Rikimaru, also known as Chikada Rikimaru, has gained recognition as a Japanese singer, dancer, and choreographer with an impressive background in the K-pop industry. While many know him for his choreography work with artists like SHINee’s Taemin, Red Velvet, and BoA, Rikimaru has recently shifted his focus to his solo music career. His debut album, *CLOWN OR CROWN*, marks an important step in his artistic journey, revealing new layers of his personality and artistic vision.
In a recent interview, Rikimaru described the album as a reflection of the inner conflict between two personas he identifies with: the clown and the king. The clown represents freedom and carelessness, living life without worrying about what others think. On the other hand, the king is trapped in his own world, blind to what is happening around him. Through this symbolic contrast, Rikimaru explores themes of identity, self-awareness, and the struggles that come with trying to balance personal freedom and responsibility.
The process of creating *CLOWN OR CROWN* was deeply personal for Rikimaru. He was involved in every step of the project, from pre-production to the final release. Despite admitting that songwriting is still a new skill for him, he worked closely with experienced producers to bring his vision to life. The album’s 12 tracks, including “TALKIN’BOUT,” “Sink or Swim,” “Paranoid,” and “Bye Bye,” showcase a mix of styles and emotions, allowing Rikimaru to express both his artistic and personal experiences.
While Rikimaru is known for his choreography, he continues to push himself creatively by embracing new challenges. His track “Patience” is particularly close to his heart, as it draws from his childhood struggles and the emotional journey he has faced. For Rikimaru, this song serves as a calming reminder of how far he has come and how important patience is in his life. Along with “Bye Bye” and “Suffocate,” “Patience” is one of his favorite songs from the album.
Although *CLOWN OR CROWN* focuses heavily on Rikimaru’s personal story, his background as a professional dancer remains central to his identity. He worked closely with one of his students to develop the choreography for his solo performances, constantly seeking new sources of inspiration and energy from those around him. Despite his extensive experience and success, Rikimaru believes in always learning and improving his craft.
In addition to his solo work, Rikimaru’s love for K-pop continues to influence his career. He has spoken about how much he enjoys K-pop music because of its fun and catchy nature. Reflecting on his early work with BoA, who gave him his first big break in choreography, Rikimaru expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase his skills through her music. Among his many projects, he particularly appreciates Taemin’s “Famous,” praising its dark concept and how well it suited the artist.
As Rikimaru continues to evolve as an artist, *CLOWN OR CROWN* serves as an important milestone in his solo career. It not only showcases his musical abilities but also offers a glimpse into the personal battles he faces as both a performer and an individual. With his passion for dance and music driving him forward, Rikimaru is ready to embrace whatever comes next in his journey.
