One of Japan's top hosts will be making his CD debut this week. The 39-year-old Ryuji is currently the number-one host at the well-known Club Ai in Shinjuku. On May 20, his first single, "Kotsukigawa," will arrive in stores.

Ryuji says that after graduating from high school, his dream was to become a singer, but he wound up becoming a host. Despite being a non-drinker, he won over customers with his conversational and singing skills, propelling him to the top of the club's rankings.

Two years ago, Ryuji met the group Ketsumeishi through a TV show, and they reassured him that one can be successful in music at any age, as the group's four members are all in their thirties. As a result, Ryuji decided to make a demo CD and send it to people in the industry, and he was able to secure a deal with Victor Entertainment.

"Kotsukigawa" is a love song named after a river in Ryuji's native Kagoshima. It was composed by YANAGIMAN, who has done work Ketsumeishi and many other top artists. On May 19, one day before the CD's release, Ryuji will hold his first live performance in Shinjuku.