The indie label LITTLE TOY’S FACTORY by TOY’S FACTORY has been launched, and its debut release, the compilation EP “KNOW THE FUTURE,” was made available on August 7 (Wednesday).
With a focus on artist-first principles, the label was created to uncover raw, resonant music that speaks to the heart. The EP features a collection of tracks from emerging indie artists, capturing the intense energy and genuine emotions of today’s youth. The EP’s music discovery was overseen by TOY’S FACTORY CEO Koichi Inaba and Kanta Higuma, the leader of the Yokohama-based rock band Omokage, who are dedicated to discovering and promoting new talent. The compilation includes tracks from five bands: 18-year-old singer-songwriter Maota, Tokyo-based rock band Metrois, Setagaya-based rock band Minus Jijo, Miyagi Prefecture’s rock band Halogen, and Omokage.
Additionally, FM802’s RADIO∞INFINITY will spotlight LITTLE TOY’S FACTORY and the EP over two weeks starting August 15 (Thursday).
Release Information
Compilation EP featuring 5 artists with 5 tracks: V.A. / KNOW THE FUTURE Released digitally on August 7, 2024.
Tracklist / Participating Artists:
- “Lavender” / Omokage
- “Baku ‘Solo Performance’” / Maota
- “Higanbana (Original)” / Metrowa
- “Goodbye” / Minus Jijo
- “Tin Can Telephone” / Halogen
Label: LITTLE TOY’S FACTORY
Listen to KNOW THE FUTURE here.
<Participating Artists Introduction>
Omokage
PROFILE
Omokage
A four-piece rock band from Yokohama featuring:
- Vocals & Guitar: Kanta Higuma
- Guitar: Eito Ishiguro
- Bass: Yusei Morii
- Drums: Kosuke Sakon
Omokage expresses hidden feelings that they cannot voice openly through their lyrics and music. They aspire to be the “voice of the heart,” with highly relatable lyrics and cohesive sound. Their track “18 Years Old,” released on January 1, 2024, on Eggs, topped the weekly charts. Known for their high-quality visual content, their Instagram followers surged to over 10,000 in just two weeks. Band leader Kanta Higuma, along with Toy’s Factory CEO Koichi Inaba, also contributed to discovering artists for the compilation album.
Track Introduction: “Lavender”
“Lavender” refers to the flower’s meanings of “I am waiting for you,” “silence,” and “elegance.” The song narrates an unfulfilled love from the perspective of a devoted and graceful woman who continues to wait for her lover’s return, even after parting ways. The woman’s self-sacrificing nature and consistent self-contained behavior are reflected in her words. The track features beautiful imagery and poignant emotions, all conveyed through a clean, well-crafted sound.
Social Media Accounts
- YouTube: omokage_band
- TikTok: omokage_band
- Instagram: omokage_band
- X (Twitter): omokage_band
Maota
PROFILE
Maota
An 18-year-old singer-songwriter who began performing and writing songs at the age of 14. Maota started live performances at 17, in October 2023. Through their unique voice and music, Maota expresses the subtle emotions of daily life, negative feelings triggered by certain events, and personal opinions about the world. Their aim is to create music that can impact others’ hearts and deliver it to people.
Track Introduction: “Baku ‘Doku-en’”
The song explores the desire to possess what someone else has, even if only in dreams. It reflects on whether money or love is ultimately more valuable and asserts that “happiness” cannot be easily bought with money. This track presents Maota’s personal desires, frustrations, and claims through a distinctive worldview.
Social Media Accounts
- TikTok: maota_okome
- Instagram: maota_00131
- X (Twitter): wakameokomeudon
Metrois
PROFILE
Formed in Tokyo in January 2023, this four-piece band consists of:
- Vocals/Guitar: Kotomi Kawahara
- Guitar: Raia Kuroshima
- Bass: Aoi Yoshikawa
- Drums: Asato Ono
Their songs, which capture moments of life, resonate across generations. With melodies and harmonies that deeply touch the heart, their sound is meticulously crafted with the expertise of music university students. The guitarists and bassist are current music students, with some members also working as models. They handle all visual production themselves, maximizing the impact of their music through a broad musical perspective and stylish visual elements.
Track Introduction: “Higanbana (Original)”
Meeting a destined person. It’s something everyone has felt at least once.
“I” vowed to spend my life with you, but today, you said goodbye. Tomorrow, I expected things to return to normal, but time passes swiftly, and I find myself always searching for your shadow. This is the story of “I,” who encountered an unforgettable destined person.
Social Media Accounts
- YouTube: metrois_jp
- TikTok: metrois_jp
- Instagram: metrois_jp
- X (Twitter): metrois_jp
Minus Jijou
PROFILE
A four-piece rock band from Setagaya, Tokyo. Members include:
- Gt.Vo Satomin
- Gt. Renmuraoka
- Ba. Otsuka
- Dr. Takara
Formed in October 2021 while the members were in their first year at Toori Sakuracho High School’s light music club. The band’s current lineup was established in July 2022 when Gt. Muraoka joined after the previous guitarist’s departure in April 2022. The band won the Encouragement Award at the Tokyo Light Music Club competition in 2022 and was a finalist for the Grand Prize in 2023, also receiving the Encouragement Award at the national competition.
Track Introduction: “Goodbye”
A song about the day I finally made a decision and brought closure. Although I wanted to forget everything, you, who changed me, are an important person in my life. I believe that it’s okay not to forcefully forget people and memories. This is a sublime love song delivered by the vulnerable yet strong Minus Jijou.
SNS Accounts
- YouTube: mainasu2_band
- TikTok: mainasu2_band
- Instagram: mainasu2_band
- X: mainasu2_band
halogen
PROFILE
Formed in Miyagi Prefecture in 2021, this is a four-piece rock band.
Vo, Gt: Taichi Ono, Gt: Ayumu Otsuki, Ba: Yuichiro Sakuma, Dr: Sota Kato
Their lyrics are deep and delicate, allowing for various interpretations, much like a novel. They capture everyday moments and express fragments of life with a clear, resonant vocal style, whether inspired by grand curiosity or ordinary experiences.
Track Introduction “Ito Denwa”
New environment, new life.
This song focuses on the inner world of individuals who, despite feeling loneliness and anxiety and relying on something, continue their daily lives. Using a “string phone” as a metaphor, it portrays their struggles with fluctuating emotions and their journey to discover their true selves despite recognizing their own weaknesses. They hope this song can be a catalyst for someone.
SNS Accounts
- YouTube: halogen2704
- TikTok: halogen128
- Instagram: halogen_band
- X: halogen_band
