The modern Japanese scene never stops surprising, and Hanabie are the clearest proof that the new generation knows no borders between genres, images, or cultures. From the narrow streets of Tokyo to the stages of Europe and America, this all-female quartet has managed to turn “cute meets chaos” into an explosive mix of metalcore, rap, J-pop and electronic elements, something that could only be born in Japan. In this interview, the 4 hybrid girls, in the middle of their European tour, steal a little time to reveal their first memories, their musical influences, the creative process and how their personality and hobbies off stage affect their music. With humor, energy and contrast between sweet and extreme, Hanabie lead us into their unique world full of freshness, technical virtuosity and individuality.
(Exclusive first interview for Greece)
Hanabie started as a group of classmates who jammed in Tokyo. What do you remember most strongly from those first days and when did you realize that this small project could develop into an international phenomenon?
Yukina:
''At that time I was completely “stuck” on heavy music and I was dreaming of starting a band. I especially wanted to work with Matsuri and Hettsu, who also had the same love for that sound. When an older student asked me if I already had members in mind, I immediately made everyone raise their hand and said “Yes!”. I had an instinctive feeling that this was the right team — and that instinct brought us to where we are today.''
The combination of kawaii aesthetics and metalcore aggressiveness has become your trademark. Was there a moment when you understood that this contrast is not just a trick, but a way to truly express yourselves?
Hettsu:
''We had many turning points in our path, but the song L.C.G. was decisive for shaping our current style. Once we used to think “if we play heavy music, we must also look heavy”. But each one of us has her own tastes and her own style, and we realized that these differences are what make us unique. From then on we decided to fully embrace what we are and to create a completely our own style, that reflects what we want to do now. We want people to enjoy the contrast between the sound and our image, it is part of the surprise and the fun we want to offer.''
The heavy scene in Japan has for years been male-dominated. Did you ever feel that you were underestimated because you are an all-female band? And how did you turn this challenge into strength instead of disappointment?
Matsuri:
''I never really felt that we were underestimated, but it took time to find our place in the scene. As we continued playing live, the more experienced bands began giving us advice and welcomed us with open arms. Thanks to their support we managed to evolve so much as a band, and for that I am truly grateful.''
Fans and the media often describe your style as “Harajuku-core.” How did this term come about, and do you accept it as your own “identity” or more as a cute nickname?
Hettsu:
''The term “Harajuku-core” actually came from a comment that a foreign fan left under the video of our song Wagamama. Harajuku is a place where every form of fashion and individuality is accepted and we felt that this fit perfectly with our music too. Our songs combine pop, heavy and many different genres, so when we saw that comment, it was as if it described us ideally. We loved it and started calling our sound Harajuku-core, a genre that is uniquely our own.''
Reborn Superstar! felt like a milestone , not only sonically, but also emotionally. What story did you want to tell with this record, and what did the title mean to you personally in that period?
Yukina:
''We released this album at a critical moment, exactly when we were making our debut on a major label and starting our first international tour. It is a milestone full of meaning for us. Each track shines with its own sound, while the lyrics express our excitement about meeting people all over the world and our gratitude to those who support us. It is a lively, celebratory album.
The title Reborn Superstar! (来世は偉人!) came from a lyric I had written for Choujigen Galaxy but in the end we did not use it. We liked the phrase so much that we made it the title of the record. It expresses our hope that this album will become something “legendary” for you even in your next life!''
Your lyrics often combine humor, self-mockery and social commentary from “We Love Sweets” to “Pardon Me, I Have to Go Now.” Why is it important for you to put comedy inside the chaos, and what does that reveal about you as artists?
Yukina:
''I write the lyrics, and although my vocals may sound intense and “hard”, if you read the lyrics you will see that they are often funny or even cute. I think this contrast makes the experience doubly enjoyable. Writing lyrics and playing live is something that I truly enjoy, and I believe our audience feels that energy. For me, it is all part of entertainment.''
Your musical influences seem to range from western metalcore to Japanese pop and hip-hop. Which artists ,Japanese or international , have influenced the way you write music and play the most?
Matsuri:
''Maximum the Hormone were a huge influence for me. I still remember the shock when I heard them for the first time in elementary school. The chaotic structures of their songs, the unforgettable phrases and the playful combination of genres affected me deeply. Much of what we do from the way we mix styles to the fun we put into our music is inspired by them.''
Anime, video games and otaku culture seem to be deeply connected to your visual world. Are there specific stories, characters or aesthetics that have inspired the way you present yourselves on stage?
Hettsu:
''The visual style of HANABIE is strongly influenced by anime, video games and otaku culture mainly because we truly love these things! We have never based ourselves exclusively on one specific series, but we have been inspired by everything: from Evangelion and the Powerpuff Girls to game culture and the maid cafés of Akihabara, even cute mascots. We like to express through our music and stage presence whatever inspires us at that moment. In this period we are aiming for a “cool and cute” HANABIE atmosphere that inspires our peers.''
You have now performed in Europe, the United States and Asia. How does the energy of the international audience compare to that of Japan and did anything surprise you in the way western audiences react at your shows? Since you expanded internationally, what has surprised you the most in the international metal scene compared to the Japanese “loud rock” scene?
Yukina:
''It is always exciting to see how each country reacts to our music in its own way. The energy of the audience is incredible, wherever we play, and that never stops amazing us. Something that surprised me especially when we played in front of a western audience for the first time was the so-called Viking mosh something you do not often see in Japan! At first I was shocked, but now we even see fans in Japan doing Viking mosh at our concerts. Maybe the HANABIE pit is finally becoming a global phenomenon!''
Becoming viral again and again can be both exciting and exhausting. Do you ever feel pressure to “outdo yourselves” creatively with each new release, or do you try to isolate yourselves from the online “noise” when you write music?
Matsuri:
''There is always a small pressure to surpass what we have done until now, to go one step further. But we do not see it as a burden on the contrary, it motivates us and keeps the process exciting. As for online opinions, we know that there will always be a variety of reactions, and that is absolutely normal. We do not ignore them completely, we simply try to remain open, while at the same time staying faithful to what we are.''
You combine the brightness of pop with the intensity of metal like no other band. When you write music, how do you decide where to draw the line between the two or do you “blur” it on purpose every time?
Matsuri:
''We do not set strict boundaries about who will take which part, but as we work on each song, we naturally start thinking about the balance. Some tracks work better when Yukina takes the main role, while others perform better when we share the vocal parts more equally between us. It really depends on the song and its theme we always try to find the way that will bring out its character best.''
Yukina, your switching between very sweet, high clean vocals and wild screams is now a characteristic element of your sound. Was this extreme contrast something that was developed consciously to fit the “Harajuku-core” concept?
Yukina:
''At the beginning I only did screams. But when we were working on our 2019 digital single, L.C.G., I decided to try rapping for the first time and that is how it all started. As I experimented with different vocal styles, I discovered that the contrast between screams and rap was something very fun and unique. It suited us perfectly, and that is why we continue to incorporate it into our music to this day.''
Matsuri, as the leader of the band and main composer, what is the usual process through which you combine metalcore structures with elements of J-Pop, electronic or hip-hop music? Do you usually start from the theme or from the riff?
Matsuri:
''Sometimes we start from the riff, while other times the theme comes to us first. As we work on a song, we always think about its overall balance as well. Depending on what music we listen to in that period or what message we want to convey, we may include elements from genres outside metalcore. Also, we take into account the balance of our previous releases, so as to decide in which direction the next track will move.''
Hettsu, your bass lines are often very technical and distinct. How do you ensure that your sound stands out within the heavy mixing?
Hettsu:
''Usually I play with my fingers, but I try to create a heavy sound that has the same power as if I were playing with a pick. At the same time, fingerstyle gives a softer feeling compared to the pick, something that fits very well with the mixed and dynamic sound of HANABIE. So, I adjust my playing depending on the mood and style of each song.''
Chika, since you joined the band in 2023, how did you adapt to the intense and complex drumming that the sound of HANABIE. requires? What elements have you added to the band’s rhythm section?
Chika:
''When I compose, I always try to balance the parts that Matsuri creates, adding elements that I am good at, such as complex phrases and touches inspired by pop. My goal is to complement the heaviness of the sound with something that gives contrast and color. Over time, I also started listening to more heavy music and I continue to learn and be inspired by many different drummers. I am constantly evolving and I incorporate new ideas into my playing.''
Each of you has your own musical journey and your own influences. Can you share some of your favorite bands or artists, Japanese or international that have influenced you personally, and maybe how these musical preferences shaped the sound of HANABIE.?
Chika:
''ONE OK ROCK have played a huge role in my life since I was in middle school. They were part of my youth and the reason I dreamed of making music on an international level. Our tour with Limp Bizkit was another unforgettable experience we had the chance to see up close the power of their stage and their groove, something that impressed us a lot.
Also, we toured with Crystal Lake, and their wild, “beastly” performances inspired me especially. They even gave us direct advice on how to remain strong and meet the demands of touring. We have learned so much from them.''
When you are not performing or writing music as HANABIE., how do you spend your time? Are there hobbies, passions or activities that inspire you personally or even indirectly affect your music?
Hettsu:
''I like going to all kinds of live shows and trying different hobbies. I listen to all forms of music without restrictions, and that often leads to new discoveries and inspiration. When we are on tour abroad, I really enjoy spending time outside the shows walking, shopping and getting to know the local culture. It makes me very happy to connect with the unique elements of each country. These experiences definitely affect our music in an essential way.''
If you had to describe the sound of HANABIE with three basic elements — the DNA that defines you — what would they be?
Matsuri:
''Stay faithful to what you love.
Do not limit yourself to only one genre.
Enjoy being in a band.''
Originally published as part of the 20th issue of Metal Defiance Fanzine. All interviews are strictly prohibited from being republished or reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from the publisher.