Justin Tokimitsu Nozuka (born September 29, 1988) is a Canadian/American singer-songwriter. His debut album Holly has been released in Europe, Canada, Japan and the United States. He has licensed the album to indie label Coalition Entertainment Records, distributed by Warner Music in Canada, Outcaste Records in the UK/EU distributed by EMI and Glassnote Music in the US distributed by RED.

Biography

Nozuka was born in New York City's Queens area, the son of Holly Sedgwick and Hiromitsu Nozuka. His father is Japanese and his mother an American of English ancestry. His mother's half-sister is actress Kyra Sedgwick and his first cousin twice removed is Edie Sedgwick. His mother raised Nozuka and his six siblings as a single mother. He is the brother of R&B singer George, and actor Philip. Other family members include Christian, another musician; Henry, a dancer of modern dance and two sisters, Margaret and Sandra (Sandy).

Nozuka began writing his own songs at age 12 and the earliest of his songs on Holly, "Supposed to Grow Old" and "I'm in Peace," were written when he was 15. While attending St. Andrews College, an international boarding school in Aurora, Ontario, Justin learned to play guitar from Mexican classmates. From there, he went to the Etobicoke School of the Arts. His musical influences stem from artists such as Lauryn Hill and Marvin Gaye. He recently graduated from the Etobicoke School of Arts in Ontario.

With help from a fellow Canadian artist, Damhnait Doyle, whom he met at a song writing workshop, Justin was introduced to Universal Records talent scout, Allan Reid. He recorded three tracks through Universal with Bill Bell as producer, and following this, Universal requested to sign Justin to their label, but he decided he wanted to "record an album on my own, with my own freedom". He has played at the Green room stage at the Irish music festival Oxegen and T in the Park in 2007.

Recently, Nozuka's song "After Tonight" has been featured in a commercial for "Scott Baio Is 46...and Pregnant" on VH1, and has also been featured on mtvU's The Freshman. Nozuka recently traveled to Austin, Texas to take part in the SXSW Music Festival as well as being interviewed by many radio stations in the area.

The album has eleven songs to it and includes a hidden track following the final listed song "If I Gave You My Life". Many of Justin's songs deal with mature themes such as the song "Save Him", which is a fictional song about a woman being beaten by her husband. Another track, "Down in a Cold Dirty Well", is about his perspective being stuck in a well, watching his life flash before his eyes. Another track is "Criminal" which Justin wrote about a man having an experience while intoxicated and throwing a bottle that smashes on the concrete street "where children play with bare feet", and suffers from the overwhelming guilt. Holly is named after his mother who helped and supported his chosen career in music. Justin also guest starred on Degrassi: The Next Generation alongside his brother Philip Nozuka. Justin played Chuck Hosoda, the brother of Philip's character, Chester. Justin's other brother George Nozuka was also in that episode playing the third brother, Chad.

In February 2008, Nozuka was nominated for a Juno award in the category of "New Artist of the Year".

In 2008, Justin Nozuka toured with Marié Digby and Eric Hutchinson.

From Aug 2008 through Nov 2008, Justin toured all around the United States with Gabe Dixon Band & Jay Nash as well as in parts of Europe.

In the beginning of 2009, Justin toured the United States again, this time co-headlining with Missy Higgins and with special guest, Lenka. He also toured in France to heavily promote the Holly album for its re-release.

This summer (2009), Justin is currently working on his second studio album, while still touring and playing shows in Europe.