Former 'egg' Model Momoa Seto Debuts as Solo Artist 'MOMOA'! Covers Legendary Reggae Song 'Lifetime Respect' 25 Years Later

We are pleased to announce that Momoa Seto, a former exclusive model for the magazine 'egg', has debuted as a solo artist under the name 'MOMOA'. On May 23, 2026, she released 'Lifetime Respect -Gyaru Edition-', a modern reconstruction of the legendary Japanese reggae song 'Lifetime Respect' by DOZAN11 aka Miki Dozan. Music Distribution URL: https://linkco.re/06GeSBv1 Music Video URL: https://youtu.be/5ilsTS8lxpM ■ Song Overview Originally released on May 23, 2001, 'Lifetime Respect' remains a representative track in the Japanese reggae scene. On the exact 25th anniversary of its release, the song has been reborn as 'Lifetime Respect -Gyaru Edition-'. Momoa Seto, who has been at the forefront of Gyaru culture, covers this song under her first solo artist moniker, 'MOMOA'. While cherishing respect for the original track, this Reiwa-era version reflects the values MOMOA has cultivated within Gyaru culture, updating parts of the lyrics. ■ Background of the Project MOMOA became an exclusive 'egg' model at age 14, remaining active for about six years. After graduating from 'egg' at 20 and taking a one-year hiatus, she decided to take on the challenge of 'Japanese Reggae', a genre that has influenced her since childhood. MOMOA's parents are currently in their young 40s, and the Japanese reggae playing in their cars during her childhood became her musical roots. DOZAN11 aka Miki Dozan's 'Lifetime Respect' was particularly influential to her. This project had been in development for about a year before her graduation from 'egg'. During a time when MOMOA was pondering her post-graduation career path, she consulted with artist/producer Yayoi Daimon, who had been deeply involved in her music since the 'Hanjuku Tamagotchi' days and had supported her through songwriting and recording. MOMOA expressed her desire, saying, 'I want to try reggae,' and 'I have always loved DOZAN11's songs.' In response, Yayoi Daimon suggested, 'Wouldn't it be interesting to create a "Gyaru Edition" of Lifetime Respect?' The project officially began with Daimon producing the entire endeavor, envisioning it as a work that bridges generations and cultures. ■ Full Participation by DOZAN11 Through an introduction by Yayoi Daimon, the concept was explained to DOZAN11 himself. After MOMOA conveyed her passion directly to him, his participation in the project was secured. Even before formal recording began, DOZAN11 provided multiple vocal coaching sessions. The production proceeded with direct guidance on how to approach the original song, reggae-specific vocal styling, and rhythm phrasing. On the day of recording, both DOZAN11 and Yayoi Daimon were present to provide vocal direction. Furthermore, DOZAN11 freshly re-recorded parts of the chorus specifically for this release, and those audio stems are used in the track. ■ Music Video The Music Video for this release pays homage to the original 2001 'Lifetime Respect' MV while reconstructing it as a modern version. It was produced as a visual work expressing MOMOA's 'current self'. The MV features an issue of 'egg' magazine from May 2001, the month the original song was released. Through a transition from a scene where MOMOA reads an 'egg' magazine published before she was born, to the issue where she herself graces the cover, the video expresses the 'passage of 25 years', the 'inheritance of Gyaru culture', and 'MOMOA's own growth'. Additionally, alongside her traditional flashy Gyaru makeup, the video portrays 'a natural, grown-up MOMOA', establishing her new image as an artist. ■ Comments For this collaboration between MOMOA, whom I have had the pleasure of producing for many years, and reggae scene legend DOZAN11, I took charge of the beat making and overall sound production. The beat was crafted into a pleasant yet solid Afrobeat with the help of Los Angeles-based Omari Clarke, and Nick & Roger from Incomplete. I packed a lot of creative ideas into this one song, including live trumpet in the outro and recording my own voice for the chorus. For the lyrics, DOZAN11, MOMOA, and I spent a long time perfecting the words and feelings through many lengthy phone calls, making this a carefully crafted track. I am deeply grateful to have been involved in a masterpiece I grew up listening to, and to have helped bring MOMOA's vision to life. I hope this becomes a song that stays 'together for a lifetime' with the lives of all who listen to it. The original 'Lifetime Respect' was released exactly 25 years ago in May. Over the past quarter-century, I have heard from so many people about how this song has stayed close to their lives and holds deep memories for them. Hearing that MOMOA—one of those listeners—and her family wanted to breathe new life into their memory-filled song as a Reiwa/Gyaru edition gave me an indescribably joyful feeling. If I had to sum it up in a word, it feels like it has 'transcended generations'. Furthermore, I felt it was deeply emotional to hear Gyarus singing the word 'lifetime' while enjoying their 'present' to the fullest. With Yayoi Daimon producing, I participated in whatever way I could. I would be thrilled if this song is still being listened to and sung when the children being born today turn 25. Lifetime Respect to everyone involved. ■ Release Information Title: Lifetime Respect -Gyaru Edition- Artist: MOMOA Song Release: Friday, May 23, 2026, 0:00 Music Distribution URL: https://linkco.re/06GeSBv1 MV Release: Friday, May 23, 2026, 17:00 MV URL: https://youtu.be/5ilsTS8lxpM Music: Lyrics by DOZAN11 / MOMOA / YAYOI DAIMON Music by DOZAN11 / Omari Clarke / Nick Anthony (Incomplete) / Roger Jia (Incomplete) / YAYOI DAIMON Produced by YAYOI DAIMON Trumpet by Nick Anthony (Incomplete) Recording & Mixed by Mitsuyasu Kaneko (GIA)