Billboard Japan recently sat down with yama to explore the creative vision behind their latest album, ; semicolon, and to understand their evolution as an artist. Having completed the Moratorium Trilogy with the release of awake&build in 2024, yama is now stepping into a new chapter, embracing self-expression with a renewed sense of purpose.
Building upon previous works, ; semicolon features a mix of collaborations and deeply personal tracks. The album includes the previously released BURN (a collaboration with WurtS) and Drop (produced by indigo la End), alongside fresh compositions created with respected artists like maeshima soshi and Shota Horie. As yama’s artistic journey progresses, so does their passion for self-expression and storytelling.
A New Beginning: The Meaning Behind ‘; semicolon’
The album title, ; semicolon, represents a fresh start. “This album is filled with music I love and messages I want to share,” yama explains. “I was deeply involved in the songwriting and lyric-writing process, wanting to pour as much of myself into the project as possible. After completing my previous trilogy, I finally felt ready to move forward as an artist.”
Reflecting on the Moratorium Trilogy, which includes the meaning of life (2021), Versus the night (2022), and awake&build (2024), yama admits that the journey wasn’t always easy. “I struggled with performing live. It was daunting, but I couldn’t walk away—music has always been my passion. Through trial and error, I’ve grown. At first, I didn’t know how to communicate my emotions, but completing the trilogy helped me define who I am as an artist. That’s why I was able to create ; semicolon.”
Embracing Authenticity Through Music
Compared to previous albums, ; semicolon marks yama’s most personal involvement in songwriting. “I’ve always loved singing, but I started writing songs with Versus the night. I discovered that I had a strong will and a lot I wanted to say. I realized that by writing my own music, I could better convey my thoughts and emotions.”
For yama, creating music isn’t just about fulfillment—it’s about release. “Music has always been a way to ease my heart. When I turn my emotions into songs, I feel lighter. That said, I tend to overthink, which slows me down. But with ; semicolon, I let go of that perfectionism. I approached it as a beginner, focusing on simply transforming my feelings into songs.”
The Influence of Project Semicolon
The album’s name was inspired by Project Semicolon, a movement dedicated to mental health awareness. The semicolon symbolizes the continuation of life after hardship. Yama first learned about this movement during their debut live performance when a longtime fan gifted them a letter and a semicolon ring. “The letter explained the project’s meaning, and it resonated deeply with me. At the time, I was pushing myself forward recklessly. I thought, ‘I’m not ready now, but one day, I hope to put this concept into a song.’”
That moment profoundly impacted yama’s perspective on music. “For a long time, my musical journey was purely personal. But that changed when I received messages from fans who said my music had helped them through difficult times. One fan even told me they had considered ending their life but decided to keep going after hearing my song. That was the first time I realized that my music could support others, not just myself.”
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Performing live used to be a struggle for yama, but over time, they found meaning in connecting with audiences. “I used to hide my flaws, but when I opened up, I saw how much people related to my imperfections. That helped me accept myself more.”
Ultimately, ; semicolon represents self-forgiveness, acceptance, and the courage to move forward. “I create music to heal myself, and if it resonates with others, that’s a beautiful thing. I hope listeners don’t just hear my words—I hope they feel like they’re speaking to themselves through the music.”
