Fami, the bassist who joined Japanese heavy metal band LOVEBITES in October 2022, has just unveiled the music video for "Hakoniwa Affordance" ("箱庭アフォーダンス"), the lead single from her upcoming solo EP. This marks a significant creative milestone—she wrote both the music and lyrics herself, and the full EP is scheduled for release on August 26, 2026. Here's everything we know about what's in the EP, who's playing on it, and what makes this solo venture special.
- The music video for "Hakoniwa Affordance" was released on July 25, 2026, on Fami's official YouTube channel.
- The full EP, titled "Hakoniwa" ("箱庭"), is scheduled for release on August 26, 2026, and features six tracks.
- Fami composed and wrote lyrics for three vocal songs plus a bass instrumental; Vocaloid producer Nayutan Seijin contributed a guest track.
- The EP was recorded with a live band including veteran session players Hideki Aoyama (drums) and Yoshihiko Haga (guitar).
- All songs were professionally arranged with help from Mao, who also works with LOVEBITES.
What "Hakoniwa Affordance" Is and How to Watch the Music Video
"Hakoniwa Affordance" is the first single from Fami's solo project under the artist name Fami. (with a period). The music video was released on July 25, 2026, on her official YouTube channel. Directed by Naoki Takeyama and produced by Shiho Kondo of LimitmakerFilm, the video features professional production values with 3D figure work from PIGLION, indicating that this is more than a DIY side project—it's a carefully crafted artistic statement.
The song title loosely translates to "miniature garden affordance," blending a poetic image with a psychology term that describes how we perceive possible actions in our environment. That layered meaning hints at Fami's thoughtful approach to songwriting on this release. She handled both composition and lyrics for this track, showcasing a creative side that extends beyond her instrumental prowess on bass.
We're seeing a musician step out from the shadow of heavy metal arrangements to share her voice—literally and figuratively. For fans who've followed Fami since her YouTube days or since she joined LOVEBITES, this solo work offers a chance to hear what she sounds like when she's steering the entire creative ship.
The Complete Tracklist for the "Hakoniwa" EP
The "Hakoniwa" EP is scheduled for release on August 26, 2026, and will include six tracks that showcase both Fami's own compositions and a special collaboration. Here's the complete lineup:
- "Hakoniwa Affordance" ("箱庭アフォーダンス") — Music and lyrics by Fami
- "Slap Seijin" ("スラップ星人") — Written specifically for this EP by popular Vocaloid producer Nayutan Seijin
- "Beginner Highway Star" ("初心者🔰はいうぇい⭐️すたぁ") — Music and lyrics by Fami
- "Nostalgic Logic" ("ノスタルジック・ロジック") — Music and lyrics by Fami
- "Papparapappappa" ("ぱっぱらぱっぱっぱー。")
- Untitled bass instrumental track — Composed by Fami
That adds up to three vocal songs written entirely by Fami, one bass instrumental she composed, one playful-sounding track whose credits aren't yet detailed, and one guest composition from Nayutan Seijin. If you're familiar with the Vocaloid scene, Nayutan Seijin is a heavyweight—a producer known for catchy, high-energy tracks that have racked up millions of views. The fact that he wrote "Slap Seijin" specifically for this EP signals real excitement around Fami's solo debut and suggests the track will lean into her bass-slapping technique.
Fami performs both bass and vocals across the EP, giving us a full picture of her musicianship. This isn't just a bass showcase—it's a complete artist statement.
Who's Playing on the EP: The Band and Production Team
All tracks on "Hakoniwa" were recorded with a live band rather than programmed, which brings an organic warmth and punch to the sound. Here's who joined Fami in the studio:
Hideki Aoyama handled drums for the EP. Aoyama is a veteran session drummer who has supported major acts including B'z, BABYMETAL, and JAM Project, so he brings serious credentials and a refined sense of dynamics. Yoshihiko Haga played guitar, bringing experience from sessions with artists like aiko, Yuzu, and Shunsuke Kiyokiba. Both musicians are well-known in Japanese music circles for their adaptability and professionalism, and their presence suggests that this EP was recorded at a high level with players who can navigate everything from metal grooves to pop hooks.
For arrangement and programming, Fami worked with Mao, who also serves as composer and arranger for LOVEBITES. That connection ensures continuity with the sound fans already know, while allowing Fami's solo vision to take center stage. Mao's role was to shape and polish Fami's self-composed songs, bridging the gap between her ideas and the finished production.
The result is a professional, polished release that benefits from Fami's creative control while still drawing on the expertise of seasoned collaborators. We're not talking about a rough demo or bedroom recording—this is a full-fledged EP with the kind of studio muscle that can compete on streaming playlists and retail shelves.
How This Fits into Fami's Career: From YouTube to LOVEBITES to Solo Artist
When LOVEBITES announced Fami as their new bassist on October 21, 2022, she was already well-known in online music circles. At the time, her YouTube channel had around 650,000 to 700,000 subscribers, built on bass covers, original playing videos, and showcases of her slap technique. She joined the band at age 20, bringing both technical skill and a built-in fanbase that had been following her growth as a musician.
What many fans might not have known was that Fami had already self-produced a solo album before joining LOVEBITES, handling composition, lyrics, and production entirely on her own. That experience laid the groundwork for "Hakoniwa"—this isn't her first rodeo as a solo artist, just her first major solo release since becoming part of one of Japan's most prominent metal exports.
Since joining LOVEBITES, Fami has toured internationally with the band and, according to retail descriptions, helped the group sell out a show at the legendary Nippon Budokan venue in March 2026. That's a milestone that only a handful of Japanese rock and metal acts achieve. Now, just months later, she's stepping into the solo spotlight with a project that showcases a different side of her artistry—one that includes her voice, her lyrics, and her musical ideas beyond the bass.
We're watching a musician who's already proven herself in the heavy metal world expand her creative palette. The timing suggests confidence: fresh off a Budokan sellout and an overseas tour, Fami is using the momentum to share something personal and artistically ambitious.
What Makes This Release Special
The "Hakoniwa" EP stands out for a few reasons. First, it's rare for a bassist in a major metal band to release a solo vocal project that leans into songwriting and lyrical expression. Bassists often release instrumental showcases or session work, but Fami is writing songs with words, melodies, and emotional content—stepping fully into the role of singer-songwriter.
Second, the collaboration with Nayutan Seijin bridges two musical worlds. LOVEBITES fans know Fami for her precision, speed, and power in a metal context. Nayutan Seijin's audience knows him for Vocaloid tracks that are colorful, catchy, and often genre-blurring. "Slap Seijin" (a playful nod to both slap bass and Nayutan Seijin's name) promises to be a meeting point for those communities, potentially introducing Fami to listeners who might never have clicked on a metal band.
Third, the EP title "Hakoniwa"—miniature garden—suggests intimacy and craft. A miniature garden is something you tend carefully, something small but complete, a self-contained world. That concept feels fitting for a solo project where every decision, from the lyrics to the bass lines to the guest collaborator, reflects Fami's personal vision. We're being invited into her creative space, and that's a privilege.
What People Are Saying About "Hakoniwa Affordance"
"I've been following Fami since her YouTube days and it's incredible to see her not just playing bass but actually singing and writing her own songs. This is the evolution we all hoped for."
— Fan comment on the music video
"The production quality on this MV is no joke. LimitmakerFilm and PIGLION brought their A-game. This feels like a major release, not just a side project."
— Viewer reaction
"Nayutan Seijin writing a track for Fami's EP is such a cool crossover. I never expected those two worlds to collide, but now I can't wait to hear 'Slap Seijin' when the full EP drops in August."
— Comment from Vocaloid community
"After seeing LOVEBITES at Budokan earlier this year, it's amazing to see Fami stretching her wings with her own material. She's proving she can do it all—bass, vocals, songwriting, the whole package."
— LOVEBITES fan response
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Fami's "Hakoniwa" EP coming out?
The EP is scheduled for release on August 26, 2026. The music video for the lead single, "Hakoniwa Affordance," was released on July 25, 2026.
Where can I watch the "Hakoniwa Affordance" music video?
The music video is available on Fami's official YouTube channel as of July 25, 2026. Search for "Fami Hakoniwa Affordance" or visit her channel directly.
Did Fami write all the songs on the EP herself?
Fami wrote the music and lyrics for three vocal tracks—"Hakoniwa Affordance," "Beginner Highway Star," and "Nostalgic Logic"—and composed an untitled bass instrumental. The track "Slap Seijin" was written for the EP by Vocaloid producer Nayutan Seijin.
Is Fami still in LOVEBITES while doing solo work?
Yes, Fami remains the bassist for LOVEBITES. This solo EP is a separate project running alongside her work with the band, similar to how many band members pursue solo or side projects.
Who plays on the "Hakoniwa" EP besides Fami?
The EP features a live band: Fami on bass and vocals, Hideki Aoyama on drums, and Yoshihiko Haga on guitar. Mao, who also works with LOVEBITES, handled arrangement and programming for Fami's compositions.
Looking Ahead to August 26
With the music video for "Hakoniwa Affordance" now available and the full EP scheduled for release on August 26, 2026, we have just over a month to wait before hearing the complete picture of Fami's solo vision. The combination of her own compositions, a guest track from Nayutan Seijin, and a veteran recording band promises a release that's both personal and professionally executed.
For those of us who've followed Fami's journey—from YouTube bassist to LOVEBITES member to now a singer-songwriter in her own right—this EP feels like a natural next chapter. It's a reminder that great musicians often have more to say than any single project can contain. We're getting a miniature garden, carefully cultivated, and we can't wait to explore every corner when "Hakoniwa" arrives in late August.
