Coco Blasian Discusses Her Interracial Identity

Ghanaian Japanese artiste, Coco Blasian, has shared her powerful story of identity, culture and music during an engaging studio conversation that explored her journey as a Black and Asian artiste.

Explaining the meaning behind her name Blasian, Coco said it represents her mixed heritage; Black and Asian, born to a Ghanaian father and Japanese mother. The fusion, she noted, has shaped both her personal identity and her creative direction in music.

Born and raised in Japan, Coco moved to Ghana at the age of six, spending part of her early childhood there before returning to Japan. She describes her life as one lived across two worlds, where she is often seen as a foreigner in both cultures.

“I was born in Osaka, raised in Japan, but I also lived in Ghana when I was young. So I’ve always felt like a foreigner in both places,” she said.

One of her most unforgettable childhood memories in Ghana highlighted the sharp cultural differences between the two countries, especially around how animals are perceived differently. She recalled receiving pet rabbits from her father, only to later discover they had been used for food. An experience she says left a lasting impression on her understanding of culture.

Despite such contrasts, Coco says both Ghana and Japan have deeply influenced who she is today. She describes Japan as highly structured, clean and technologically advanced, while Ghana gave her rhythm, warmth, and a natural connection to music and community life.

This dual identity has become the foundation of her sound, which blends Afrobeats and Amapiano with Japanese-inspired musical elements, particularly J-Pop. A popular genre in Japan is often associated with anime culture and mainstream pop.

“In Japan we have J-Pop, and I grew up with that sound. But Ghana gave me rhythm and dance. So I mix both worlds in my music,” she explained.

Coco also noted that African music culture, especially Afrobeats, is gradually gaining recognition in Japan, with growing interest in dance trends and digital influence helping bridge both cultures.

Beyond music, she is also involved in social impact work, currently participating in a breast cancer awareness project aimed at educating the public about Breast Cancer and encouraging early detection for both women and men. The initiative includes a recorded song in collaboration with guitarist and singer Aura, designed to amplify awareness and education.

Looking ahead, Coco says her mission is to continue living between both worlds, Japan and Ghana while using her music to connect cultures and audiences globally.

“I want to live half in Japan and half in Ghana and promote my music across both places,” she said.