Spotlight: Hitsujibungaku

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Spotlight: Hitsujibungaku

Hitsujibungaku has been making waves with their rock sound and raw, emotional lyrics. The Tokyo-based trio blends indie rock, shoegaze, and pop in a way that feels both fresh and nostalgic. We caught up with the band to talk about how they write songs and what inspires them!

What inspired you to pursue music and form your group?

Moeka: When I was about five years old, I saw an idol group named SPEED on TV; that was when I knew I wanted to become a singer. As for the band, I was invited in it.

Yurika: Ever since early childhood, I have always lived close to music and loved it. But it was not until I saw different artists at Fuji Rock that I actually decided to start a band. I had never played in a band before, but as soon as I discovered Hitsujibungaku, I dove into its world.

How do you approach songwriting? Do you have a specific process?

Moeka: In many cases, I create a rough demo, and we all work on the arrangements together.

Yurika: When I put a bass onto Moeka’s tune, I ask her what kind of song she has in mind to inspire my imagination. Sometimes I just play the bass on my computer. These days, we create songs by sending such data to each other.

How would you describe your style of music?

Moeka: I think we are ordinary J-rock, influenced by all kinds of music thus far.

Yurika: I put much value on how the three of our sound rings. Because our music has fewer sounds, we supplement that with abstract arrangements, choruses, and effect pedals. At live shows, we don’t synchronize or use clicks at all; we perform only with the sounds we make with our hands.

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Moeka: We three gather in a circle; I say, “Let’s cheer up,” and everyone says, “Yeah!”

Yurika: We have a ritual callout. Before we go on stage, the three of us overlay our hands on each other and say, “Let’s cheer up!” “Yeah!”

What is your favorite song that you’ve put out and why?

Moeka: “Drama” because it’s loud, outrageous, and very us.

Yurika: I like “Addiction” because I feel I can express myself and the band just as we are when we’re playing it.

What are the biggest challenges you face as a musician in today’s era of music?

Moeka: There is already so much good music out there that sometimes I can’t understand the meaning of taking the time to make new pieces.

Yurika: The Japanese music scene has a system where your songs are not promoted or heard unless you tie in with anime, movie, or commercial projects. Moreover, tie-in projects have many designated issues, such as song moods; it is hard to use your own style of expression as is. The status quo is that you need to tactfully exude yourself in tie-in projects or create a new framework that changes the system; otherwise, you cannot make music that is satisfactory to you.

What’s the energy like for you when performing live? How do you connect with your audience during shows?

Moeka: Not just during shows but whenever I face this band’s music, my energy is mostly from anger. Otherwise I’m calm.
I do watch our audience. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed by them; sometimes I feel them like a friend, or like my children at other times.

Yurika: Our band is good and bad that our performances vary from day to day. This also means that our performances depend on the audience as well. When I see people enjoy listening to music in any unique form, I feel happy and empowered.

What inspired your latest single “Map of the Future 2025”?

Moeka: We wrote this song for a commercial movie of an urban development project in Japan. The movie itself had been almost complete beforehand, so we made the music fit it.

Yurika: We pondered how we lead our lives as new streets and times roll by, what happiness is that stands the test of time, and what we always feel rich about. We created the song hoping it reminds people not to forget what’s precious to them no matter how the world changes in the future.

What’s the biggest difference between performing in Japan and performing for international audiences? Are there any cultural differences you’ve had to adjust to?

Moeka: We’ve been to different countries, so I can’t generalize it, but in some places, we have to be careful of what we say. And reactions to the same song are totally different. So every time we perform, I think, “Okay, that’s how it is here.”

Yurika: Not that my original mindset has changed, but when I see the scenery different from our performances in Japan, I have new findings as I perform; it’s so exciting. Overseas audiences react differently; I always discover new things.

Spotlight: Hitsujibungaku is at an end and a big thanks for taking the time to chat.

Check out Map of the Future 2025 right now!

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