Interview

Video interview with NANO: The pain that fed into gain

Jun 9, 2025

We always feel fortunate when given the chance to speak with a passionate musician like NANO. This time, in late 2024, we had the privilege of a deep, and extensive conversation, not only about NANO’s music and...

Interview with nano.RIPE: Sharing light and hope through fleeting music

NBT

May 31, 2025

Anime, Interview

The duo nano.RIPE is celebrating their 15th anniversary with the release of their nostalgic new album Hikari wo Hakobumono (光を運ぶもの), a work that reflects the light and hope music once brought them. Topping off ...

Interview with STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: Crafting music without borders

NBT

Apr 23, 2025

Anime, Interview

STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION, fronted by musician RON, is best known for crafting iconic anime theme songs and soundtracks for series such as "Food Wars!", "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime", "Beyond the Bound...

Interview with AILIFDOPA: From Disneyland metal to refined madness, a band to entertain!

Rin and NBT

Mar 24, 2025

Interview

AILIFDOPA is a four-piece rock band from Tokyo who have gained popularity on their home turf thanks to their eclectic music and wild live shows. We had the opportunity to be the first English media to chat with...

Interview with Hikari Shiina: Exploring the electric underground where fashion meets music

Erica and NBT

Mar 22, 2025

Interview

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 musi...

Interview with HYDE: Revealing Jekyll to the world

Nori, NBT and Sizergyia

Mar 18, 2025

Interview

HYDE awaits JROCK NEWS in a private conference room near The Novo club in downtown Los Angeles. It's the evening before his HYDE WORLD TOUR finale, yet the legendary vocalist has graciously set aside time to s...

Interview with solo musician Mike: “This is Wagatame”

Erica and afaenia

Feb 22, 2025

Interview

Wagatame, the solo project led by former Blu-BiLLioN vocalist Mike, made a striking first impression at Nekocon 2024 with their debut U.S. performance. Joined by guitarist "mag." (also of Blu-BiLLioN) and drumm...

Interview with ELFENSJóN: Bringing dark fantasy to life with music and art

NBT, Dorian and Kay

Feb 19, 2025

Anime, Doujin, Interview

ELFENSJóN is a creative project driven by the musical compositions of Kurose Keisuke and illustrations by Ishizue Kachiru. Rooted in a dark fantasy theme, ELFENSJóN's collaboration delivers an immersive experie...

Interview with Aoi (the GazettE): Delivering an unforgettable live performance

afaenia and Nori

Feb 15, 2025

Interview

This interview was originally published by “club Zy.” in Japanese. JROCK NEWS is partnering with club Zy. and Vijuttoke with the aim to popularize Japanese visual kei globally. Learn more about our partnership ...

Interview: HEY-SMITH’s Shuhei Igari on the power of live shows, personal freedom in ska-punk

Erica

Feb 10, 2025

Interview, Lineup change

HEY-SMITH, the six-piece ska-punk band from Osaka, has captivated audiences worldwide with their high-energy sound, melodic hooks, and rebellious spirit. Blending the edge of '90s punk with ska's bright, punchy...

Interview: Matenrou Opera’s album “MUTSU NO HANA” explores chaos, hope, and modern metal

Erica

Dec 31, 2024

Interview

Matenrou Opera, the genre-defying rock band known for blending modern edge with operatic grandeur, has captivated audiences since 2007. Blending the aesthetics of visual kei with the symphonic depth of heavy me...

Interview: MAN WITH A MISSION shares how “Demon Slayer” shaped their hit “Kizuna no Kiseki”

Erica and NBT

Nov 8, 2024

Anime, Interview, Tour and event

In celebration of their hit single "Kizuna no Kiseki"—the electrifying opening theme for "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc"—the legendary half-man, half-wolf rock band MAN WITH A MISSION ...

Interview with PassCode: Global journey driven by fans’ passion and support

NBT

Nov 2, 2024

Anime, Interview

PassCode is known for making waves with their unique blend of EDM, rock, and metal. With an early focus on the international market and having been signed to the UK-based record label, JPU Records, they've buil...

Interview: I Don’t Like Mondays. reflects on 10 years of music with EP “FOCUS”

Erica, Nori and Nexus

Oct 28, 2024

Interview, Releases

Debuted in 2014, I Don’t Like Mondays. is a dynamic four-piece band that fuses vibrant dance-pop with alternative rock. The lineup—YU (vocals), CHOJI (guitar), KENJI (bass), and SHUKI (drums)—draws inspiration ...