Joji was born in Osaka to an Australian father and a Japanese mother. At 18, he moved to the United States to pursue his career, embarking on a unique creative journey that spans both music and internet culture. He first rose to fame as a YouTuber, creating a distinct online presence through multiple alter egos and channels—most notably the absurdly comedic Filthy Frank, the viral Harlem Shake phenomenon, and the chaotic Pink Guy, known for his iconic pink bodysuit street antics.
Amid his internet success, Joji remained committed to music, quickly gaining global recognition with his signature blend of lo-fi, R&B, and alternative pop. Known for his introspective and melancholic sound, he crafts emotionally resonant music that deeply connects with listeners. Over the years, he has released acclaimed albums including BALLADS 1, Nectar, and SMITHEREENS, producing several standout hits. “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” achieved 5× Platinum certification in the United States, while “Glimpse of Us” became a defining track of his career—amassing over 1.8 billion streams worldwide and making history on Spotify as the first Asian solo artist to have two songs surpass one billion streams.
Maintaining a low-profile and enigmatic public image, Joji has increasingly focused on his music in recent years, having not given a formal interview in over five years, choosing instead to let his work and live performances speak for themselves.