Discovered as a teen model and rising to fame through Popteen, Hikari Shiina—better known as “Pikarin”—has forged a bold path as a musician, fashion icon, and subculture trailblazer.
Since her 2012 solo music debut, she’s kept evolving, climbing the charts and breaking boundaries. A devoted cosplayer and champion of Japan’s underground otaku culture, Pikarin is infamous for her theatrical stage presence—biting fans, commanding a “Dogeza Road” of bowing followers, and blurring the line between the demon world and reality.
As a solo artist, she took the stage at HANABIE.’s Daikaiho Fest 2024, while her all-girl rock band, KILLT MELT LAND, stirred the underground scene.
Beyond music, she launched her fashion brand, “Grrr the Lipper”, in 2023, injecting her signature aesthetic into the world of fashion. This interview explores how music and fashion collide—shaping artists, influencing audiences, and redefining self-expression. Step into Pikarin’s ever-evolving world—and don’t miss her video message to JROCK NEWS readers at the end!
Musician, model, and fashion designer Hikari Shiina, also known as “Pikarin”.
—Pikarin
Fashion brand: Grrr the Lipper
What inspired you to launch your fashion brand “Grrr the Lipper”, and what message do you hope to convey through its designs?
Pikarin: In the past, I briefly ran a brand called “MissaMissa”, but it ended up stuck at the sample stage or limited to made-to-order production, which left me with some lingering trauma.
During that time, “jirai kei” (landmine-style) fashion evolved from being seen as unconventional to becoming mainstream and widely accepted. I thought my time in the spotlight was over and that I might be done with apparel altogether.
However, I received a passionate proposal from my favorite company, ACRO TOKYO, which represents some of my favorite brands. This motivated me to reconsider pursuing a career in fashion. I thought, “Why not rebuild the foundation properly and create something even more intense than jirai kei?”. And so, I decided to give it another shot.
Back in those days, my fashion sense was considered unconventional and was revered as a new genre called “Pikarin-style” fashion. It was about 10 years ago, so the term “jirai kei” didn’t even exist yet. But now, that style has become ordinary. For me to surpass that, I needed to steel myself with a resolve to go further—and I’ve made that decision, creating things that are unique and original.
For those who long to go deeper than jirai kei, now that it’s become rather commonplace, I want to create something that resonates with them.
I like sailor uniforms and “Chunibyou” fashion; things like sailor uniforms with kanji motifs. I also really love red plaid. Red plaid and sailor uniforms are my absolute favorites.
And I absolutely detest anything that feels too grown-up. I want to stay youthful forever.
Pikarin models her “Keloid Denim” collection from Grrr the Lipper.
What inspired the name “Grrr the Lipper” for your brand, and how does it reflect your design style and creative vision?
“I want to bite!”. The name embodies that rebellious and defiant spirit, including the act of “biting” (like biting someone’s arm) and the idea of resisting conformity. It reflects the desire for people to stay sharp and edgy without being worn down and swallowed up by the pressures of the human world.
For those who might usually act as “model citizens” or play the role of the “good kid” in society, I want them to feel invincible when wearing these clothes. This mental image gave birth to the idea of “Grrr”, like a beast growling, about to bite.
Also, since I have a pet “demon dog”, I connected that idea to the concept of a “mad dog”, giving it a wild and feral vibe. For “The Lipper”, I originally wanted to abbreviate it to just “Grrr”, but after much thought, I drew inspiration from the chilling and intense phrase “Jack the Ripper”. It has a striking sound, like something being torn apart, and perfectly matches the essence of my clothing style.
I also have a personal obsession with using as many voiced consonants (like “G” and “R”) as possible, which adds to the name’s distinctive edge.
Are there specific songs or genres of music that inspire your collections? Do you ever listen to certain artists or bands while you’re designing?
Listening to Lilium, or the famous G-senjou no Aria, and classical music, makes me feel like I want to be drenched in a rain of blood. It really gets me in the zone.
Are there music icons who have impacted how you think about fashion and image in music?
As far as musicians: Guruguru Eigakan, SEX-ANDROID, and the solo artist Kurono Usagi. I love motifs like shironuri (white face paint), lab coats, school uniforms, moral decay and decadence, surrealism, Lolita, and nostalgia.
In your opinion, how do fashion and music influence each other? What is their relationship?
That’s a difficult question, as it’s hard to put into words. I think “freedom of expression” is essential to both.
“It has a striking sound, like something being torn apart, and perfectly matches the essence of my clothing style.” –Pikarin
Japanese street fashion, widely known overseas as “Harajuku fashion”, is known for inspiring individuality and creative freedom. What does “Harajuku” mean to you personally?
I prefer Akihabara because it makes me feel like my brain is melting. I like the anime and cosplay culture there too.
As the designer of “Grrr the Lipper”, Harajuku is more like my workplace. It actually makes my heart race nervously being there [laughs]. I’m like “Oh, so this is what’s in style now”, or “How can I promote Grrr the Lipper even more”? It’s rough! [Laughs].
But recently, Harajuku has had a worldwide appeal and following. It makes me happy to see people from all different countries exploring the neighborhood, and I’d love for even more people to know about it.
How do you see the Japanese fashion scene evolving, especially for the next generation of artists and fashion icons? What do you see as the future of Japanese fashion?
Lolita, gothic, goth-loli, gyaru, and decora have become nearly extinct compared to the past, so I hope to see them make a comeback and grow more.
Personally, I’d like to see people who incorporate anime and games into their fashion, creating “ita-fashion” that feels like their brains are melting.
I haven’t been as active lately, but for the future of Japan (or the demon world), I’ll take the lead as a pioneer!
What advice would you give to someone trying to find their own unique style within the realm of Japanese street fashion?
Wear Grrr the Lipper.
Before Grrr the Lipper launched, you collaborated with brands like Hyper Core and TRAVAS TOKYO. If Grrr the Lipper could collaborate now with any designer, living or dead, who would you choose and why?
I’d really like to collaborate with REFLEM, another ACRO TOKYO brand–I like their stuff a lot. Also Vivienne Westwood, and DEVILISH, an independent brand based in Taiwan. As a designer, I take a lot of inspiration from DEVILISH, it suits me very well. Their designs never miss, and I’ve liked everything they ever put out! If I could ever collaborate with Vivienne Westwood, that would be a huge deal–they’re such an iconic and well-known brand.
There are also some anime series I’d like to collaborate with: Saya no Uta (沙耶の歌), Sayonara wo Oshiete (さよならを教えて), My Hero Academia, Naruto, PriPara (プリパラ), and Dorohedoro.
Pikarin’s designs feature intricate details, even on the back of the garment.
Cosplay and otaku culture
Not only are you a model, musician, and designer–You’ve also been recognized for your love of anime, manga, games, and cosplay. How did you first get into these scenes?
When I was in elementary school, my father used to play the video game Silent Hill every night. Hearing the bell gets me excited! Maybe that was my first step through the gate, when I was first exposed to the scene.
Also, Shiawase Sou no Okojo-san (しあわせソウのオコジョさん) and Tokyo Mew Mew. Those were foundational for me.
Which anime, manga, or game characters have inspired your style or creative work the most?
There’s too many to list. But in order, number one would be Misa Misa from DEATH NOTE, Ekaterina “Katja” Kurae from The Qwaser of Stigmata (聖痕のクェイサー), and Saya no Uta. Do you know Saya no Uta?
I saw on social media that you recently got a Saya no Uta-themed manicure, though I don’t know the details.
Oh yes! When I posted that, I got more comments in English than I did in Japanese! It seems like Saya no Uta has more of a following overseas than it does in Japan. I also like that set because the realistic flesh design reminds me of Silent Hill.
Say no Uta seems to be of the “ero-guro” genre.
It’s an ero-game; like a grotesquely dark erotic game.
Aside from Saya no Uta, I also like Litchi Hikari Club, Made in Abyss, Sgt. Frog, Ichi the Killer, Yu-Gi-OH!, A Kiss for the Petals (その花びらにくちづけを), and Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro-chan (撲殺天使ドクロちゃん).
I noticed you cosplayed characters from Litchi Hikari Club before. I like that series, and ero-guro art too [laughs]. By the way, how do you feel cosplay connects with fashion as a form of self-expression?
Cosplay is something born from love; it’s something with a clear answer, where you sever yourself completely to fully embody the character–almost like you kill yourself to become that character. I love it to death.
Fashion, on the other hand, has no clear answer, it’s free, and it’s up to the individual.
Pikarin visits the Usamaru Furuya Exhibition “SCHWEIGEN -Silence-” 2025 in Tokyo.Pikarin_shiina on X
Music career and idol activities
Many fans see you as an idol figure in the fashion and music industries. How do you feel about the “idol” label, and do you embrace it?
The word “idol” feels off to me, and I don’t personally think of myself as an idol, but I don’t mind how others perceive me. Interpretation is free. I’m just happy to be included in any category within your perspective.
Your death voice, shouts, and growls are pretty impressive, how did you teach yourself to scream?
I used to do voice impressions of Stitch and Donald Duck, the Disney characters. Since the technique for producing death growls or screams is similar to voicing those characters, I started by impersonating Stitch or Donald, and then strengthened and refined that technique! Many characters in animation have those raspy vocals if you think about it.
“I prefer Akihabara because it makes me feel like my brain is melting.” –Pikarin
You just celebrated your birthday with a show on November 18! Happy belated birthday! How was the performance and can you share any memories with us?
During the live, I got frustrated and some things were challenging, but the demons (fans) were so full of love that I felt motivated to continue the performance! They were calling my name, “Pikarin, Pikarin”, and encouraged me to come back. I’m so grateful!
Please also check out the OP!
With your birthday show just behind you, what reflections or lessons have you taken from the past year, especially as a designer and musician?
Since I performed at HANABIE.’s festival, many new people have come to see us!
Balancing KILLT MELT LAND and the demon world has been an unending daily grind, but I’ve gotten used to this busyness, and I’m determined to make Grrr the Lipper even more intense moving forward!
Looking ahead
Are there any upcoming projects or events you’re particularly excited about that you’d like to share with your fans?
I held an anime song live this year with the solo idol TENOHIRA EL, and I’m planning to do it again next year, so please look forward to it!
Please listen to my new songs, Darira (ダリラ) and Hanamuke-Tamuke (餞ﾀ夢ｹ).
Lastly, what message do you have for your fans and followers who continue to support you through all your creative endeavors?
Thank you for your support of Shiina Hikari, Grrr the Lipper, and KILLT MELT LAND!
In 2025, I’ll also be performing solo as Shiina Hikari and with my band KILLT MELT LAND, so look forward to it!
Make sure to experience the Dogeza Road of the demon world at least once!
JROCK NEWS extends our gratitude to Pikarin and ACRO TOKYO for making this interview possible!
If this conversation piqued your interest in brands like Grrr the Lipper, you won’t want to miss ACRO TOKYO’s U.S. debut at Otakon this year. See the latest collections up close at Otakon’s J-fashion show, and meet a designer behind the celebrated brands REFLEM and TRAVAS TOKYO. Stay tuned for more updates, including the full lineup of featured brands.
Check out our exclusive video comment from Pikarin below!
- Dariraダリラ
- Hanamuke-Tamuke餞ﾀ夢ｹ