In an era where online performances are endlessly filtered, edited, and sometimes outright faked, it’s becoming harder than ever to trust what you’re seeing on social media. Guitarists in particular are often met with skepticism the moment their chops look too flawless. Just ask viral Japanese shredder Ichika Nito, who recently found himself at the center of accusations claiming he was miming in his online videos.
Rather than firing back with words, Nito has responded in the most direct way possible: by playing without editing afterward.
The guitarist has appeared on The First Take, the hugely popular Japanese YouTube channel known for placing singers and bands in a studio environment and challenging them to deliver a performance in a single unedited take. While the platform traditionally focuses on vocalists, Nito’s episode arrives as part of the newer Highlight series, which shifts the spotlight onto individual talent.
In the video, he performs “i miss you” in one sitting with absolutely no edits. Every second remains intact, from the tense walk toward the chair to the final closing strum.
And honestly, it’s better than his usual output? At least this feels human and it really does showcase Nito’s talents. Here’s hoping he continues down this path.
“The concept is simple,” Nito explained in an Instagram post. “Step into the studio and capture a performance in a single take. No vocals, no backing track, just guitar, all in one shot.”
Nito’s appearance comes after renewed scrutiny earlier this year, when YouTuber Jacobra Records uploaded a video dubbing him the “ultimate FAKE guitarist.” The clip dissected several of Nito’s online performances and ultimately accused him of miming rather than playing live.
