TOKYO (TR) – Singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, 43, is stepping into the producer’s chair for the first time to back a new high school girl duo named Pasmal, it was learned Wednesday, reports Sports Hochi (May 6).
The pop unit, featuring 15-year-old Natsu from Miyazaki Prefecture and 16-year-old Yun from Okinawa Prefecture, will make their digital debut on June 6 with the track “Smilun,” featuring lyrics and music penned by Otsuka herself.
The teenagers initially crossed paths at an audition and quickly bonded. Determined to achieve their shared dream of entering the showbiz industry, they launched a TikTok account under the moniker “Takada to Takahashi” last November.
They rapidly gained a massive following by posting relatable content about the struggles of provincial girls adapting to life in Tokyo, while chronicling their ongoing audition journey. The account surged in popularity, amassing over 64,000 followers in just six months. Speculation reached a fever pitch after an April 2 video teased that a “major artist” would be taking the helm as their producer.
While Otsuka had long harbored ambitions of producing new talent, she admitted the reality of the role was heavily daunting.
“When I actually faced it, the sheer weight of the responsibility made me stop in my tracks several times,” Otsuka revealed. “I worried if there might be a better path for them, but their straightforward passion and insistence that they ‘wanted to do this’ convinced me to take this step forward with them. I want to ensure their transparent voices and unpretentious honesty are properly conveyed.”
The debut track “Smilun” is described as a positive anthem showcasing Otsuka’s signature playful style, incorporating Gen-Z slang like pien (crying face) and “cat ears.” The group’s name, Pasmal, is derived from the French phrase pas mal, meaning “not bad,” with Otsuka hoping their music will make fans feel that their everyday lives are “not bad at all.”
The teens are already setting their sights high.
“I want to become a presence that gives people dreams and hope,” Yun said. “I’ll do my best so we can reach the Tokyo Dome and repay my debt of gratitude [to Otsuka].”
Pasmal is slated to follow up their debut with a second digital single, “Bull,” dropping in July.
