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HALCALI's Viral Comeback: 14 Years Later, A Global Hit
29 Sep
Summary
- HALCALI's 2003 song 'Otsukare SUMMER' went viral 22 years later.
- The duo, now mothers, embraced their 'career gap' as fulfilling.
- Their new song 'Guin Guin Guin' is tied to a children's TV show.
The Japanese music duo HALCALI, comprised of HALCA and YUCALI, has experienced an unexpected resurgence in popularity. Their 2003 song "Otsukare SUMMER," originally a track from their debut album without a music video, began trending globally in the spring of 2025, 22 years after its release.
Both members, now mothers, described the 14-year period between their active music careers as their "best" time, filled with personal growth and family life. This period included marriage and motherhood, experiences that have profoundly influenced their perspectives.
Their comeback is marked by the release of a new song, "Guin Guin Guin," created in collaboration with O.T.F. (RYO-Z and DJ FUMIYA of RIP SLYME). This track is tied to the children's television show Synapshooo, fulfilling a shared desire to create music enjoyable for kids.
The duo also reflected on their debut in a male-dominated hip-hop scene, noting how their supportive environment and each other's presence shielded them from potential discomfort. They observed that the term "female rapper" itself highlights lingering societal gender imbalances, though they see gradual change occurring.
HALCALI's return showcases a mature outlook, with HALCA emphasizing solidarity with other women and YUCALI focusing on maintaining their own pace and protecting what matters most. They now aim to empower their audience, particularly their children, by embodying confidence and passion, proving that success can be redefined beyond conventional career timelines.
