Tyrone Hashimoto sets Sept. 11 release for new single Setonaikai

Japanese singer-songwriter Tyrone Hashimoto will release his new single “Setonaikai” on Sept. 11, 2026, with the song inspired by Japan’s Inland Sea. The release adds to a long catalog that includes more than 600 original songs and years of work across recording, jingles, education and live performance.

Why it matters: - “Setonaikai” is positioned as a tribute to the Seto Inland Sea, one of Japan’s most scenic and historic regions. - The release adds new music from an artist with a long career across Japan and the U.S., including solo albums, commercial work and music education. - Hashimoto’s name recognition spans recording, production and mentorship, which can broaden attention around the single.

What happened: - Tyrone Hashimoto will release the single “Setonaikai” on all streaming services on Sept. 11, 2026. - The song is described as a love song to the calm, scenic beauty of Japan’s Inland Sea. - Hashimoto is the stage name of Shunichi Suzuki, a Japanese singer-songwriter, composer, arranger, performer, music producer, educator and voice-over talent. - The announcement came from Tokyo, Japan, on Sept. 7, 2026.

The details: - The inspiration for “Setonaikai” is the Seto Inland Sea, described as one of Japan’s most beautiful and historic regions. - The region is known for Japan’s largest national park, coastal scenery, farms, fishing villages and a mild climate. - Hashimoto has released nine solo CDs sung in English. - Hashimoto has written more than 600 original songs and jingles for major brands. - Recording work in Japan and the U.S. led to collaborations with Joe Sample, David T Walker, Leroy Bell, Bobby Watson of Rufus, and producers Peter Bunetta and Rick Chudacoff. - After building his own studio, Hashimoto expanded into TV and radio commercial jingles and studio production. - Hashimoto has written and performed for more than 600 clients, including McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Nissan, Canon, Sharp, Kodak and Tokyo Disneyland. - Hashimoto won a bronze award at the 41st Cannes Commercial Film Festival for a Panasonic ad. - One commercial project led Hashimoto to hire James Brown to sing for UCC, a Japanese coffee company. - Hashimoto’s work also took him to Augusta, Georgia, for a recording session with one of his musical heroes. - Hashimoto’s soul and gospel background helped build a following in the United States. - His first visit to Seattle in 1987 drew coverage from the Seattle Times, The Seattle Weekly and The Rocket. - Seattle radio and TV featured him on KIRO and KUOW, and KING5 produced a documentary that aired on Evening Magazine and was syndicated to 37 other U.S. cities. - Hashimoto has taught voice and guitar to more than 1,000 students, including Sugizo, Miyavi, Takeru and Junya Enoki. - Hashimoto received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Major in Music Education from University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, with authority granted by the Commission on Higher Education of the Republic of the Philippines. - Born in Yaita, Tochigi, Japan, Hashimoto won the Grand Prix Award at the 1st All Japan Folk Music Festival at age 17. - Early influences included Japanese and Western folk artists such as Simon & Garfunkel and Peter, Paul and Mary. - Hashimoto later participated in Harry Hosono’s Tin Pan Alley, played on Yellow Magic Orchestra’s first album and became an original member of La Orquesta Del Sol. - Hashimoto performs regularly in Japan and has an upcoming show at Sometime Jazz Club in Tokyo on Oct. 2, 2026.

Between the lines: - The release leans on place-based imagery, using Japan’s Inland Sea as both subject and mood. - The announcement also reinforces Hashimoto’s broader identity as a cross-genre artist whose career spans pop, soul, gospel, education and commercial production. - The Seattle history suggests an audience beyond Japan that may still be part of Hashimoto’s appeal.

What’s next: - The single becomes available on streaming platforms Sept. 11, 2026. - Hashimoto is scheduled to perform at Sometime Jazz Club in Tokyo on Oct. 2, 2026. - Social updates and artist information are available through Hashimoto’s LinkedIn profile, Instagram account, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and TikTok account.

The bottom line: - “Setonaikai” extends a decades-long career that blends Japanese roots, global collaborations and a strong personal connection to place.