Since their formation in 2020, Tokyo-based pop duo omelatte has been steadily crafting a unique sonic identity, blending nostalgic J-POP influences with modern sensibilities. Consisting of vocalist Saori and guitarist Tatsuya Ishikawa, the duo’s music is built on warm melodies, intricate storytelling, and a touch of theatrical flair. Their latest single, Daydream, has earned a spot in J-POP Streaming’s Best Selection of 2025—a testament to their evolving artistry and growing recognition.
In this exclusive interview, omelatte opens up about their musical journey, creative process, and the inspirations that shape their work. They share insights into the making of Daydream, the evolution of their sound, and their aspirations for the future. With a deep love for ’90s and 2000s Japanese music, Ishikawa and Saori continue to refine their craft while staying true to their artistic roots.
From their thoughtful approach to songwriting to their hands-on experience in producing their latest music video, omelatte embodies the spirit of independent artistry. Join us as we delve into their world, exploring the stories behind their songs and the passion that drives their music.
1. Introduction & Background
Can you introduce omelatte to those who may not be familiar with your music?
T.I.: We believe our music can be described as guitar-driven pop (J-POP). Our theme is “creating pop music that resonates with fleeting moments of everyday life.” The unit consists of vocalist Saori and myself, guitarist Tatsuya Ishikawa.
How did the two of you come together to form this unit? What inspired the name “omelatte”?
T.I.: I’ve been using the name omelatte for about 10 years, but Saori joined in 2020. During the pandemic, I reached out to her through a social media platform for recruiting band members, and after meeting and playing together in a studio, we decided to work as a unit.
The name comes from “omelette” + “café latte.”
Originally, I vaguely thought about making music similar to café music, so I combined two words that sound warm and pleasant—just like a relaxing breakfast.
People often mistake it for “omelette,” but it’s not a typo! (laughs)
Your background includes elements of musical theater and guitar-driven sounds. How do these influences shape your music?
T.I.: I love Japanese music from the ’90s and early 2000s. Now, it might be considered somewhat nostalgic, and I think that influence is reflected in our songs.
Saori: I also love J-POP from that era and have been greatly influenced by it. Before joining omelatte, I was active in musical theater, so I try to ensure that both the lyrics and the music are conveyed clearly and effectively.
2. New Release: “Daydream”
Your latest single, Daydream, has been featured in our Best Selection of 2025 playlist!
Can you share the story behind this song?
T.I.: The first chord in the intro had a beautiful resonance, and I built the song from there.
A demo of the song actually existed as early as 2020, but since Saori had just joined at the time, we focused on recording and performing existing songs first, so Daydream was put on hold.
When we revisited it, I wanted to give it a more dramatic feel compared to our past songs, so I layered piano, strings, and acoustic guitar to create the final arrangement.
Saori: For the lyrics, Ishikawa wrote the first part, then passed it to me to continue, and finally, he refined it again. It was like a relay-style collaboration. At first, I was nervous about expanding on words that weren’t originally mine, but it turned out to be a very interesting experience!
The song has a dreamy and emotional feel. What message or emotions do you hope listeners take away from it?
T.I.: If listeners feel something from the song, that’s more than enough for me. I don’t want to impose a specific message on them.
Saori: I sang this song with the hope that it could serve as a brief escape from the rush and frustration of everyday life—allowing people to step away for a moment and then return with a refreshed perspective. If it resonates with someone, I’d be truly happy.
How was the production process for Daydream compared to your previous works? Did you try anything new this time?
T.I.: Normally, I record parts that require a microphone in a studio, but this time, I recorded the acoustic guitar at home for the first time.
Also, I did the mastering myself. Initially, I had an engineer handle it, but when I took it home and listened again, it felt slightly different from what I envisioned. I felt bad about it, but in the end, I decided to find the right balance on my own.
I struggle to communicate my exact vision in words, so while it takes time, being able to make adjustments myself is easier on me mentally.
3. Songwriting & Creative Process
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process? Do you start with lyrics, melody, or a specific theme?
T.I.: I start by playing chords on the guitar and deciding on the overall structure of the song. From there, I develop the melody, theme, and lyrics in that order.
Since you both contribute to songwriting, how do you balance your creative input?
T.I.: I compose the music freely, based on what I like. (laughs)
For lyrics, I sometimes leave them to Saori, but I mainly focus on adjusting the rhythm and word choice to make them sound more natural. I try not to interfere too much with the theme.
Sometimes, I take words that come to mind while writing the song and expand on them to define the theme. If I get stuck, I ask Saori for ideas.
Are there any particular artists, genres, or personal experiences that influence your music?
T.I.: I’ve been influenced by J-POP and J-ROCK artists such as GRAPEVINE, THE YELLOW MONKEY, EGO-WRAPPIN’, and AJICO.
I tend to be drawn to artists with strong melodies, both in vocals and guitar, so I try to keep that in mind when creating my own music.
Originally, I used to listen almost exclusively to hard rock, both Japanese and international. Maybe that’s why I always end up including a guitar solo in our songs. (laughs)
4. Past Releases & Evolution
Looking at your previous releases like Fragrance and quattro macchiatto, how do you think omelatte’s sound has evolved?
T.I.: Before Saori joined, we frequently changed vocalists, so it felt like starting over each time.
Now that we’ve been working together for almost five years, I feel we’ve been able to evolve and grow. Daydream is a song that really reflects that progress.
Saori: Compared to our previous works, which had a bright and poppy feel, Daydream has a darker, more introspective tone. It’s a slightly different direction for us.
We also created a music video (watch here)—we handled everything ourselves, from writing the plot to filming and editing. It was only possible because of this particular song.
5. Future Plans & Goals
What are your goals for 2025? Are there any upcoming releases or projects you can share?
T.I.: I’m aiming to release an album in 2025. I’ll do my best to make it happen!
Do you have any plans for live performances or collaborations with other artists?
T.I.: We don’t perform live too often, but we do play regularly. Our next show is in April.
For that performance, it will be just Saori and me in an acoustic setup. We enjoy playing in a different style than our recordings, so we hope people will find it interesting! We also alternate between acoustic sets and full-band performances with bass and drums.
6. Fun & Unusual Questions
If omelatte had a signature drink, what would it be and why?
T.I.: I’d want to create something with beer and coffee—since I love both. (laughs)
Saori: Based on our name, it would have to be a café latte—but with a bit of spice added!
If you could perform anywhere in the world—no limits—where would you choose and why?
T.I.: Maybe the UK or the US. I’d love to play in places connected to my favorite artists. I’ve never been to either country, so it’s a dream of mine.
Saori: I love the musical Once, which is set in Dublin, so I’d love to sing there someday!