Ryusei Sakuma and OZworld samples an elementary school anthem in new song “Those Days,” looking back in their Okinawan roots.
Ryusei Sakuma and OZWorld new song “Those Days” was written about Kadena’s Okinawan town, where both the R&B singer and the rapper grew up. The melodic track is full of childhood memories, with lyrics that reference local landmarks and the period when Sakuma transferred schools. This is their most personal collaboration yet.
The song is a promise to remain true to the feelings that first inspired the two, expressing a hope that they can one day return home stronger. It reflects how the places we come from continue to shape us even after we’ve left them.
Ryusei Sakuma’s soulful vocals and OZworld’s reflective verses transform the song to be more than just about the past; it becomes a deeply personal story built from hometown memories, lifelong friendship and a melody generations of Kadena residents know by heart.
Sampling a well-known elementary song in Kadena
The track stands out as it samples “Child God (Heavenly Lullaby) [童神 (天の子守唄)]” by fellow Kadena-born singer Misako Koja. It’s a song that generations of children from Kadena have grown up hearing.
The sample connects the artists’ personal memories to a cultural experience. Producer Seann Bowe intertwines the beloved melody with a contemporary Island R&B and neo-soul lens, preserving the warmth while introducing a fresh, modern groove.
Ryusei Sakuma is a singer-songwriter from Okinawa. He blends contemporary R&B with the sounds and spirit of island life. His emotional songwriting is combined with a warm yet powerful vocal delivery.
Because of that, he has built himself a reputation for music that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant, introducing listeners to a distinctive musical identity shaped by his Okinawan roots, R&B grooves, and the atmosphere of his hometown.
As the Island R&B singer continues to carve out his own lane within the genre, “Those Days” is his most personal release to date. It offers listeners a rare glimpse into the people, places and memories that shaped him and OZworld long before they became more known in the music scene.
OZworld is a rapper and artist known for his distinctive blend of introspective lyricism, fluid flows and genre-defying production. Like Sakuma, he draws from his Okinawan roots. He has built for himself a singular artistic identity that has led to collaborations with different Japanese and international artists.
Since his debut album OZWORLD released back in 2019, he continues to expands his musical universe through projects including OZKNEEZ FXXKED UP (2020) and SUN NO KUNI (2023). In 2025, he launched his ambitious three-part 369 project, with a first solo concert at Nippon Budokan in culmination.
The song may be in Japanese, but you can still feel the sincerity of Sakuma and Ozworld as they sing this peaceful but fun tune, kind of like what you’ll find in an anime theme song.
“Those Days” is now available on Spotify and Apple Music.
Press Release
