Interview: TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE

Tokyo Girls’ Style is a four-member Japanese idol/dance and vocal group. They originally debuted as an idol group and formed in 2009. On January 2015, they announced that they would cease to be an idol group starting in April of that year. Their last release as an idol group was their single “Stay with me”, released in March 2015. They made an “artist declaration” in 2017, which announced that they could then be regarded as both an idol/dance and vocal group.

Mei Shoji

Yuri Nakae

Miyu Yamabe

Hiromi Arai

Ken: First of all, thank you so much for letting us do this interview. We are big fans and love what you bring to the Japanese music industry. Congratulations!

Mei Shoji: Likewise, thank you very much!

We are so happy to know that our music is reaching you all over the world!

I think this is the single album that can deliver a strong image of us as adults.

K: As Nocturnal is your latest album since REFLECTION in 2015, what was one of the things you wanted to do differently than before?

Mei Shoji: As this is the first album we released in about seven years, we have grown older and expanded our range of expression. The content of the lyrics, the nuances of our vocals, and the worldview of the music videos, among everything else, I think this is the single album that can deliver a strong image of us as adults.

K: This also was the first time Tokyo Girls Style has included an intro since Killing Me Softly in 2014; have you ever thought about including an outro for an album as well?

Mei Shoji: This time, the intro of the album was composed by MURO, a DJ who is from Japan. The world of this album Nocturnal starts from the intro, and the last song recorded is "wa.ga.ma.ma - MURO's KG Remix album ver.". Both songs were made by MURO, and the order of the songs has a storyline and coherence that makes it feel like the outro of “wa.ga.ma.ma.MURO's KG Remix album ver. If you play it on repeat, the intro will start again... I think you'll enjoy the endless loop, so I'd like you to listen to it on repeat!

K: So how did everyone decide on using the theme of “nighttime” for the album? What was the decision process like?

Mei Shoji: When the songs on the album were complete, the keyword that came to our minds throughout the album was "night." In the songs, there were words that actually reminded me of "night", and the situation in the lyrics was night. From there, it became the title Nocturnal, which means, "night blooming", "star clock”.

K: With this latest release, were you wanting to reflect a more mature side of the group now that all the members are a bit older?

Mei Shoji: The members themselves worked energetically while being influenced by each other during the album production period, so that they could maximize what they had accumulated over the past seven years and what they could express because of the way we are now. It was a very enjoyable time with new discoveries about each other.

K: How much fun was it to make the music video for your song “Corner Cut Memories”?

Mei Shoji: It was a lot of fun shooting the music video with pop style hair, makeup, and costumes! We actually shot it at a club and the lighting was colorful, and we were naturally excited! It's a very danceable and fun song, so I think the MV was perfect for the worldview of the song!

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K: We love the Dark Romantic feel of all your outfits for this album. What is one of your favorite things about this design?

Yuri Nakae: The colors and the texture of the fabric used were very mature, but by adding a head accessory and a large ribbon, it gives off an elegant and cute look, which I really like.

I love the head accessories that suit each member!

K: Is there another designer you would like to work with?

Yuri Nakae: We would like to work with Simone Rocha along with others like her.

K: As you have been doing music for some time, what are your favorite tracks you have created?

Yuri Nakae: It would have to be our debut song “Kirari⭐︎”.

A song that never fades and reminds us of our original intentions. The staff at the time made it so that we could continue to sing it even when we grow up, and this is the song that started it all for us.

K: What are tracks or types of music that you'd like to create In the future that you haven't done yet?

Yuri Nakae: I like playful sounds, so YMO, Akiko Yano…

I also like city pop. I want to sing songs that are close to everyone's usual routines.

So next time we want to take our fans to the Budokan again!

K: What is the most memorable moment you each have had beIng a part of Tokyo Girls Style?

Yuri Nakae: It would have to be our surprise announcement to perform at Budokan.

We were able to stand on the stage where we had kept saying we had wanted to stand when we debut, and the staff and fans quickly allowed us to stand on the Budokan stage. So next time we want to take our fans to the Budokan again!

K: What is your favorite song you’ve performed? Is there a track you wanted to perform but weren't able to?

Yuri Nakae: There are really many genres of TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE songs, and it's like a love textbook, so I learned a lot. However, I think that because we're at our current age we can convey the appeal of our songs more, so right now I'd like to pursue the best version of the current TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE! (Yuri Nakae)

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K: How long does the choreography process of a song take to master and was it difficult to do during the ongoing pandemic?

Miyu Yamabe: KENZO from the group DA PUMP did the choreography for "Viva La Koigokoro" and it took about three days to learn the choreography, which was a tight schedule. The speed of the movement was so fast that at first we were so busy trying to keep up with it, but KENZO-san taught us how to show it in detail and how to breathe when dancing, which formed new discoveries and really stimulated us. With regards to the ongoing pandemic, so of course we made a transition to social distancing to help with preventing the spread, but we didn't have a particularly hard time, and it's become a matter of course.

K: What song(s) had an impact on you growing up?

Miyu Yamabe: We continue to be inspired by every song we release.

I've spent time with TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE since I was in elementary school, whether it's love songs, sparkling fun songs, or sad songs. In the process of growing up, there were times when I thought I would do something like this because there was a certain lyric in a TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE song. There are a lot of songs, so I want to continue to grow with all the songs of TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE.

Because of the fans who have been waiting for us, we also want to respond to everyone's voices and push forward, so everyone's voices are our greatest strength.

K: What are some challenges you have faced as an artist? How have you overcome them?

Miyu Yamabe: It would have to be when we became a four-member group.

Originally we had five members. Ayano, our best singer in the group and who supported the music of TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE, thought about what to do when she quit. I was worried whether I would be able to cover for Ayano, who was helping me out, and at that time I myself was hesitant about the group becoming a four-member group. However, I was the closest member, so it was a time I was mentally exhausted. .

Even so, we had to move forward, so we released songs that fit the four of us through trial and error. And of course we found songs, along with each of our singing styles. But the number one thing is the voices of the fans.

Because of the fans who have been waiting for us, we also want to respond to everyone's voices and push forward, so everyone's voices are our greatest strength.

K: What made you choose a path in the music industry? Who had the most inspiration for you and led you to choose this path?

Miyu Yamabe:The four of us originally wanted to be singers, but we gathered because we each wanted to do something different. I was a model actress and accepted the national audition for Avex, but I happened to be approached by the staff of TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE at the time, and before I knew it I had stepped into the world of music.

Since I was a child I didn't know what it was all about, but at that time I was moving only with the feeling of having fun. Through my activities, TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE taught me that music is wonderful, and as a part of TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE, I delivered more music. It's a group that made me feel like I was there. Also, the voices of the fans make me shine as a girl. So TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE and their fans made us who we are today and guided us.

K: Which artist would you say is your biggest inspiration? Also, are there any international artists who inspire you guys as well?

Miyu Yamabe: It would have to be the group TVXQ.

This is the group that all the members wanted to be like for the first time.

When we formed we were all living in a dormitory but at that time our manager showed us a music video by TVXQ. “Cool! I want to be like this!” I thought.

Also, everyday after work, all the members watched the music video called “-MIROTIC-” on loop for hours and dozens of times.

K: Is there a particular genre of music you would like to try that you haven’t already?

Miyu Yamabe: There are about 100 songs in TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE and we have been involved in various genres, but I think that J-pop, which includes various genres, is interesting. I would like to find out more about J-pop, such as exploring J-pop that has a lot of HIPHOP elements.

K: For international fans, how they usually find out about J-pop is through anime. First, do you guys watch anime? If so, which would you say is your favorite?

Miyu Yamabe: It would have to be the popular Kimetsu no Yaiba. I'm not much of an anime watcher but I thought Kimetsu no Yaiba, which was so popular during the period of our isolation, was great. It was very interesting and I was surprised.

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K: Is there a venue you performed at you’ll never forget? Also, is there a dream venue you would like to perform at?

Hitomi Arai: Although we had often gone to Asia, when we first went to San Francisco, USA.

With the cooperation of all the fans, I was able to do a project to make TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE’s sunflowers bloom! I will never forget the 5,000 sunflowers spread all over Union Square which were distributed to the fans of "Himawari to Hoshikuzu English Ver", which was performed for the first time in San Francisco. 🌟

It feels good to perform outdoors, so I want many people, not only in Japan but overseas, to listen to TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE songs! ! If I were in Japan, I'd like to perform at the Hibiya Open Air Concert Hall.

K: What track(s) is your favorite to perform live and why?

Hitomi Arai: TOKYO GIRLS' STYLE has songs of various genres so it changes depending on the time. I like this because of its worldview and the atmosphere of the venue that changes in an instant.

K: What would you say is your most difficult song to perform?

Hitomi Arai: All of TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE songs are difficult but I feel that performing a new song live is difficult. The environment is different from the time of recording so I think that there are times when I get nervous and the nuances and tone of my voice are different; however, I think that's the good thing about live performances that can only be heard on that day, so it's both difficult and fun!

K: Who is the one artist you would love to work with in the future?

Hitomi Arai: Ever since I've been listening to kikivivilily I started liking her.

I like the feeling of DAOKO-san and Nakata Yasutaka-san's style, so I'd like to collaborate and enjoy that atmosphere together!

I'd like to make a music video that connects the story and makes it feel like you're watching the continuation!

K: What song have you created that you wish had a music video? What type of music video would you film?

Hitomi Arai: In this album it would have to be the song “Boku wa Usotsuki”.

It is the first song from a male perspective for TOKYO GIRLS’STYLE.

Until now I think most of the songs have been sung by female singers, so if there were music videos I think the fans would be able to enter the world even more.

It's a song that can be received as an answer song for “Strawberry Float” so I'd like to make a music video that connects the story and makes it feel like you're watching the continuation!

K: Do you have a message for your international fans?

Hitomi Arai: Lives abroad always give me new stimuli.

There are many challenges and I am excited! Recently we've received a lot of comments on social media from overseas and we're filled with the feeling of wanting to do a live performance as soon as possible! We want many people to see the new TOKYO GIRLS’ STYLE as soon as possible so we'd be happy if you could continue to support us until the day we can go! !

K: Once again, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule and we look forward to your upcoming releases!

Hitomi Arai: Thank you so much for this interview. It was a lot of fun!

Interview: Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu

Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu is a six-girl idol group produced by Stardust Promotion. They formed on April 11, 2015 under the name Tokimeki♡Sendenbu and were renamed Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu on April 1, 2020. Their philosophy is “singing again today across the fields and the mountains, to promote something joyful” and their catchphrase is “Locking onto your heart ♡”.

Kanami Tsujino

Hitoka Sakai

Aki Suda

Julia Ann

Haruka Koizumi

Hiyori Yoshikawa

Ken: First of all, thank you so much for letting us do this interview. We are big fans and love what you bring to the Japanese music industry, and also, congratulations on your latest release!

Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu: Thank you for having us!

K: What was your impression of the popularity of “Suki! CHO ver”?

Kanami Tsujino: I'm glad that the song is loved so much across Japan, and we received a lot of comments from overseas! I felt so nice they conveyed their feelings into words!

K: Which new song off of your album Heart-Gyutto are you most excited to perform live?

Julia An: When thinking about answering this question, only unreleased “Kitto Standard” came to mind. I really like the song itself, but I'd like to perform live as soon as possible because the choreography isn't so common compared to other past songs. The other members also said, "It's definitely fun to show this song live! I want to do it soon!"

K:. As Heart-Gyutto is a mini-album full of emotions, is there a specific song you related to the most? How did you relate to it?

Hitoka Sakai: When I listen to "Memories" I often feel nostalgic and the memories of everyone come to my mind and link to my old self. It's a song that reminds me that it's only now and it's over, but it always turns into memories, so I feel loved.

I sing every time while remembering the memories of many loved ones and the warm words the loved ones gave me.

K: The song “Dear Friend” conveys the emotion of “thank you”. When singing this track, what came to mind?

Haruka Koizumi: Of course, I think of the promotion staff (fans) who supports us and I think of my best friends and family who support me in the shadows as well. I can be here now because there are people who support me. I sing every time while remembering the memories of many loved ones and the warm words the loved ones gave me.

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K: What was it like to work with Maguro Taniguchi?

Aki Suda: This time was the second time we got a song provided from a collaboration, and following the endless song of the first song, we received wonderful lyrics and songs as if I had known Taniguchi for a long time! I'm just so grateful. Thank you!

K: Your costume design for this release was by Shinobu Kayano. What was it like wearing her designs?

Hiyori Yoshikawa:I knew that Shinobu Kayano was working on costumes for 48 groups such as AKB48, so I was surprised when I heard that Shinobu could design a costume for us!

I really like the costumes, which are full of cute idol styles such as frills, ribbons, bijou, hearts, etc. in pastel colors that are typical of Tokisen!

K: Is there another designer you would like to work with?

Kanami Tsujino: I would like to work with Haruka Takeuchi, TOMOKOIZUMI, and Mika Ninagawa!

K: As your “Mid-Summer Heart-Gyutto TOUR2022 - Let’s get together with the Sanrio characters” begins, who is your favorite Sanrio character?

Kanami Tsujino: Cinnamoroll, Kogimyun, and Little Twin Stars! I used to have a lot of Cinnamoroll goods when I was little but when we did the collaboration with them, the goods included illustrations of Cinnamoroll with me, and I became more fond of them!

I was also allowed to pair with Kogimyun, and when I met him for the first time I was locked on by the feeling of his eyes and the cuteness of his movements!

For Little Twin Stars, I love the glitter of Glitter and Lara, the fluffy world view and atmosphere!

Julia An: It would have to be Hankyodon! The more I know, the more I like it. The number of our Hankyodon goods is increasing day by day. Also, I really like the character Paupipo!

Hitoka Sakai: I like Pompompurin and Kogimyun. Anyway, I love the place where each movement is cute and full of energy! The way to jump is cute and you will always get energized when you meet!

I met Kogimyun for the first time recently, and I want to protect her, with her round eyes, which are one of her charming points! It tickles my heart.

Haruka Koizumi: Pochakko, Kuromi, and Cinnamoroll! My blanket at home has always been Pochakko! I've been using it since I was a kid! I'm sure I'll be locked on because I can meet the real thing for the first time on the tour.

I love Kuromi gesture because she is really cute. I'm sure Kuromi will be locked on because I can meet the real thing for the first time on the tour!

My love for Cinnamoroll was a love at first sight when he first had an event with Sanrio... I love that fluffy feeling and small hands! The movement is too cute!

Aki Suda: My favorite character is Cinnamoroll! !!

That fluffy, flying in the sky with your ears is too cute!

Also, the tail is round and cute 🤍

Also, I like milk! It's lovely ~ cute ~!

Also, I met the character directly and was impressed by the cuteness of Kogimyun! The eyes and legs are too cute!

Hiyori Yoshikawa: When I first met the character Hankyodon, I was shot through my heart by the loveliness of it! The movement of it is very cute!

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K: How long does the choreograph process of a song take to master and was it difficult to do during the ongoing pandemic?

Julia An: In fact, the time we learn is getting shorter little by little. I think the choreography of the new song has been about four hours lately. Regarding the choreography, it wasn't a big deal because of the ongoing pandemic.

K: What song(s) had an impact on you growing up?

Hitoka Sakai: With "Suki!", many people got to know us, and from there we had more opportunities to appear on TV and talk with people from overseas. I think "Suki!" Has made us grow even more!

K: What are some challenges you have faced as an artist? How have you overcome them?

Haruka Koizumi: Immediately during the pandemic there was a time when I was worried because I couldn't do what I wanted. I was lonely because I couldn't meet the promotion staff (fans) at all.

However, I was able to connect with the promotion staff through SNS and networks, and I was able to overcome it with the support of comments everyday.

Even now, there are some things that I can't do like before the pandemic, but the excitement of meeting them grows and I can reaffirm the importance of meeting them.

K: What made you choose a path in the music industry? Who had the most inspiration on you and led you to choose this path?

Aki Suda: I was watching an anime called "Pretty Rhythm" when I was little, and I wanted to be an idol at that time! I have a dream! !!

“We want to be a super idol group who can surpass Momokuro-san!”

K: Which artist would you say is your biggest inspiration? Also are there any international artists who inspire you guys as well?

Hiyori Yoshikawa: It would have to be Momoiro Clover Z, who are our senior members in our entertainment office. I think they are a representative of Japanese idols because they are well-known not only in Japan but also overseas!

We are super crushing ♡ The promotion staff (fans) does not forget our uniqueness and we want to be a super idol group who can surpass Momokuro-san! !!

K: Is there a particular genre of music you would like to try that you haven’t already?

Hiyori Yoshikawa: There aren’t many songs that contain a lot of English so I’d like to sing an English song!

That way, when we perform live overseas, I think there will be more things to be able to connect to overseas fans!

K: For international fans, how they usually find out about J-pop is through anime. First, do you guys watch anime? And if so, which would you say is your favorite?

Aki Suda: I love anime! !!

I have a lot of favorite anime, but my latest recommendations are Akebi’s Sailor Clothes, Link Click, Violet Evergarden, Fruits Basket, etc. I like so many anime so much, I can’t write them all!

“! When we are standing on the stage with the desire to convey our feelings to everyone through music”

K: Is there a venue you performed at you’ll never forget? Also, is there a dream venue you would like to perform at?

Haruka Koizumi: At the venue called Yokohama Budokan I was shown the scenery with about 3000 members of our fans. The light of the penlight that shines in the venue is really beautiful and it left a strong impression on me.

Our number one dream venue is Nippon Budokan.

K: What track(s) is your favorite to perform live, and why?

Hitoka Sakai: I especially like the song “Jinsei Saikou no Melody”! When we are standing on the stage with the desire to convey our feelings to everyone through music and such. It’s a song that conveys that feeling straight, so I love to perform it live.

K: What would you say is your most difficult song to perform?

Julia An: I think it’s different for each person, but for me it’s the song called "DEADHEAT". I think it's difficult because there are a lot of moves, the standing position is complicated, and the risk for several spots is high.

K: Who is the one artist you would love to work with in the future?

Kanami Tsujino: I would like to collaborate with Maguro Taniguchi and KANA-BOON, who provided our songs "Endless" and "Memories"!

K:. What song have you created that you wish had a music video? What type of music video would you film?

Julia An: It would actually be a remake of the music video for "Seishun Heart Shaker". In the MV released now, I took a shooting camera and took a rough picture of us, so I would like to shoot a music video that allows you to see more of our regular appearance!

K:. Do you have a message for your international fans?

Hitoka Sakai: I am very happy that you the readers know a bit more about us! I've never been able to do this kind of interview, so I'm grateful! We'd like to have a live concert abroad someday, so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone soon!

K: Once again, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule and we look forward to your upcoming releases!

Cho Tokimeki Sendenbu: Thank you very much for having us!

Interview: Vicke Blanka

Vicke Blanka is a versatile songwriter-composer who got his start in 2016. His songs are best characterized by his individuality, melodies, and his beautiful falsetto voice. He started composing music when he was only in elementary school and held the aim to pursue music as a career, attending university in Tokyo. Since his debut, his performances have impressed listeners with out of this world sounds.

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Ken: First of all, thank you so much for letting us do this interview. We are big fans and love what you bring to the Japanese music industry. Congratulations on your latest release!

Vicke Blanka: Thank You😘

K: Over your 5-year career what would you say has been your favorite song to compose/write?

VB: Honestly, it’s very difficult. I really like all of my tracks, however I really like the positive vibe style of songs like most recently “Soten No Vampire”.

K: What was the inspiration for your moniker, Vicke Blanka?

VB: It means Pure Pirates, it’s actually quite funny as when I was young, my language was rough however I was really really serious about music.

K: With your latest original album “Black Catcher” having a variety of genres, what was your favorite song to record and compose?

VB: The recording of “Black Catcher” was one of the best, and everything ended up perfect. During the recording, I remember having that feeling of having a pillar of fire burning up.

“If you can get rid of that, you’ll have a really creative feeling.”

K: Do you have a process or certain mindset when creating your songs? If so, would you like to share that process?

VB: I usually wonder if it’s about eliminating the unconscious rules of music. People and other artist tend to choose familiar melodies and words without knowing it. If you can get rid of that, you’ll have a really creative feeling.

K: How did the pandemic affect the way you approach the beats and composition for your music?

VB: Since we didn’t have people getting together in the studio, I was able to train myself to pretty much complete everything myself. I can now do beats, bass, synths, and even the FX myself. The result is the amazing track “Soten No Vampire”.

K: What song(s) had an impact on you growing up?

VB: Michael Jackson, Ben Folds, MIKA were like my teacher

K: What are some challenges you have faced as an artist? How have you overcome them?

VB: I make music depending on my mood, so a lot of the time genre usually isn’t decided, which caused trouble for the promotional companies. I was told that I didn’t know how to sell the products that I’m usually given lol. But if I kept that stance, I could have the moniker of being an artist that, “can do anything.”

“Find something that is second to none and go to a place that no one can reach.”

K: What made you choose a path in the music industry? Who had the most inspiration for you and led you to choose this path?

VB: The teachings of my parents really had a big impact. “Find something that is second to none and go to a place that no one can reach.” Teaching has that feeling of being ingrained to my personality.

K: Which artist would you say is your biggest inspiration? Also are there any international artists who inspire you guys as well?

VB: It would have to be Michael Jackson, Ben Folds, and MIKA. Currently favorite artists right now are Conor Ross and Alan Walker. Alan and I had a set together at Summer Sonic and we would listened to my new song together as well.

K: You are a gifted guitarist and pianist. Which instrument took longer for you to learn how to play?

VB: Perhaps I have a talent for musical instruments as none of them took so long to learn. I didn’t have to learn perform a fast guitar solo because it was all about understanding the role of the instrument.

K: Is there a particular genre of music you would like to write a song for that you haven’t already?

VB: I want to create a more acoustic atmosphere, and have it only hearing me fingering an electric guitar along with my vocals.

K: For international fans, how they usually find out about J-pop is through anime. First, do you guys watch anime? If so, which would you say is your favorite?

VB: Like everyone, I love anime. When I was watching "Durarara !!" while living in Ikebukuro, I felt like a character in that anime.

K: Is there a venue you performed at you’ll never forget? Also, is there a dream venue you would like to perform at?

VB: I had a birthday live in Shanghai which was very impressive. I would like to collaborate with various artists in various parts of the world. I'm currently waiting for an offer!

K: What track(s) is your favorite to perform live and why?

VB: Honestly I can’t decide. It usually differs depending on the day.

K: What would you say is your most difficult song to perform?

VB: “Black Catcher”'s complex modulation, and melody is one of the tracks that I think is difficult to copy.

K: Who is the one artist you would love to work with in the future?

VB: I want to make a song with Alan Walker. Rather, I love collaborating with musicians from around the world. I'm waiting for an offer. I’ll keep saying this many times lol.

K: What song have you created that you wish had a music video?  What type of music video would you film?

VB: It's a shame that there is no “Black Rover” music video. If there was I would want to shoot it somewhere overseas. I'd be happy if it was an offer to shoot from an overseas team.

K: Do you have a message for your international fans?

VB: I think I'll be able to meet all of my fans in person soon. Please look forward to that day. I’ll be sure to show you the perfect music!

K: Once again, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule and we look forward to your upcoming releases!

VB: Thank you very much!

Interview: WARP's UP

WARPs UP is a four-member multi-national boy idol group from Japan and China formed in 2019.  “WARPs” is an abbreviation of “Wind Assemble Radical People-syndicate” with the concept of “creating a wind of innovation”. Rather than forming groups with fixed lineups, its members work together in different permutations. As one, this group of talented individuals is stronger than the sum of their parts. They aim to create a new world that reflects their values, transcending existing genres and boundaries.

For this interview we had the opportunity to talk to Chinese members LANGYI and MINGJUN.

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LANGYI

MINGJUN

Ken: First of all, thank you so much for letting us conduct this interview. We are big fans and love what you bring to the Japanese music industry.

LANGYI & MINGJUN Thank you so much for having us!

We try to be as open and free as possible, and make/choose the songs based on the thoughts and emotions that are related to our feelings at the second.

Ken: Do you have a process or certain mindset when creating your songs? If so, would you like to share that process?

MJ: We don’t have a certain set process or mindset; in fact, we try to be as open and free as possible and make or choose the songs based on the thoughts and emotions that are related to our feelings in the actual moment.

LY: This time we were able to listen to a very big amount of demos and picked the one that fit WARPs UP most at this stage.

Ken: Your song “Pleasure” was used as the opening for the anime Fruits Basket. Was it a fun experience to turn on the TV and hear your song playing?

LY: I was just very happy and shocked, so I had my friends along with me, cheering for hearing my voice on TV. 

MJ: I have always been a fan of anime since I was very young, so it was new to hear my own voice coming with the anime, and it made me feel very proud.

Ken: How did the pandemic affect the way you approach your beats and composition for your music?

LY&MJ: The pandemic did not affect much on the composition and making music part, but instead it had an extremely big impact on our live shows. Because of the pandemic we were not able to perform on any stages yet. It also has an impact on little things; for example, we mostly recorded all together in the studio back in the days, but now we mostly go one by one. 

Ken: What song(s) had an impact on you growing up?

LY: For me, it’s “One hundred Degrees”. It has been with us all the way since 2018 and I feel like it is a song that grew up along with WARPs UP. 

MJ: For me, it’s “Pleasure”. We did two versions of it: one is the Japanese original version and the other is the acoustic Chinese version. I think it has also shown two very different sides of WARPs UP and the growth of WARPs UP as well.  

Ken: What are some challenges you have faced as an artist? How have you overcome them?      

LY: Me, personally right now, I really miss my family. Going through the fact that I have been apart from my family living abroad is the biggest difficulty for me. 

MJ: For an artist, the biggest challenge was when all our work almost stopped for awhile at the beginning of the pandemic, but later I figured that it was a very good time to think about the future; to be patient and wait for the right timing.

Ken: What made you choose a path in the music industry? Who had the most inspiration on you and led you to choose this path?

LY: When I was in middle school I liked Jay Chou's songs a lot, so I wanted to be a singer-songwriter myself. Later I turned my interest to a boys group, which gave me the idea of being in a boys group myself. Although my parents didn't support me going into this industry, they were bar singers when I was a kid, and I often saw them being themselves shining on the stage, so I wanted to shine on the stage myself too.

MJ: I really liked Michael Jackson when I was a child, which made me fall in love with dancing. Dance is also the opportunity for me to embark on this industry, which gave me the most influence and made me determined to go behind-the-scenes.

Ken: As your group has multicultural backgrounds, how many languages do you speak? Are there any you'd like to learn in the future?

LY: As the group, our members know Chinese Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese.  And when we communicated when we first met, it was mostly in English. But now we can all communicate in Japanese and Chinese. And I think French is a very beautiful language so that would be something I want to learn in the future if I have the chance.

MJ: I know Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and English. And if I have the chance to learn more languages, it would be Vietnamese and Spanish. You know, it’s never too much to know. 

It’s always fun to learn about different cultural backgrounds from other members. 

Ken: What is the most interesting part of being a multicultural group?

LY: We can share the fun from our own backgrounds and compare with each other. It’s always fun to learn about different cultures from other members.

MJ: For me it is the blend of Chinese and Japanese culture and the difference between idols and dancers as a career path. 

Ken: Which artist would you say is your biggest inspiration? Also, are there any international artists that inspire you guys as well?

LY: I actually think the biggest inspiration is from the members of WARPs UP. When we make things together we can always come up with something creative when we talk about WARPs UP ourselves. 

MJ: I say it would have to be Justin Bieber. 

Ken: For international fans, how they usually find out about J-pop is through anime. Do you guys watch anime, and if so, which would you say is your favorite?

LY: The most memorable anime are probably from my childhood, such as Doraemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, etc. 

MJ: I really like anime so this is actually a tough question to answer because I have too many favorites. I guess I will choose Naruto and Sword Art Online. 

Ken: Is there a venue you performed at that you’ll never forget? Also, is there a dream venue you would like to perform at?

LY: For me it is from when I was in “Idol Trainee”, a stage called “Can’t stop”. I hope we can go on a world tour in the future. 

MJ: We haven’t been onstage unfortunately, but I really like the stage of Ai Otsuka which we visited back in the summer. 

Ken: Which tracks are your favorite to perform live and why?

LY: All of them!

MJ: It would have to be “Pleasure”.

Ken: What would you say is your group's most difficult song to perform?

LY: Actually I would say “POWER_Shin”. It is the first song for only two of us, so naturally I get more parts than usual but that also means that I have more responsibilities. 

MJ: “Cloud 9”, because it has a lot of high notes. 

Ken: Who is the one artist you would love to work with in the future?
LY: Various artists such as Jay Chou, Taylor Swift, etc. 

MJ: It would have to be Justin Bieber!

Ken: Which song have you created that you wish had a music video?  What type of music video would you film?

LY&MJ: More music videos that contain outdoor sightseeing, such as a desert, beach, sea of flowers, and snow-capped mountains.

Ken: Do you have a message for your international fans?

LY: Thank you all for liking us and supporting us from the other side of the screen! When the pandemic gets better we'll be sure to go to all kinds of places to meet you face-to-face and give you a show! And I hope you take care of yourselves and don't get sick! Be healthy and happy!

MJ: Thank you to all of our overseas fans who have been supporting us. Although we haven't been able to meet you and perform for you for various reasons, we are always beyond thankful for your existence and are proud of it. We will work harder to become a better WARPs UP and meet you in a better light.

Ken: Once again, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule and we look forward to your upcoming releases!

LY&MJ: Thank you, it was a lot of fun!

Interview: STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION is the sound-making project of songwriter-music producer and former rock band OLDCODEX member R・O・N who produces various sound contents. He named the project to entrust himself with the stereo, the sound source. In addition to his talent as a musician of various instruments, R・O・N also is a sound artisan who produces tracks with futuristic synths and melodies that resonate with your heart.

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Ken: First of all, thank you so much for letting us do this interview. We are big fans and love what you bring to the Japanese music industry. We also would like to congratulate you on the successful release of your latest EP, TRISTAR.

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: Thank you very much. 

Ken: Compared to your previous EP release OMEGA, what was your thought process when coming up with TRISTAR?

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: We planned to put more pop and futuristic vibes into the song for MUV-LUV. The original MUV-LUV has big fans and they have an image for the ED theme. This time the order was to refresh and recreate the image for the new MUV-LUV. It was very challenging for me but also very exciting.

Ken: Which song would you say was your favorite to compose/write?

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: It’s very hard for me to pick just one song. If I had to choose, it may be “Daisy”. It’s the beginning of STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION.

Ken: Do you have a certain process when coming up with your songs? If so, would you like to share it?

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: First, set BPM. After that, sing with piano or guitar to fix the melody. Sometimes I write lyrics at the same time. Lastly, sound design and arrange mixing, and done.  

Ken: Which artist would you say is your biggest inspiration? Also, are there any international artists that inspire you as well?

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: Maybe the band Korn gives me the biggest inspiration.

Ken: What song(s) had an impact on you growing up?

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: Game music such as scores from the Final Fantasy series and also Mixture songs from the 90s.

Ken: How did the pandemic affect the way you approach your beats and composition for your music?

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: There is no impact on my creation before the pandemic and after. I can finish the entire process at my home studio.

Ken: Who is the one artist you would love to work with in the future?

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: I’d like to collab with the singer or the producer overseas.

Ken: For international fans, the way they usually find out about J-pop is through anime. First, do you watch anime? And if so, which would you say is your favorite?

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: Not very much for now, but I used to. I like mainly robot anime like the Gundam series.

Ken: Do you have a message for your international fans?

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: Have fun with Japanese animation and also Japanese anime songs!

Ken: Once again, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule and we look forward to your upcoming releases!

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: Thank you too!