On July 20, 2026, Ayase — the composer and producer half of the chart-topping Japanese duo YOASOBI — shared a candid reflection on the toll that seven years of relentless success has taken on his personal life and health. In a detailed interview, he revealed that his "daytime face had disappeared," a poignant metaphor for how completely his work had consumed his normal life, and explained his decision to prioritize his health through significant weight loss. For those of us who've watched YOASOBI's meteoric rise since 2019, Ayase's reflections offer a rare, honest look at what it takes to sustain creativity at the highest level — and what sometimes gets lost along the way.
We're taking a closer look at what Ayase shared about his journey: the weight loss numbers that have surprised fans, what he means by losing his "daytime face," and how he's working to rebuild a healthier balance after years of non-stop work.
The Quick Version
- Ayase lost approximately 19 kg (about 42 pounds) over the course of a year, motivated primarily by health concerns rather than appearance
- He described feeling that his "daytime face had disappeared" over seven years of intense work, a lifestyle he now recognizes as unhealthy
- Earlier weight-loss efforts included dropping 7-8 kg in three weeks during YOASOBI's 2023 arena tour, and in early 2025 he shared on Instagram that he'd lost 14 kg since the start of that year
- The interview, published on July 20, 2026, marks a moment of reflection roughly seven years after YOASOBI's breakthrough
- Ayase's focus has been on training and structured eating to live "as healthily as possible" while maintaining his demanding creative schedule
What "My Daytime Face Had Disappeared" Really Means
When Ayase says his "daytime face" vanished, he's describing something many of us in demanding careers can relate to: the complete erosion of normal life rhythms in pursuit of success. In his own words from the interview, he felt that over these seven years, his daytime persona or everyday life had essentially disappeared because of his work schedule and lifestyle. He explicitly called this state "a bit unhealthy."
What does that look like in practice? For a music producer and performer at YOASOBI's level, it likely means working through the night in the studio, sleeping during the day, and losing touch with the basic structure most people take for granted — meals at regular times, daylight hours spent with friends or family, a clear boundary between work and personal time. When your creative process operates on its own clock and global tour schedules dictate your calendar, the "normal" parts of life can slip away almost without you noticing.
Ayase's reflection carries weight precisely because it's not a complaint but an acknowledgment. He's looking back on the price of the extraordinary success YOASOBI has achieved since their 2019 debut, when "Yoru ni Kakeru" ("Racing Into the Night") became a phenomenon. Seven years later, with international tours, chart-topping releases, and a fanbase spanning continents, he's recognizing that something important was sacrificed along the way — and he's actively working to reclaim it.
The Timeline of Ayase's Weight Loss Journey
Ayase's approach to regaining his health has unfolded in several distinct phases, each reflecting different priorities and circumstances in his career. The most significant effort came during the year leading up to his July 20, 2026, interview, when he lost approximately 19 kilograms. In his own words, he made a serious commitment to diet "for his health" and managed to shed about 42 pounds over twelve months.
This wasn't his first round of focused weight management, though. During YOASOBI's 2023 arena tour — specifically the "Denkou Sekka" ("Lightning Speed") tour — Ayase noticed his weight had increased under the pressure of constant performances and travel. He responded with an intensive three-week training regimen that resulted in a loss of 7-8 kg. At that time, he told interviewers he was being careful about his diet, often eating only fixed, routine meals, and felt he was finally living "as healthily as possible."
Then, in early 2025, during YOASOBI's Hall Tour "WANDARA," Ayase shared a mirror selfie on Instagram (later deleted) revealing he'd lost 14 kg since the beginning of that year and planned to cut an additional 2-3 kg. Fans noticed his visibly leaner physique and praised his dedication, with many describing his appearance as "stoic" and noting his lean, toned build.
What emerges from this timeline is a picture of sustained, intentional effort rather than a quick fix. We're looking at someone who recognized a problem, committed to addressing it in stages, and has maintained that focus even as his career demands have only intensified. The consistency is striking — and it underscores how seriously Ayase has taken his own health warning signals.
Why Health, Not Appearance, Drove the Change
It's worth emphasizing what Ayase himself stressed in the interview: his weight loss was fundamentally motivated by health concerns, not aesthetic goals. In an industry where image often drives everything, that distinction matters. Ayase made it clear that he wasn't trying to achieve a particular look for the stage or for social media — he was responding to the recognition that his lifestyle had become genuinely unhealthy.
The way he approached the weight loss reflects that priority. Rather than crash diets or extreme measures, he focused on training, structured eating, and building sustainable habits. During the 2023 arena tour period, he mentioned eating routine, fixed meals — the kind of discipline that creates consistency rather than drama. The longer, 19 kg loss over a full year suggests a steady, measured approach: roughly 1.5 kg per month, which falls well within what health professionals consider safe and sustainable.
We can understand this shift as part of a larger recalibration. Ayase isn't just trying to lose weight; he's trying to rebuild a life structure that allows for longevity in his career. Seven years of operating at YOASOBI's intensity is a marathon, not a sprint, and he seems to have realized that maintaining that pace requires taking care of the fundamentals — sleep, nutrition, physical fitness, and mental space.
YOASOBI's Seven-Year Journey to This Reflection
To fully appreciate what Ayase is reflecting on, we need to understand just how transformative these seven years have been. YOASOBI burst onto the scene in late 2019 with "Yoru ni Kakeru," a song that wasn't just a hit — it redefined what Japanese pop music could sound like and how it could reach audiences. The duo's concept, turning novels and stories into songs, captured something special, and their blend of electronic production, soaring melodies, and vocalist Ikura's distinctive voice created an instantly recognizable sound.
What followed was the kind of success that changes everything. International tours, collaborations with major brands and anime productions, millions of streams, and a level of recognition that took YOASOBI from internet sensation to cultural phenomenon. For Ayase, as the composer and producer, this meant an unrelenting creative output — new songs, arrangements for live performances, production work, and the constant pressure to maintain the standard they'd set.
Success at that level doesn't come with an off switch. There are always more opportunities, more demands on your time, more expectations to meet. We can see how, year after year, the work could expand to fill all available space — and then some. The "daytime face" disappears because there's always another track to finish, another performance to prepare for, another deadline to meet. The reflection Ayase shared on July 20, 2026, marks a moment of looking back and asking whether the pace is sustainable — and what needs to change to make it so.
The Broader Picture: Balancing Art and Well-Being
Ayase's story resonates beyond YOASOBI's fanbase because it touches on something many of us grapple with: how do you maintain your health and personal life when your work demands everything you have? For creative professionals especially, the boundary between work and life often dissolves completely. The studio is always there, the ideas don't stop at 5 PM, and the pressure to capitalize on success can make it feel impossible to step back.
What Ayase is modeling, in sharing these reflections, is a kind of honesty that we don't always see from public figures at the height of their careers. He's not pretending everything has been perfect or that success came without cost. He's acknowledging the trade-offs, examining what he's lost, and actively working to restore balance. That's valuable not just as a personal narrative but as a reminder that even extraordinary success requires periodic reassessment.
We're also seeing him make deliberate choices to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term intensity. The weight loss isn't about a quick transformation; it's about building habits that will support him through the next seven years and beyond. The recognition that his lifestyle had become unhealthy is the first step toward changing it — and by making that recognition public, Ayase is helping to normalize conversations about well-being in an industry that often glorifies overwork.
What People Are Saying
"Ayase's dedication is really impressive. Losing 19 kg while maintaining YOASOBI's incredibly demanding schedule shows serious discipline. I hope he's finding a healthier balance now."
— Fan comment on social media
"The way he described his 'daytime face' disappearing really hit home. Anyone who's thrown themselves completely into their work knows that feeling — when you look up and realize you've lost touch with normal life. I'm glad he's talking about it openly."
— Music industry professional
"What stands out is that he emphasizes health, not appearance. In an industry obsessed with image, focusing on feeling healthy and building sustainable habits is refreshing — and honestly more important for someone with Ayase's creative workload."
— Long-time YOASOBI listener
"Seeing the transformation in his Instagram photos was eye-opening. He looks genuinely healthier and more energized. Whatever approach he's taking, it seems to be working not just for weight but for overall well-being."
— Fan response to 2025 Instagram post
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight did Ayase lose in total?
Ayase lost approximately 19 kg (about 42 pounds) over the course of a year, as he shared in the July 20, 2026, interview. This followed earlier weight loss efforts, including 7-8 kg during a three-week period around the 2023 arena tour, and 14 kg that he'd lost by early 2025 since the start of that year. The exact overlap between these periods isn't fully specified, but the pattern shows sustained, ongoing effort.
What does Ayase mean by his "daytime face" disappearing?
Ayase used this phrase to describe how his normal daytime life and routine had essentially vanished over seven years of intense work with YOASOBI. He explained that his work rhythm and lifestyle had consumed his regular daily patterns, leaving him without the ordinary structure most people maintain — a state he now recognizes as unhealthy. It's a metaphor for losing the boundary between work and personal life.
Was Ayase's weight loss motivated by health or appearance?
Ayase made it clear in his interview that his primary motivation was health, not appearance. He specifically said he dieted "for health reasons" and focused on training and structured eating to build sustainable habits. While he's received praise for his transformation, the driving force has been addressing the unhealthy lifestyle patterns that developed during YOASOBI's seven-year success run.
How did Ayase approach his diet and training?
During the 2023 arena tour period, Ayase mentioned following a careful diet with fixed, routine meals and serious training that resulted in 7-8 kg lost in about three weeks. For the larger 19 kg weight loss over a year, he emphasized a health-focused approach with consistent training. The gradual pace — roughly 1.5 kg per month — suggests a sustainable, measured method rather than extreme dieting.
Is YOASOBI still actively touring and releasing music?
Yes, YOASOBI has remained highly active. They conducted their Hall Tour "WANDARA" in 2025, with performances including a four-day run at Kumamoto Castle Hall. The duo continues to maintain a busy schedule of performances and releases, which makes Ayase's focus on health and sustainability all the more important for the long term.
Looking Forward: Sustainability and Success
As we look at Ayase's reflections on July 20, 2026, what stands out is the shift from simply pushing through to actively building a sustainable path forward. Seven years into YOASOBI's remarkable journey, he's recognizing that the next phase requires not just creative excellence but a foundation of health and balance that can support continued work at the highest level. His weight loss journey isn't just about the numbers on a scale — it's about reclaiming the "daytime face" he felt had disappeared, rebuilding a life structure that includes both the intensity of his creative work and the essential rhythms of normal life.
For those of us who've followed YOASOBI's rise, Ayase's honesty offers a fuller picture of what that success has required and what it has cost. We're watching an artist at the peak of his career make deliberate choices to ensure there will be many more years of music ahead. That's the real story behind the 19 kg and the reflection on seven years — not just weight loss, but the wisdom to recognize when something needs to change, and the discipline to follow through. As YOASOBI continues to evolve and create, we can hope that Ayase's renewed focus on health and balance will help sustain the extraordinary music that brought us all here in the first place.
