Japanese Five-Piece Band Collaborates with UK Funk Icons Following The Great Escape Performance
Out 23rd March 2026 via Pony Canyon Japan / IRORI Records
- 90s-Inspired Music Video Out Now
- “JUNGLE” Japan Tour August 2026
Japanese five-piece band Kroi have released their new single “Kinetic feat. INCOGNITO,” out 23rd March 2026 via Pony Canyon Japan / IRORI Records. Produced by Bluey, the leader of legendary UK Jazz Funk and Acid Jazz group INCOGNITO, the collaboration brings together Kroi and one of their own musical influences—a cross-generational and cross-border partnership born from a shared passion for creating new music.
The Collaboration
In 2025, Kroi performed at The Great Escape in Brighton, UK. After the show, they decided to work with a local producer for their next track. The first name that came up was INCOGNITO, a band all members admire and share as a musical influence.
The song was recorded at Bluey’s studio, Colibri Sound Recorders. The recording focused more on the energy of the moment rather than detailed planning, with a session-style approach. Kroi and Bluey connected through their passion for music, and the track features INCOGNITO’s signature horn section arranged around the groove created during the session.
“We hope you enjoy this track, born from a shared passion to create new music across countries and generations,” the band explains.
Bluey has helped shape the Jazz Funk and Acid Jazz genre since the 1990s and continues to stand at its forefront today, making this partnership a significant moment for Kroi’s artistic evolution.
90s-Inspired Music Video
A music video directed by Takuto Shimpo has been released alongside the single. It features vivid colors inspired by the 90s, with backgrounds that appear to move using optical illusion effects—a visual companion that captures the energy and groove of the collaboration.
About Kroi
Kroi is a five-piece band that blends a variety of music styles, including R&B, Funk, Soul, Rock, and Hip-Hop. The members are Leo Uchida (vocals), Yuki Hasebe (guitar), Masanori Seki (bass), Hidetomo Masuda (drums), and Daiki Chiba (keyboards).
Formed in February 2018, the band made their major-label debut in June 2021 with their first album ‘LENS’. In 2025, Kroi held their first Asia tour, “Kroi Live Tour 2025 – ASIA,” performing in cities including Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok. In January 2026, the band embarked on their first arena tour.
Kroi has also expanded their international reach through several anime theme song collaborations. Most recently, their single “Method” (July 2025) served as the opening theme for the second cour of the hit anime series SAKAMOTO DAYS. Prior to that, “Water Carrier” (March 2024) was featured as the opening theme for SAND LAND: THE SERIES, “Sesame” (January 2024) served as the opening theme for the original anime BUCCHIGIRI?!, and “Hyper” (October 2023) was used as the opening theme for the TV anime UNDER NINJA.
In addition to their music projects, each member engages in a variety of other artistic activities, including modeling and designing, and remains active in various cultural scenes.
“JUNGLE” Japan Tour
Kroi will launch “Kroi Live Tour 2026 ‘JUNGLE'” in August, performing 10 shows across six cities in Japan. The tour will take place entirely at Zepp venues, including stops in Yokohama, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Osaka, and Tokyo.
The run will feature a mix of one-man shows and special two-man performances, marking Kroi’s first two-man concerts in approximately two years. Guest artists for the two-man shows will be announced at a later date.
Single: “Kinetic feat. INCOGNITO”
Release Date: 23rd March 2026
Label: Pony Canyon Japan / IRORI Records
Produced by: Bluey (INCOGNITO)
Recorded at: Colibri Sound Recorders (Bluey’s studio)
Video Director: Takuto Shimpo
Streaming: https://lnk.to/Kroi_Kinetic
KROI LIVE TOUR 2026 “JUNGLE”
Tour Dates: August 2026
Cities: Yokohama, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo (10 shows / 6 cities)
Venue: Zepp (all dates)
Tickets: https://w.pia.jp/t/kroi-t/
Tour Website: https://special.kroi.net/tour/
Official Website: https://kroi.net/
Official Store: https://store.kroi.net/
X: https://twitter.com/KroiOfficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kroi_official/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kroiofficial
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@KroiOfficial
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