that made their music widely accessible. That balance has been central to their appeal across a career that has produced numerous mainstream hits. Yuzu also built visibility through tie-ins across television, commercials, films, and anime-related projects, making them familiar to listeners who follow Japanese theme songs as well as general pop. For fans looking for a long-established Japanese duo with memorable hooks, clear songwriting, and a lasting presence in screen music, Yuzu remain an important reference point.