Discovering the Inner Otaku: An Interview with HANABIE., Japan’s Captivating Metalcore Ensemble

Over the past two years, HANABIE.’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. This Japanese “Harajuku-core” band has achieved international recognition, touring extensively across Europe and America, and captivating audiences at numerous music festivals.

With the summer festival season in full swing, HANABIE. is preparing for another European tour, with stops planned in Spain, Germany, and Poland, followed by a headline tour in the UK and Europe later in the year. We recently spoke with the band to delve into their music, their shared passion for anime and gaming, and their unique position in the global music scene.

Deciphering the HANABIE. Phenomenon

A quick online search for HANABIE. quickly reveals the term “Harajuku-core,” a self-coined label encompassing the band’s distinctive, vibrant Harajuku-inspired fashion and its dynamic metal/metalcore sound. Lead vocalist Yukina describes their music as heavy, yet infused with fun, intriguing, and joyful elements, resulting in a highly diverse and chaotic sonic landscape.

Guitarist and vocalist Matsuri’s journey into heavy music began early, thanks to her father’s introduction to bands like Maximum the Hormone and Green Day. Bassist Hettsu also developed a love for metal at a young age, drawing inspiration from the heavy music present in anime soundtracks. Drummer Chika’s passion ignited while performing with a previous band that shared a stage with a metal act.

Yukina’s introduction to the genre occurred during her time at an all-girls school, after witnessing a classmate’s powerful rendition of Maximum the Hormone. This sparked her exploration of heavier music, particularly Maximum the Hormone, whose song “F” played a pivotal role in developing her distinctive screaming technique. She meticulously honed her screaming abilities by repeatedly listening to and mimicking the song.

Matsuri emphasizes the band’s dedication to cultivating a unique sonic identity, distinct from its influences. She highlights their consistent creative vision over the past decade and their commitment to creating music that resonates authentically with them, regardless of genre conventions.

The Universal Appeal of the Otaku Spirit

The term “otaku,” signifying an ardent enthusiast of specific aspects of pop culture, naturally led to a discussion about HANABIE.’s song “OTAKU Lovely Densetsu” (“The Lovely Legend of the Nerd”). Matsuri believes that everyone possesses an otaku spirit, encompassing various passions beyond anime and gaming. Yukina adds that the song aims to celebrate this enthusiastic spirit.

While acknowledging the universality of the otaku spirit, the band members openly share their affection for anime and gaming. Yukina lists “Sailor Moon,” “Oja Majo Doremi,” and “Pichi Pichi Pichi” among her childhood favorites, particularly drawn to anime featuring powerful female characters. Matsuri, responsible for composing the band’s music, finds inspiration in games, anime, films, and dramas, with the Dragon Quest series and Overwatch 2 being among her favorites.

The single “Tasty Survivor” marked a significant achievement for HANABIE., serving as the soundtrack for the anime “Momentary Lily.” This collaboration allowed Yukina to fully immerse herself in the anime’s narrative, resulting in a deeply resonant soundtrack.

Their aspirations extend beyond this initial foray into anime soundtracks, with a keen interest in creating music for villains, drawing inspiration from the iconic villain themes frequently found in video games.

Embracing the “Spicy Queen” Era

HANABIE.’s latest release, “Spicy Queen,” holds a special significance, marking a decade since their first music festival performance. Yukina describes the song’s creation as a return to their early, collaborative songwriting process, resulting in a highly personal and meaningful track for their tenth anniversary. The song is positioned as a “spicy” counterpart to their earlier hit “We Love Sweets,” reflecting their artistic evolution.

Reflecting on her career, Yukina cites a memorable experience opening for Limp Bizkit as a pivotal moment, highlighting their inspiring stage presence and the joy they brought to their audience. She expresses the band’s ambition to one day command similar levels of audience engagement and to bring joy to their listeners through their music.