Last I heard of Hirosawa was on the collaboration single he did with Oshio Kotaro a few years ago…now that I look back at it, Baby, it’s time was released in 2008. Time sure does fly.

Hikari precedes the release of his new album at the end of September and it really is a slow-burner, tackling a folksier style that I’m not quite used to hearing from him. His voice is as rich and soaring as always, shining especially bright on the mournful Kimi ni Aitakunai. 

It’s a shame to think that Hirosawa’s celebrating his 10th year in the business this year and yet, he’s hardly made a mark in the business. He might never do so, and that is the industry’s loss.