My Challenge
You Can Do What You Want
Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Mei Semones delivers honest, down-to-earth messages through bilingual
lyrics in Japanese and English.
Dressed in the fluffy comfort of Marshmallow Feel, she sings her
heart out.
MEI SEMONES
Singer-Songwriter
“I just love anything cute!” she said, reaching for the Marshmallow Feel hoodie with bunny
ears.
Paired with a girly pleated skort and strap ballet flats, she made the look completely
her own.
When it comes to music and fashion, cuteness always wins.
Mei Semones is turning heads with her unique mix of bilingual lyrics and a refined sound rooted in
jazz and bossa nova.
Born to an American father and a Japanese mother, she studied jazz guitar at
the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Her multicultural background is reflected in her richly
layered songs.
“In my second year at Berklee, I randomly tried singing in Japanese—and it just
clicked. In that moment, I knew I’d found my style.”
That same instinct comes through in her approach to fashion.
“I just love cute things!” she says,
trusting her intuition when it comes to clothes.
During the shoot, she was immediately drawn to a
Marshmallow Feel hoodie with animal ears on the hood.
Paired with girly pieces, she styled it
effortlessly in her own way.
“Lately, I care more about ease and comfort—especially when
performing. Marshmallow Feel isn’t just cute, it’s incredibly soft. I’d wear it every day, at home or
out.”
Mei Semones is turning heads with her unique mix of bilingual lyrics and a refined sound rooted in jazz
and bossa nova.
Born to an American father and a Japanese mother, she studied jazz guitar at the
prestigious Berklee College of Music. Her multicultural background is reflected in her richly layered
songs.
“In my second year at Berklee, I randomly tried singing in Japanese—and it just clicked. In
that moment, I knew I’d found my style.” That same instinct comes through in her approach to fashion.
“I
just love cute things!” she says, trusting her intuition when it comes to clothes.
During the
shoot, she was immediately drawn to a Marshmallow Feel hoodie with animal ears on the hood.
Paired
with girly pieces, she styled it effortlessly in her own way.
“Lately, I care more about ease and
comfort—especially when performing. Marshmallow Feel isn’t just cute, it’s incredibly soft. I’d wear it
every day, at home or out.”
A fluffy hoodie with fox ears, styled with a classic twist.
Checked Bermuda shorts, bit loafers,
and a bold red Boston bag complete the look with a standout accent.
A session with bandmates I feel at home with always gives me the push I need.
Three years ago, she moved to New York to pursue music—a city where “every day brings something new or
someone interesting.”
The journey wasn’t easy. She worked as a preschool Japanese teacher by day,
writing songs and performing at night.
Her steady efforts paid off. In March 2025, she released I
Can Do What I Want, a track born from the joy of living her dream.
“Living in New York and doing music full time makes me so happy. I hope others follow what they love
too—that’s what I sing for.”
At her side are her longtime bandmates, with whom she’s been playing
since her student days.
With pure, honest lyrics, her voice now reaches far beyond New York,
connecting with audiences around the world.
Three years ago, she moved to New York to pursue music—a city where “every day brings something new or
someone interesting.”
The journey wasn’t easy. She worked as a preschool Japanese teacher by day,
writing songs and performing at night.
Her steady efforts paid off. In March 2025, she released I
Can Do What I Want, a track born from the joy of living her dream. “Living in New York and doing music
full time makes me so happy. I hope others follow what they love too—that’s what I sing for.”
At
her side are her longtime bandmates, with whom she’s been playing since her student days.
With
pure, honest lyrics, her voice now reaches far beyond New York, connecting with audiences around the
world.
Left to Right
MEI SEMONES
Singer-Songwriter
A 24-year-old musician from Michigan, Mei moved to New York in 2022 after releasing several singles and EPs. In May 2025, she released her first full-length album, Animaru. Her favorite bunny-eared knit hat—handmade by a friend—was even turned into official merch.
- Photography by Akira Shimazu
- Styling/Special Thanks Itsuka Watanabe
- Hair & Makeup by Sena Murahashi