ARK IDENTITY‘s new single, “Take Me To Tokyo,” is a high-energy track that captures a yearning for escape and the thrill of new experiences. Blending elements of 80s synth-pop, indie sensibilities, and modern pop, the song is an anthem for those dreaming of breaking free from the ordinary and embracing the unknown. “Take Me To Tokyo” is both a personal expression and a universal anthem of wanderlust, inviting listeners to reflect on the impulse to explore and reinvent themselves.

The song’s inspiration comes from a long-held dream between ARK IDENTITY‘s Noah Mroueh and his best friend to one day visit Tokyo—a dream that has yet to be realized. The track blends that aspirational longing with the infectious energy of chasing adventure.

“Musically, it began as a droning synth idea that we jammed on with Ron Lapota, my producer. It evolved into a track about breaking away from routine, chasing something new, and embracing uncertainty,” Noah explains.

1.Tell us the story of this song. Why did you choose to visualize this song specifically?

This song has an interesting backstory. Going to Tokyo has been a dream of mine for years. Ever since high school, my best friend and I talked about going to Tokyo, but life always seemed to get in the way. Even after our college and university days, we never had the time or funds to make the trip. The stars just never aligned. This dream trip was the inspiration for Take Me to Tokyo.

On the surface, the track may be interpreted as a party song, but it’s really about escape, urgency, and self-reflection. It’s meant to capture that feeling of being stuck—whether mentally or physically—and making the choice to chase something new. For me, on a deeper level, Tokyo isn’t just a place. It represents breaking free from old cycles and stepping into the unknown.

2.What was the inspiration behind this video (visuals, storyline, etc.)?

The inspiration came from both the song’s themes and the visual aesthetic of Tokyo itself. We wanted to capture the feeling of searching for something bigger—wandering through neon-lit streets, caught between urgency and mystery. We also aimed to give the video an ’80s-inspired cinematic look, using bold colors and dramatic lighting to heighten the sense of adventure.

As an independent artist working on a shoestring budget, we had to get really creative. We couldn’t afford to fly to Tokyo to film a video, so our director and editor curated stock footage that felt authentic to the world we wanted to build. Together, we crafted visuals that felt cohesive with the footage we did film, making the video feel as if it was all coming from one unified source.

3.What was the process of making this video?

With a limited budget, we knew we had to think outside the box to bring this vision to life. We filmed it at the Orange Lounge, a cool recording studio in Toronto filled with interesting textures and colors. We meticulously selected stock footage that captured the right energy and emotion, piecing together a story that felt cinematic and real.We focused on visuals that matched the ’80s-inspired aesthetic with bold neon colors. 

Now, with the release of Take Me to Tokyo as the first single off the new upcoming EP, that high school dream is turning into a reality. To help promote the song, my best friend and I are actually going to Tokyo to film social media content while we’re there. One of the most exciting parts of the trip is that we plan to visit some of the exact locations featured in the music video, bringing the visual journey full circle. In a way, this video is just the beginning—the real-life Tokyo adventure is just getting started.