Introducing Japan, Man, aka Laeticia Arca, the 15-year-old artist from Beirut who combines her experiences of growing up in Lebanon with that of life online. Teenagers these days have grown up with another dimension to their existence, one that opens them up to other opinions, cultures, and also scrutiny. Speaking about her woke single ‘The Law’, Japan, Man says: “As people try to find their way through life, understand their purpose, or unlock a healthy mental state, they are being scrutinised by others. Living under people’s judgment can make you think your way of finding yourself is wrong, leading you to assume that your personal expansion is criminal and shameful.” This theme of individuality can also be found in the dreamy precursor ‘Stop Staring’, although it’s the extra layer of keyed-in lofi jazz that makes ‘The Law’ even more special. The whole track pivots on an elastic bass line, surrounded by steady breakdown beats and Stranger Things-inspired synths. Not forgetting the young artist’s satiny vocal, which is bound to leave the central lyric ‘it’s like I broke the law” in the forefront of your mind long after this alt-pop gem has come to an end. We don’t doubt for a second that this won’t be the last we’re hearing of Japan, Man. - Hannah Thacker